The clips are a different method than I described. They are much more casual a look, but they can work.

Looks like it unanimous to use the clips.

Actually, it seems unanimous to use rings with hooks vs. rings with clips : )

I'm not sure how the incorrect idea that clips are easier than hooks came about. Hooks are just as easy and look so much better.

You need new panels that are 1/2" off the floor. Rings or clips will not make up the difference. Right now you have a rod pocket (least expensive route) and that is ok but your window is not standard height unfortunately. Get longer drapes and raise the rod to the correct height to achieve the right look! Good luck!

Possibly another way you could do this is to remove the hem stitch, iron out the fold, and sew on a false hem.

I can only use clips or a rod with the current curtains, but I can exchange and get a 96" and hem if needed. OR I can exchange for a linen curtain and use clips or rings and still hem. The rod hardware has clips and rings that can be purchased to match for either option.

I just realized that I wrote "rings and hooks" under that first picture I showed you when I meant to say "rings and clips." I just changed it and I'm sorry if I added to your confusion. If you want to use the hooks that Flo showed you with your rod pocket curtains, you'll have to jab them up into the fabric. Just make sure they are spaced evenly and are all at the same height.

If you want pleats like Flo showed you, there are several ways to go about it and you can find lots of instructions online. One way would be to use the pleater tape I posted above. If you go this route, you'll need a different kind of hook like this:

Let me know if you need more help.

If I take out the hem or buy longer and have hemmed, should I still use rings or just leave on the rod?

Get 90 inch curtains

It's such a much nicer, more professional look to use the rings with drapery hooks. And the cost of hooks shouldn't be more than $10 or so for enough to do both panels.

cheap drapery hooks

I think it is spelled shirred.

What you have is called sheered

I think Flo means "shirred", ie rod pocket.

Here are some good instructions:

From Ballard Designs

From Overstock

"You slide it up into the pleat and the stitching on the pleat holds the hook and pin. It is much simpler."

That would be true if the drapes were pleated, but the curtains we're looking at are flat panels with casing at the top. So what do you slide the hook into?

Melissa, whether or not to use rings or leave it on the rod is up to you. They both have a different look. You might want to try it both ways and see which you like best. Personally, I would hang lightweight fabric the way yours are now with the rod inside the casing and use the rings and hooks/pins on mid-weight fabric, but that is just my opinion.

I would do a black curtain with a white embroidered trim or a lighter shade of your gray paint with a black....just my opinion

Also Ballard Designs.

Extra wide x 96” long velvet lined and weighted....on sale $99 per panel

several colors to choose from...other longer lengths are available. Good Luck!

The above drapes can be hung with rings from hook belt on back or back tabs.....

Depending on the fabric and rod you choose Back Tabs can look very nice and add a formal look...lined velvet panels pleat perfectly with back tabs.

Velvet over linen back tab? These are the linen ones I was considering.

I think velvet sheen would work beautifully with your damask bedding. More luxury for master and something different from your living drapes.

Due to your lower set window and stepped ceiling detail, I would mount rod midway from top of casement to ceiling----what does that measure?

Velvet!:)

imhofan - not sure about the measurements, will have to check...as for the bedding, that might get replaced but it will still be a cream color, thought about a duvet, but whatever I get it I still want it to match the shams/curtain.

And have to pick out lamps and something for over the bed...nightstands will be replaced too.

Regardless if changing bedding, I agree w/HIWE and would go velvet for a master.

Melissa, I like your curtains....Others have said buy longer ones and hem them....that would be fine but have you thought of sewing a strip on the bottom of your curtains you have now? Either the same color of fabric, a satin fabric the same color, or a contrasting color of fabric....to me that would be easier that raising your rod, taking the curtains back and getting long ones. You will have a nice room when done.

https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Exclusive-Fabrics-Signature-Pinch-Pleated-Blackout-Solid-Velvet-Curtain-Panel/12269991/product.html

Melissa, just a note about the velvet curtains, I have the French pleat and found that they are way too heavy for the clips so now I’m having to redo that window. If you decide on the pleat I highly suggest you take Flo’s advice and use the rings without clips.