7 Easy Ways to Make Drapes Look Expensive

If you have a plain pair of drapes, consider adding trim to the sides. Samantha (@curatedmorrorless) added geometric black trim to plain white linen curtains for a sophisticated update. The trim can either be sewn onto the curtains or you can iron hem tape on for a no-sew alternative.

Layering window treatments also makes your home interior look more expensive. The bamboo roller shades add texture behind the linen curtains and also tie in nicely to the rattan chair. A potted plant and coordinating throw pillow make this a cozy spot.

Rather than changing the curtains, consider upgrading your hardware. With the right curtain rods and rings, it can make simple curtains look more expensive. Brushed brass, matte black and polished nickel finishes work well in traditional, transitional and modern homes.

Need a restful night's sleep? Consider getting a wraparound curtain rod that further helps to block out light. The top brushed gold rod featured in the image is a blackout rod that's stylish and functional.

If you want to elevate the look of your curtains, pinch pleat window treatments are a great idea. The pleats add fullness and it's a timeless and elegant style that you'll enjoy for years to come. Pinch pleat curtains work well in bedrooms, dining rooms and living spaces.

Purchase double or triple pinch pleat curtains or make your own. Using curtain pleat tape and drapery pin hooks, you can transform your existing pole top or tab top curtains. It's an inexpensive alternative to buying new curtains. 

Do your curtains feel droopy and lifeless? Here are a few easy ways to make your window treatments look fuller and more expensive.

Pool Noodles
This is an easy trick that can be used with grommet curtains. Cut a pool noodle into several pieces. Then use a knife to make a slit on one side. Now slide the pool noodle onto the rod between each set of grommets. This will make your curtains appear fuller.

Layering
Switch out your single curtain rod for a double rod. Then add a set of sheers closest to the window. For the front rod, hang heavier drapes made of polyester, velvet, silk or chenille.

Light Filtering Options
Curtains with a light filtering liner also feel thicker and heavier, so they hang nicely and feel more expensive. There are three different types.

• Light Filtering: They reduce glare and work well in living rooms.
• Room Darkening: They block out most of the natural light and can work in bedrooms and those that need more privacy.
• Blackout Curtains: They'll have the thickest backing and will appear the fullest of the three options. They provide total darkness and are ideal in bedrooms to ensure a good night's sleep.

If you like the look of perfect folds in your drapes, there's a way to replicate it at home. It's called training your drapes. It'll work best with lined drapes because they're heavier and will hold a fold better.

Step 1
Hang your drapes from the curtain rod. Using a steamer, you'll start at the top and work your way down.

Step 2
Once all of the wrinkles are out, you'll want to gather the fabric and create the folds. Then steam the folds from top to bottom and side to side.

Step 3
Fold the pleats evenly and then use painter's tape to carefully wrap three sections: one near the top of the curtains, one in the middle, and another near the bottom.

Step 4
Let the curtains stay taped up for 2-3 days. Carefully remove the tape and steam out any wrinkles that may have formed around it. It's a chic and affordable way to make your curtains look pricey.

It's a trick that interior designs love and it's easy to replicate. Hanging your curtains as close to the ceiling as possible make your ceilings appear higher, giving a more spacious feel to the room.

The average ceiling height is 8-feet tall. So it's recommended to hang your curtain rod close to the ceiling and use curtains that are 95 inches long. For taller windows, Lowe's carries curtains up to 126 inches long.

It's a mistake that many homeowners make that causes curtains to look cheap  -- hanging them too high off the ground.

As shown in the image, curtains should barely graze the floor. Aim to hang them 1/2 inch off the ground.

Some people like to hang their curtains a bit lower, so 1-2 inches of fabric is hitting the floor. This is called "breaking". If you like for your curtains or drapes to gather in the floor, this is called "puddling". This is usually found in more formal settings.