Pulling Back the Curtains – When to Use Curtains in Your Living Spaces & How to Pick the Perfect Curtains for Your Space

Ah, curtains. They’re that versatile element in your home that can either make your space feel like an elegant sanctuary or transform your living room into a sad, dated cave. And no, a sad, outdated pair from the clearance aisle isn’t going to cut it (unless you’re going for that retro look that somehow doesn’t work). But fear not—we’re here to guide you through the delicate art of choosing the right curtains, so your living space doesn’t resemble a dimly lit dungeon.

When to Use Curtains in Your Living Spaces

Let’s get one thing straight—curtains aren't just for blocking the sun. They are the accessory that adds that final touch to any room, like the jewelry to your outfit (and trust us, your space will thank you for it). However, timing is everything.

1. Need to Control Light? Curtains Are Your Best Friend

If you live anywhere with an enthusiastic sun (we see you, California), curtains are essential. Too much natural light can leave you squinting in your own living room, making it impossible to binge-watch your favorite show without having to adjust the blinds every five minutes. Curtains are the unsung heroes of light control. Whether you’re after a blackout effect for optimal movie marathons or just want to tone down the glare, the right curtains will help.

2. Trying to Add Texture or Warmth?

If your space feels a little... meh, curtains can be the magic potion you need. A heavy drape can ground a room and add depth, especially when you're working with bare walls or minimal furniture. Plus, if you're dealing with cold, drafty windows, curtains can provide some extra insulation, helping your heating bill in the winter months (you’re welcome).

3. When You Want Privacy, but Not the Cave Vibe

We get it. You want privacy, but you also don’t want to feel like you're hiding from the world in a fortress of solitude. Curtains let you decide how much of the outside world you want to allow in. Sheer curtains or light linens give you the option of seeing the world outside while keeping your space private enough for those less-than-Instagrammable moments (we've all been there).

4. They’re the Best Way to Frame a View (Literally)

Got a great view? Curtains can be your best framing device, like a canvas ready for the most Pinterest-worthy shots. The right curtains can draw attention to that mountain view or city skyline. Just remember, the view should be the star of the show, not your curtains, so don’t go overboard on the pattern or fabric. Subtlety is key. Unless you’re feeling particularly dramatic, in which case, knock yourself out with bold statements.

How to Pick the Perfect Curtains for Your Space

You’re sold on the idea of curtains. Great. Now comes the harder part: choosing the perfect ones. We’ve got some expert tips to make this process a lot less overwhelming than it feels when you're standing in front of a thousand curtain options.

1. Consider Your Room’s Function

Is your living room the gathering space for family game nights or the quiet, reflective area for your solo Netflix binge sessions? Your curtains should complement the purpose. For high-traffic spaces like living rooms or kitchens, opt for something durable and easy to clean, like a cotton or linen blend. For bedrooms or home offices, you can indulge in something a little more luxurious if you’re in the mood to make it feel like a five-star hotel.

2. Choose the Right Length

If you're thinking of putting your curtains all the way to the floor, do it. We’re not here for the half-hearted curtain lengths that sit above the window. The best rule of thumb? If you want drama, make your curtains kiss the floor. If you’re keeping it casual, opt for the length that touches the floor, but doesn’t pool (unless you're into that messy look, and that's fine too).

3. Fabric, Fabric, Fabric

Fabric choice is essential. Curtains made from thick, heavy materials like velvet or brocade can give off a more formal vibe, while lighter fabrics such as cotton, linen, or even bamboo bring a more casual and airy feel. Pro tip: don’t forget the maintenance. You don’t want to be spending all your time and energy on dry cleaning when you're just trying to enjoy your space. Go for a fabric that suits both your aesthetic AND your lifestyle.

4. Pattern, Color, and Style: Don't Go Overboard

We love a bold pattern, but there’s a limit. The rule here? Make your curtains either the focal point or the supporting act, not both. If you’re going for a striking sofa or patterned walls, stick with solid-colored curtains in neutral tones. On the other hand, if your space is pretty neutral, go ahead and throw in a fun pattern for a pop of personality.

And yes, we’re aware that everyone says "neutral tones" are always the best choice. That’s because they are. But we aren’t saying to play it too safe. If you’re brave enough to choose an accent color, be sure it complements the rest of the room. That “unicorn purple” might seem like a good idea in the store, but we promise, it’ll look like an Instagram filter gone wrong in your living room.

5. Hardware: It’s Not Just About the Curtain Rod

The curtain rod might seem like an afterthought, but it’s a make-or-break accessory. Choose a rod that complements your curtain’s style and room’s vibe. For a luxurious look, go for an ornate, gold-plated rod. If you’re going for a modern or minimalist approach, a sleek, black or brushed metal rod can work wonders. The hardware’s job? To help those curtains hang right (no sagging allowed).

There you have it. Curtains: not just for blocking light or keeping your nosy neighbors from peeking. They're essential to defining the look and feel of your living spaces. So, whether you're in need of privacy, texture, or that perfect amount of natural light, curtains are your silent design partners. And remember—choose wisely. Because when it comes to curtains, there's no such thing as a second first impression.

