If chosen right, the design, colour and style of your curtains can be the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics. It will lend itself well to the overall appeal of the room it’s in. But the myriad choices in terms of fabric, curtain heads, attachment styles, beauty and performance get confusing if you’re a first-time buyer.
We have compiled a guide which briefly covers all the factors to consider when buying curtains for your home.
The primary purpose of curtains is to safeguard your privacy. You should consider these factors while choosing the type of curtain:
The curtains help to block excess of sunlight and keep a room cool. If light control and privacy is your primary concern, an opaque and heavier curtain fabric should be chosen. Velvet, chintz, satin are some materials with maximum light control.
Curtains can block noise to a certain level. Heavy curtains or drapes made from wool, jacquard, or velvet are good choices. Any material that can soak water can cancel noise too. Attachment styles like box pleats are also suitable for absorbing noise.
The length of the curtains along with the chosen fabric can make a difference in the insulation of the room. Heavy fabric like tapestry and damask provide better insulation. Adding thermal and flannel-backed lining increases the room insulation. Interlining is another method of making curtains specifically suitable for room insulation.
There is a huge array of choices when it comes to curtain fabrics. How they look and whether they are a practical choice should be considered while selecting the fabric. Some of the most popular fabrics and their advantages and drawbacks are mentioned here.
When your primary need for curtains is decorative, choose materials designed specifically for that purpose. There are several fabrics available which are decorative and functional at the same time. Such fabrics serve all your needs simultaneously. Chintz, silk, silk blends, linen, warp satins, brocade and velvet fall under this category.
They are suitable for blocking excess light and ensuring privacy. These fabrics can be layered with opaque window treatments for decorative purposes and to enhance light and noise control. Polyester, lace, nylon, organza and voile are among the most widely availed sheer fabrics. They have a delicate appearance which adds a feminine charm to the room.
Cotton and silk are widely used natural fabrics for making curtains. Natural fabrics are classic choices and they stand out for their durability and quality. They are suitable for a more formal décor and is a popular choice for dining rooms, hallways and offices. Moreover, materials which are variations of silk and cotton tend to drape well and are easier to laundry.
There are many types of curtains to choose from in terms of their design. The style and design for your curtain should be chosen based on where it is being installed.
This is the most popular type of curtain design where a pair of curtains can be pulled along the panel from either side of the window. They can be tied back which creates a symmetrical look for the window. This is a classic design for windows universally.
Similar to panel pairs, single panel consists of one curtain that can be moved along the rod covering the window. It can be tied back on either side of the window creating an asymmetrical look suitable for contemporary and modern architectures.
They are short curtains which are used primarily for decorative purposes or giving a finishing touch to a window treatment. These types of curtains are an optional addition to the décor and can be mixed and matched with different patterns of full-length curtains.
The purpose of window scarf is similar to a valance, but the final look is entirely different. A window scarf is a long, light and thin piece of fabric that is hung on top of the window. This is a dramatic décor item that can be added with any window treatment which would otherwise be plain.
This set includes all the elements necessary for creating a complete window treatment. The kit has one or a pair of curtains, valances, blinds or shades and sometime curtain rods and tiebacks as well. This will save the time needed to choose individual elements for the window treatment.
The pleating of the curtain and how it drapes contributes to how the entire window treatment looks. Hence the style of curtain heading should be chosen accordingly.
This is the traditional and widely used style of curtain heading. The pleats are gathered together and are very narrow. These kinds of pleats are usually hung by hooks or rings.
Box pleats are more tailored and have a masculine uniformity that is formal and sophisticated. The pleat lies flat and creates deep folds that are prominent along the length of the curtain.
The folds that the eyelet hem create are wider than pencil or box pleats, giving it a very smooth style. The relaxed elegance of the eyelet hem adds a casual vibe to the room.
Tab top refers to a curtain type which has a row of fabric loops that are used for hanging it from the curtain pole. It is very suitable for an informal interior set up. Tab top loops can be hidden as well.
The pinch pleat has a very structured look and tailored such that the top hem is pinched into double or triple folds. The overall window treatment looks very elegant when this pleat technique is used.
This is a comparatively uncommon curtain heading style but looks very elegant and formal. The curtain material falls from “goblet” like folds which are stuffed so that they retain their shape when the curtains are open or closed.
The length and the lining of the curtain influence its functionality and how it looks. Curtains that are floor length and made from heavier materials like velvet or jacquard with additional lining are called drapes. They have a more formal look and are more suitable for drawing rooms and dining spaces. The drape length should be decided on how often you can clean them and also any functionality concerns you have. Drapes can provide optimum privacy and significant amounts of insulation. While measuring the curtain consider the height from the curtain rod above the window to a few inches past the window frame. Add a few inches on both sides of the window length to get an approximate dimension for the curtain since a some of the material will be lost in the draping style.
Consider the feasibility of the curtain style and fabric in terms of maintenance when shopping. Certain fabrics like linen, chiffon, nylon, organza are inexpensive and easier to clean. They are slippery which means dust won’t cling on as much and hence, washing won’t have to be done as frequently. Drapes or floor length curtains are difficult to wash because of their size. When choosing the curtain material, check whether it is suitable for machine wash or is a dry-clean only material. Trying to wash a high-quality curtain at home can ruin the fabric.
It is important that the accessories match with your curtain set and colour scheme of your room. While they are available separately and often custom made to match your window treatment, optional accessories are things that can be done without if they clash with the décor.
There is a wide variety of curtain fabrics, styles, and uses. Having so many options can lead to confusion especially when it comes to what’s the best choice for your home. Interior designers can guide you on the right choice of window dressing for your home.
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