Curtains are an aspect of a home décor that no one can ignore. They are very crucial to setting the tone of any living space. The great thing is that they are not very difficult to shop for.
From heavy opaque fabrics to sheer materials, from patterned to solid colors, from ornamental and substantial to breezy and light, the list is endless. While it is great to have so many choices, it can sometimes get confusing, especially for inexperienced or DIY home decorators shopping for custom curtains for the first time.
In this post, we will provide helpful tips that will help you choose the right curtains that suit the ambiance and theme of your home.
Top Tips to Choose the Right Curtains
Before choosing curtains for your space, it is crucial to first understand the difference between curtains and drapes vis-à-vis what you need for your space. Curtains are typically made with light fabrics and left unlined. They fulfill the function of serving as privacy guards for your windows.
On the other hand, drapes are of thicker fabric – often will lining at the back – and do a good job of blocking out the sunlight. They are often the preferred choice for bedrooms. In this post, we will focus on how to choose the perfect curtains or drapes for your space.
- Choose the Best Fabric
Your choice of fabric for curtains can set the tone for the design of your room. You will find a wide variety to choose from, including lightweight cotton, sheer lace, heavy velvet, and slightly-weighted brocades.
There are two important things to consider before making a choice. First, how well do you want the sunlight streaming into the room? Secondly, what is the décor design and mood you want to achieve in the room?
If you want a minimalist style and aesthetic for your room, then sheer curtains will be a great choice. However, traditional rooms will look great with more sumptuous fabrics like silks and velvets.
- Choose the Perfect Curtain Length and Width
The current trend is floor-length curtains but there are many tips and factors to consider while determining the length of your curtains. You can achieve a more dramatic design with curtains that puddle on the floor. All you need is to add a few inches to the curtain size. While a bold, dramatic choice for a living or dining room, this may not be ideal if you have toddlers or pets.
If you have kids or pets, consider opting for curtains that are an inch off the floor for their safety. You can also install curtains that end at the sill. When it comes to the width of your curtain, you should consider the mold of your door or window pane.
To get the right width, measure the window or door frame and multiply it by 2 or 2.5. The additional material will help you achieve the gathered feel you get on the sides when you draw back the curtains.
- Choose the Right Color and Pattern
Ideally, the colors and patterns of your window treatments – regardless of whether they are readymade curtains or custom roman shades – should complement your furnishing. You can decide to go for curtains that contrast or harmonize the rest of the furnishing. You may want to consider color shades that complement the color shades of your walls to achieve a nice sync.
If your goal is to get all eyes on your curtain designs, then a contrasting hue with your walls and furniture would be a perfect choice. If you have already used solid colors across your room, you can spice things up with patterned curtains for the doors and windows. Classic patterns like stripes and checks are perfect for a clean modern look, whereas plaisleys and damasks are more suited for a traditional look. Choose polka dots if you want to achieve the playful look or florals for a more feminine layout. Keeping in mind the purpose and mood of the room, choose appropriate patterns for a balanced look. Or go with solid color curtains if your room already has a pattern overload in other elements.
- Use Matching Accessories and Trims
Curtain accessories and trims come in different styles. They range from valances and pull-backs to decorative curtain tracks affixed to the wall over the curtains.
Adding nice accessories and trims to your curtains will add grandeur and embellishment to your space. Whether to choose the decorative frills for the curtain or simple pull-backs to achieve a sleek look will depend on the specific ambiance you want to create.
- Lined Vs. Unlined Curtains
The practical functionality of your curtains will determine whether to line them or not. If your window curtains get direct sunlight, you should consider adding a blackout lining or choose blackout curtains to protect them against the wear and tear from the effect of direct sunlight. There are many reasons to buy blackout curtains for your home, including making your home energy-efficient and contributing to privacy. However, if your windows do not get direct sunlight, you can consider sheer curtains to create a light and airy look
- Consider Maintenance when Choosing Fabrics
The material and fabrics used in making your curtains will determine the frequency of maintenance. Ideally, you should wash your curtains in three to six months. However, some fabrics require additional care to prolong their durability.
High-maintenance fabrics include silk and velvet curtains. These must be dry-cleaned with cold water to maintain their shape and color.
Fabrics such as synthetic or cotton require low maintenance. They can be machine-washed if unlined and hand-washed if lined. They are a great choice for people with kids and pets or those with dust allergies.
Conclusion
Choosing the right curtains for your home does not have to be difficult. All you need is to know what works for your space and choose fabrics and accessories that complement your space. Use the tips highlighted in this post to choose the perfect curtains for your space.