Curtain trim tape lends a custom touch that's distinctly yours! Learn how to apply it in 6 simple steps, with NO sewing required!
I firmly believe a room isn't finished without window treatments, and that often means curtains.
You don't have to hang a store-bought curtain panel as-is. A little trim tape can give it a striking upgrade.
Decorative trim tape is a great way to personalize plain store-bought curtains, or to liven up any fabric curtain or shade in your home. It also looks great on roman shades.
With so many curtain and trim combinations available, the possibilities are practically endless!
For my dining room makeover, I wanted more blue in the color scheme. Blue trim tape that matches the blue chair fabric and the blue cabinets in the next room was the ideal answer!
Here are the beige gingham curtains, hung straight from the box! I liked them as they were, but again, I wanted to add more blue to the room.
SOURCES: Buffalo Check Curtains | Brass Curtain Rods | Brass Curtain Rings | Brass Finials | Wallpaper | Trim color: Oyster Bay
Supplies You'll Need to Add Curtain Trim
- Curtains – As always, hang them as high as you can for the best effect!
- 6-8 yards of trim tape, depending on your curtain length – (I sourced mine from designer Sydney Collins, but you'll find more options at the end.)
- Stitch Witchery fusible web – I chose the super weight to suit my heavier trim tape
- Iron
Steps for Adding Curtain Trim Tape
1. Press the Curtains
Don't apply trim tape to wrinkled curtains!
2. Measure 1-2 inches in from the fabric edge
I was lucky, since the buffalo check pattern ran straight and sat in the same spot on every panel. Without that pattern as a guide, I would have drawn a line about 1.5 inches in from the edge.
Or create a template at the width you want and set it beside the trim as you press it on.
3. Wrap 2-3 inches of Trim Tape over the Top Edge
Once the trim is positioned, fold 2-3 inches of its end over the top of the curtain. Slip a few pieces of fusible web beneath the tape.
Press over it with steam for about 10-15 seconds. I followed the directions printed on the back of the fusible web, which said to hold still for 10 seconds. Mine sometimes needed a little longer.
Let the tape cool and check whether it's bonded. If it hasn't stuck, press it again for 5-7 seconds, let it cool, and check once more.
4. Lay 1-2 Rows of Fusible Web Where the Trim Will Go
With the placement in mind, lay 1-2 rows of fusible web beneath the trim, then set the tape on top.
5. Press the Trim Tape Down
Again I followed the directions on the back, pressing the trim one iron-length at a time. I held the iron in place for 10-12 seconds, then worked my way down the curtain to the end. Repeat step 3 to finish the bottom.
Because my trim was so thick, I flipped the curtain over and pressed the back where the tape sits. A thinner trim may not need this step!
Closing Thoughts
This was a very simple project that gives a custom look without special tools or advanced skills. I love how it makes my curtains feel made just for my home. Once the rest of the room is done, it'll be clear why I chose to upgrade them this way!
This is just a sneak peek at the finished look, since the full dining room makeover is still underway. I'll come back once the room is complete to share the full reveal and tour!
See the complete dining room makeover HERE!
Where to Buy Curtain Tapes and Trims
- Decorator's Best
- Etsy
- Amazon
- Ebay
- Calico Corners
- Online Fabric Store
- MJ Trimming
Kravet Piano Band Limestone Trim | Kravet Ogee Chain Dove Trim | Kravet Neeta Raspberry Trim | Schumacher Dominique Linen Tape Zinc Trim | Schumacher Octavius Tape Aqua Marine Trim | Schumacher Malmaison Tape Dove Trim | Lee Jofa Avignon Tape Dusk Trim | Fretwork Velvet Curtain Trim Tape | Baker Lifestyle Suraj Indigo Trim | Schumacher Labyrinth Tape Bronze Trim | Schumacher Avalon Tape Green Trim | Kravet Orient Point Jade Trim
How to Hang Curtains So Your Room Looks Bigger
I love any chance to explain where to hang curtains so a room looks its best.
As the diagram above shows, the "high and wide" rule makes both your room and your window look bigger when you hang curtains.
A handy guideline is to mount your curtains 4-6″ above the window frame and 3-6″ past each side of the window.
Also check the curtain length before you hang them. If you open and close them often, leave 1/4 to 1/2 inch between the hem and the floor. If they'll stay put and you want a more upscale feel, let up to 6-8 inches pool on the floor.
I've shared more at the end of this: Where to Buy Budget Curtains post (click here).
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