Easy Ways to Keep Curtains Adjoined

Nothing can ruin the look of a nicely decorated room faster than curtains that billow open, exposing your private space to the outside world. Keeping curtains properly closed can be a challenge, especially if you have large windows or sliding glass doors. However, there are easy ways to keep curtains together so they stay neatly adjoined without gaping.

With a bit of handiness and decor finesse, you can easily perfect the art of keeping curtains together.

Reasons Curtains Separate and How to Diagnose

Before implementing solutions, it helps to understand the root causes of why curtains billow open and separate in the first place. Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Window size and curtain width - Oversized windows and curtains that are too narrow lead to gaping.
• Curtain fabric and weight - Flimsy, lightweight or loosely woven fabrics sag and billow more easily.
• Air currents from windows or vents - Drafts blow curtains open.
• Improper installation - Incorrect hanging techniques lead to separation.

To diagnose your gap issues, start by measuring your windows and curtains. Make sure you have the proper width curtains for a snug fit. As a rule of thumb, curtains should be at least twice the width of the window to allow for optimal gathering. Avoid flimsy sheers and lightweight fabrics prone to billowing. Instead, look for medium weight fabrics with a tighter weave.

Check for draft sources like open windows or nearby vents blowing air directly onto the curtains. Eliminate competing air flows by closing windows or redirecting vents when possible. Proper curtain rod installation is also key. Follow manufacturer instructions to securely mount rods so they are level and sturdy enough to hold the curtain weight. Extend rod ends at least 2-3 inches past the window frame too.

Specialized Curtain Hardware and Accessories

Specialized curtain hardware offers some easy, convenient ways to keep curtains together. Here are some of the best handy options for adjoined curtains:

Curtain Weights and Holdbacks

Hang small weights or holdbacks on each bottom corner of the curtain panel. The extra weight helps keep panels together and neatly stacked by preventing the fabric from billowing. For larger curtains, place weights or holdbacks in the middle too. Look for weights and holdbacks designed to blend in with your curtains.

Curtain Magnets

Install magnets along the vertical edges of curtain panels where they meet, or on the bottom hem. The magnetic pull will literally draw the curtains together for a tight seal. Look for high-strength magnets designed for curtains that can penetrate through thick fabric layers. Adhesive magnets offer easy application.

Velcro Strips

Apply Velcro brand strips or generic hook and loop tape vertically along the edges where curtains meet to create a quick seal. The strong closure holds panels together, while the versatility of Velcro makes it easy to separate curtains when needed. Look for sew-on Velcro or types with adhesive backing for easy no-sew application.

Tiebacks and Hold Tabs

Loop tiebacks around both curtain panels to temporarily keep them adjoined together when opened. Choose tiebacks that match your curtain style and decor. Adjoining hold tabs perform a similar function by fastening panels together.

Adjustable Curtain Rods

Expand double adjustable curtain rods to extend the rod length and eliminate gaps between curtain panels. The flexibility makes it easy to fine tune rod spacing for a perfect custom fit.

Innovative Solutions with Household Items

Don't want to buy specialty hardware? You can also improvise with common household items to keep curtains together. Here are some super handy homemade solutions:

Clothespins

Simply clamp curtains together at the edges using plastic or wooden clothespins. The grip holds panels together, while the flexibility allows you to separate curtains easily whenever needed. Clothespins can be used on any curtain type.

Sew Side Seams

Stitch the side seams of curtain panels to connect them together into one wider panel. This creates a permanent join for a seamless look. Do this by pinning and sewing a straight seam down the sides.

Hem or Tack Edges

Sew the bottom edge of curtain panels together, or tack edges together at intervals to keep aligned. Use a straight stitch for a nice clean finish.

Double-Sided Tape

Apply removable double-sided tape vertically to the edges where curtains meet to hold them together. The tape adheres fabrics together securely while still allowing you to separate when needed without damaging curtains.

Fabric Ties or Ribbons

Sew fabric ties, ribbons, or strips of fabric at intervals onto the edges of curtains. Tie them together to keep curtains adjoined when closed. Choose colors to match or contrast your curtains.

Weighted Rod Pockets

Slide fishing weights into the rod pocket or bottom hem of curtains to help weigh them down. This keeps curtains smooth and hanging straight to prevent billowing gaps.

Solutions for Tricky Window Types

Certain window types present unique challenges for keeping curtains together. But with a little ingenuity, solutions abound for even tricky windows:

Large Windows and Sliding Doors

Very wide window expanses require a little extra finesse. Use heavy duty velcro, high-strength magnets, or heavier weights to account for the width. Spread them out at intervals across the curtains. Curtains will stay aligned while still being easy to open.

Add tiebacks attached to both panels to temporarily keep curtains adjoined together when fully opened. Choose tiebacks able to withstand the width and weight.

Small Narrow Windows

Extra narrow windows call for narrow curtain panels so fabric doesn't bunch and gap. Create DIY narrow panels by stitching side seams to reduce width as needed. Clothespins also work great on narrow curtains, holding edges together snugly with just the perfect grip.

Corner Windows

Angled corner windows can cause curtains to gap awkwardly. Solve this by sewing a vertical seam at the corner to connect the perpendicular curtain panels together into one corner piece. Add weights or holdbacks to keep bottom edges aligned around the corner.

Bay Windows

Bay windows with multiple segments can mean multiple curtain gaps. Use your trusty velcro strips at the seams between curtain panels covering each window segment. Tiebacks or holdbacks also help by keeping the edges aligned and joined together across the bay shape.

Oversized Tall or Long Curtains

Extra long curtains that puddle on the floor can easily shift and separate. Hem oversized curtains to the exact window length to keep edges matched at bottom. For wide curtains, neatly hem them to the exact window width too. Weights will help excessively long or wide panels hang straight and not separate.

Decorating with Perfectly Adjoined Curtains

Once your curtains are officially gap-free, focus on decor details that enhance the stylish, cohesive look:

Curtain Rod and Hardware Style

Choose adjustable double rods to make re-adjusting curtains easy. Conceal utilitarian closures like velcro behind pretty tiebacks or holdbacks placed over top. Decorative styles like finials, medallions, and cased openings lend elegance.

Curtain Design and Fabric

Opt for vivid patterns or tiered shapes to draw attention away from functional curtain-joining methods. Solid colored curtains nicely showcase decorative tiebacks and closures. Medium weight fabrics with tighter weaves hold their shape and prevent billowing gaps.