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Short answer
Keep curtains clear of a wall air-conditioner's airflow and set them away from window grilles and cold glass. Where the unit sits above the window, use a ceiling track set forward of the unit, or stop the curtain below it. Leave a gap between curtain and glass so condensation can dry, and choose polyester, which absorbs little moisture. Never let fabric touch or cover the air-conditioner's vents.
Where is the air-conditioner?
| Position | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Above the window | Track and unit compete for the same wall | Ceiling track set forward of the unit, or a track below the unit |
| Beside the window | Open curtains stack over the unit | Stack the curtains on the other side, or shorten the track |
| Directly blowing at the window | Curtain billows and chills against the glass | Angle the louvres down; weighted hems |
| Below a high window | Long curtains cover the unit | Sill-length curtains or a blind |
Watch out
Never let a curtain cover an air-conditioner's intake or outlet. It blocks the airflow and makes the unit work harder.
How much clearance does an air-conditioner need?
Check the unit's installation guide, which usually states the clearance it needs above and to the sides. As a rule, keep the curtain heading and folds well clear of the vents, and plan the track so the curtain never brushes the unit when it opens or closes. A ceiling track set forward from the wall lets the curtain hang in front of a high-mounted unit without touching it.
Tip
Mark the unit's outline on the wall plan before ordering. Your curtain maker can then set the track position and the curtain's stacking side around it.
Curtains and window grilles
- Grilles inside the window: hang the curtain on a track or pole fixed outside the recess, so it clears the grille handles.
- Sliding or swing grilles: leave room for them to open fully behind the curtain.
- Sheer behind a grille: softens the look of a security grille from inside without hiding the daylight.
- Ceiling track: the easiest way to keep curtains clear of grilles, handles and window locks.
Why do curtains go mouldy near the air-conditioner?
Air-conditioning cools the glass, so warm, humid air outside condenses on the window. A curtain pressed against that wet glass stays damp and grows mould. Leave a gap between curtain and glass, air the room each day, and wipe condensation in the morning. See Mouldy Curtains.
Fabric choices
- Polyester absorbs little moisture and dries fast. See Polyester Curtain Fabric.
- Blackout or blackout lining in bedrooms keeps cool air in and afternoon heat out. See Curtains That Reduce Heat.
- Weighted hems stop light sheers billowing in the airflow.
- Avoid cotton and linen where condensation is heavy.
Frequently asked questions
Can curtains hang in front of an air-conditioner?
Only if they hang well clear of it on a ceiling track set forward of the unit and never cover the vents. Otherwise stop the curtain below the unit.
How do I stop curtains blowing from the air-conditioner?
Angle the louvres away from the window and add a weighted hem to light curtains.
Why do my curtains get mouldy in an air-conditioned room?
Cold glass collects condensation, and a curtain touching it stays damp. Leave a gap and wipe the glass in the morning.
How do I hang curtains with window grilles?
Fix the track outside the recess or on the ceiling so the curtain clears the grille and its handles.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.