Use shorter curtains in homes with pets

For some families, pets are beloved members of the clan that are treated with as much care and respect as the human inhabitants of the household. However, just because dogs and cats may be treated like people, that doesn't mean that they can be relied upon to always control their animal instincts. It takes many pets a long time to learn good manners and realize that some parts of a home's decor, like the window treatments, are not meant to be played with.

If you have a pet that has destructive moments which can result in them acting up and taking it out on your curtains, you know that you have to be extra careful when choosing a window treatment for almost every room of the house. This doesn't mean that you need to choose unstylish or cheap looking shades or drapes because you don't want to waste an investment into a good looking curtain. You must simply abide by certain specific criteria when shopping for window treatments that will ensure both that they are out of your animals reach, and that they don't look like toys.

Avoid drapes at all costs, as having a floor-length piece of fabric hanging from the window is simply asking for trouble from your pooch or kitty. If they are able to paw at your curtain, your animal will definitely have trouble avoiding temptation.

Use a roman shade or a shorter curtain that will hang just to the window sill in as many rooms of the house as possible. As they are for smaller children, more formal spaces are probably off limits to your pets, so you can put your long lavish designs in those rooms.

As well, keep furniture away from the windows, since a cat or dog will have no problem hopping onto the back of a couch to attempt climbing up your window treatment.

If you're smart about the length of your curtain, you'll have window treatments that you and your pets can all enjoy.