There are several components that go behind making any home stylish, and curtains definitely are one of the tops. They are one of those essential pieces of interior decor that can set the atmosphere for the room. From light and breezy to dramatic and bold, from plains to prints, from sheers to blackouts, from readymades to custom drapes, the choices are nearly endless.
With the sheer variety of options available, it can be very confusing to settle on the ideal decision. So below are a few quick tips to keep in mind when shopping for curtains & drapes for your home.
#1: Understand the purpose
The first step in finding the right set of curtains is to fully understand their purpose for a given room. Curtains, roman shades, blinds, and shutters – while all technical dressings for a window – can serve different aesthetic and functional purposes to make your home look beautiful.
Curtains can be merely decorative in a dining room. Or can be dressings to build privacy in a living room. Blackout window treatments offer many benefits, including darkening a bedroom and insulating from external noises to increase the quality of sleep. So before you start shopping for readymade curtains or invest in custom drapes, make sure you understand their purpose and desired function for a space.
#2: Go for the right thickness
The material plays a crucial role in the appearance of the curtains as well as their light-blocking ability. From sheers to lightweight cotton, medium weight cotton to heavy velvet, your choices are endless. The two factors to consider when choosing your texture are the level of light inflow needed & the style of your room. If you want a high light inflow, go for thin fabrics. If you’d prefer to block most light, then consider thicker fabrics with blackout linings. Similarly, some fabrics – like silks and velvets – are more suited for formal rooms while others like linens are more suited for casual spaces.
#3: Décor
Whatever window treatments you choose – whether curtains or custom roman shades – should complement the room’s decor style. So, the fabric and style of your curtains should be as harmonious as possible with the other elements. So choose curtains with patterns and colors that complement the overall decor of your space. For example, traditional motifs like paisleys and damasks are suited in traditional homes, while minimalist plains might be better suited in a modern room.
#4: Balance the patterns
To achieve a pattern balance in your room, consider the range of patterns in other soft decorations in the room. If the room has a lot of patterns, it might be sensible to choose plain curtains. If everything is monochrome plain, then patterns on drapes will help break the monotony. The key thing to remember is that prints add visual interest to each component.
#5: Go for the right length
Consider the length of your curtains carefully. Floor-to-ceiling curtains are always stylish and on-trend. For a more dramatic look, you can choose your curtain size that is a few inches longer so that the drapes puddle on the floor. On the other hand, if you have children, you are in an ideal situation with curtains that are an inch or so off the floor to avoid any trips and falls. Short, cafe curtains are a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
#6: Go for the right width
Consider drapery width that will offer you rich gather and fullness. Ideally, your drapes should be double the size of your track. Curtains that are narrow will look skimpy and cheap, and also not offer your full coverage. So do not skimp on fabric if you’re opting for custom curtains and ensure you’re ordering panels of enough width to give you full and round pleats.
#7: Decide when to go for lined or unlined curtains
Custom curtains with a lining give you more privacy and also protect the fabric and furnishings in a room from sun damage and fading. Adding blackout lining can add to the room darkening effect of the curtains, making them perfect for a bedroom. On the other hand, if you’re looking to maximize light inflow, then skipping lining is recommended. So choose wisely.
#8: Consider the maintenance
The material of your curtains will determine how they should be cleaned and how often you want to clean them. Delicate materials like silks require more attention while others can be easily machine washed.
· Low-maintenance fabrics
If you’re looking for curtains that can be washed twice a year, choose easy-maintenance materials like cotton. These can be machine washed and are an incredible choice for people with dust sensitivity or children and pets at home.
· High-maintenance fabrics
Some fabrics like silks and velvets will rarely ever be home-washable. Furthermore, silks are prone to water stains while velvets can attract dust. Consider the specific pros and cons of your fabric before you proceed to purchase your curtains.
Conclusion
It is imperative to choose the best and right curtains if you want a truly pleasing and functional dressing for your windows. So keep these tips in mind and make sure you’re taking the best step forward while shopping for your window drapes.
