7 Designer Tricks to Make Curtains Look Fuller and More Expensive

Transform your home with seven designer-approved curtain styling tips. Learn how to make your curtains look fuller, richer, and more luxurious using custom drapes and premium fabrics from uscurtains.

7 Designer Tricks to Make Curtains Look Fuller and More Expensive
  by linxile

When it comes to elevating your home décor, few things make as big a difference as well-styled curtains. The right drapes can instantly make a room look taller, wider, and more luxurious—even if you didn’t spend a fortune.

But how do interior designers achieve that full, expensive look? The secret lies in a few clever styling tricks that maximize texture, proportion, and placement.

At uscurtains, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners and designers achieve that “custom-made luxury” look without the luxury price tag. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your curtains look fuller and more high-end, here are seven simple yet powerful designer tricks you can use today.Here are 7 proven designer techniques to make your curtains look fuller, richer, and more high-end—without breaking the bank.

1. Choose a Wider Curtain Panel Ratio (At Least 2x the Window Width)

Fullness starts with fabric. A common mistake is buying curtains that are just wide enough to cover the window.

Designer Rule: The combined width of your curtain panels should be 2 to 2.5 times the width of your window.

Example: If your window is 100 inches wide, you’ll need about 200–250 inches of total curtain fabric for that plush, gathered look.

💡 Pro Tip: For pinch pleat or goblet pleat styles, aim for a 2.5x ratio for true luxury folds.

Curtain Pleat Diagram| uscurtains

2. Hang Curtains High and Wide

One of the simplest ways to make curtains look grander is to raise the curtain rod.

  • Install the rod 4–6 inches above the window frame, or go as close to the ceiling as possible.

  • Extend the rod 8–12 inches beyond the window’s edge on both sides.

This creates the illusion of taller ceilings and wider windows, instantly adding visual drama and elegance.

3. Layer for Depth and Texture

Luxury isn’t about one material—it’s about layering. Combine:

  • Sheer curtains for softness and light diffusion.

  • Heavier drapes (like linen, velvet, or blackout panels) for richness and privacy.

This not only makes your window treatment look fuller but also adds dimensional depth, just like designer showrooms.

💡 Hidden Tip: Even if your sheer layer stays open, it frames the window beautifully and makes the entire setup look intentional.

4. Choose the Right Fabric Weight

Not all fabrics fall the same way. Thin polyester may look limp, while thicker materials like linen, velvet, or cotton blends drape naturally with more body.

Opt for:

  • Linen blends for a modern organic look.

💡 Pro Tip: Double-lined or interlined curtains (two layers of lining) automatically look more expensive due to their volume and weight.

5. Use Pleated or Custom Header Styles

Instead of simple rod pockets or eyelets, upgrade to a designer header style:

  • Pinch pleat: Classic and elegant, always looks tailored.

  • French pleat or goblet pleat: Creates volume at the top.

  • Ripple fold: Modern and clean, perfect for minimalist interiors.

These details make even affordable fabrics look professionally tailored.

6. Steam, Don’t Iron

Wrinkles are the enemy of luxury. A professional tip: always steam curtains after installation.

Steaming helps the fabric fall naturally into soft folds and removes creases that make curtains look cheap.

  • Use a handheld garment steamer.

  • Steam from top to bottom, letting gravity help.

💡 Bonus: Lightly misting curtains with fabric freshener keeps them smelling new and crisp.

7. Coordinate Hardware and Accessories

Even the best fabric can lose impact if paired with flimsy hardware.

Upgrade with:

  • Thick curtain rods (metal or wood with solid finials).

  • Matching tiebacks or holdbacks in complementary finishes.

  • Hidden hooks or track systems for a hotel-style finish.

Small details like matte gold or brushed nickel rods can elevate your entire window treatment from “standard” to designer-worthy.

Final Thoughts

Making curtains look expensive isn’t about buying the most luxurious fabric—it’s about proportion, layering, and attention to detail.

By applying these seven designer tricks, you can transform simple drapes into statement pieces that enhance every room. Whether you’re styling a modern apartment or a cozy home, the right curtain treatment creates instant sophistication and comfort.

So next time you hang curtains, think like a designer: bigger, higher, fuller, and layered—and watch your space transform.

Fuller, higher, and better-fitted curtains instantly add elegance and value to your home. Start your design journey today and order  fabric swatches from uscurtains to see the quality for yourself.

  by linxile