If you need help navigating the sea of curtain choices or any other design dilemmas, you know where to find us. After all, we’re the experts in making your space shine… without blinding you with bad window treatments.

Need more design advice? Don't pull the curtains just yet—reach out to our team of interior experts and let's create a space that speaks to you.

Two Heads are Better than One: Why you Should Hire a Professional Designer and Stager when Selling your Home

Selling your home? Congrats! You’re about to embark on one of the most exciting—and occasionally nerve-wracking—journeys of your life. But here's the thing: In today’s real estate market, first impressions are everything. Whether you’re selling a cozy bungalow or a swanky penthouse, potential buyers are going to form their opinions faster than you can say, "Open house!"

So, how do you make sure they walk through your front door and instantly picture themselves living there? Well, spoiler alert: It’s not by leaving your mismatched furniture and the mystery stain on the carpet. Enter the dynamic duo—a professional designer and a stager.

Sure, you might think, "I can just do this myself, right?" You could... but why would you when hiring an expert is basically the equivalent of putting your home in the hands of HGTV professionals? Let’s break down why two heads are definitely better than one when it comes to selling your home.

1. Designers See Potential, Stagers See Possibilities

You know your home better than anyone else. But here’s the kicker: Designers have this magical power to see your space with fresh eyes. They can walk into a room and immediately spot what could be transformed—without getting distracted by your beloved collection of cat-themed coffee mugs.

• Making spaces work harder: A designer knows how to make a room feel more open or more functional, even if it's the size of a shoebox. They’ll find clever ways to rework layouts that make rooms feel spacious and airy, even if the square footage doesn’t exactly scream "palatial."

• Bringing the "wow" factor: Designers also have this sixth sense for color, furniture placement, and material choices. Your hot-pink feature wall? They’ll turn that into something neutral and calming (thank us later).

Once the necessary design changes have been made, it’s time for the staging. Staging will turn your home from “okay, I guess” to “wow, I could totally live here.” Their secret weapon? Making the home feel welcoming and warm.

2. Staging Makes Your Home Feel Like a Dream—Not a Project

Ever seen a room full of empty walls and furniture shoved in the corner? Yikes. It can leave buyers feeling like they're walking through a museum—except with none of the charm. This is where the staging really shines.

• It's all about the vibe: Staging creates an inviting atmosphere that makes buyers feel like the space could be theirs. It’s all about creating that warm, lived-in vibe (without the piles of laundry and the half-drunk cups of coffee you’d normally find in your living room).

• You’ll never look at your space the same way again: Staging doesn’t just make the space look pretty—it makes it functional, too. it’ll show buyers how to use awkward spaces (like that tiny nook between the fridge and the wall) and turn them into something that feels totally intentional.

And let’s not forget, staged homes photograph like a dream. Seriously—those glossy magazine-style shots? That’s the magic of staging. You’ll get more eyes on your listing, more showings, and, you guessed it, more offers.

3. When Designers and Stagers Team Up, It’s Like a Power Couple of Home Selling

Here’s the thing: you don’t want to hire a designer or a stager separately, and with Huggelig you don’t have to. You want the dream team. It’s like Batman and Robin, but for your home. When the two work together, magic happens.

• Design brings the vision: It looks at the big picture—colors, furniture, flow—and creates a space that’s stylish and functional.

• Staging brings the charm: It takes that vision and makes it feel lived-in—by adding those last little touches (hello, fresh flowers and carefully placed books) that turn a house into a home.

And with Huggelig Homes, you get both roles all under one roof. Huggelig focuses on the design, and the staging, making sure every single buyer can picture themselves eating dinner in that lovely dining room (while mentally measuring for their own oversized sofa).

4. More Money, Less Time on the Market—It’s a Win-Win

Here’s where the rubber meets the road: Hiring a stager will likely get you a faster sale—and for more money. The numbers don’t lie:

• According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes can sell up to 73% faster than those that aren’t. That’s more time spent sipping coffee and less time worrying about why your listing isn’t getting the attention it deserves.

• Homes that are professionally staged and designed can also sell for up to 20% more than unstaged homes. That’s a pretty sweet return on investment, don’t you think?

Do you want your home to sit on the market for months, or do you want buyers to be fighting over it the moment it hits the listings? If you're hoping for the latter, a design and home staging team will be your best friends.

5. Less Stress, More Results

Selling a home can be stressful—trust us, we know. Between packing, finding your next place, dealing with paperwork, and keeping the house show-ready, you don’t need one more thing on your plate.

This is where a professional team comes in clutch. They’ll handle all the design decisions, styling, and set-up so you don’t have to. You’ll get to skip the stress of choosing paint colors that definitely aren’t too bold and instead, let the experts do what they do best.

You’ll be able to breathe easy, knowing that your home is in good hands—and the best part? You get to enjoy a smooth and stress-free sale process. Who doesn't want that?

Selling your home is a big deal, and when the pressure’s on, you want to make sure your home is presented in the best possible way. By using Huggelig Homes’ design and staging services, you’ll create a home that looks amazing, feels inviting, and (most importantly) appeals to the right buyers.

So, take a deep breath, relax, and let us work our magic!