As a proud homeowner, you must be eager to redecorate your house. Curtains are an integral part of any decor, whether traditional or modern. You can use different types of curtains to cover your windows from the sun and create privacy in your room.
Here are some tips for choosing the best curtains for your home:
Difference between curtains and drapes
The two words are often used to describe the same thing, but there are some differences in the fabric, style, and use of each. For example, drapes tend to be lined with a heavy-duty cloth and hung from a rod above the window frame. They’re designed to block light and provide insulation from outside temperatures.
Curtains are usually unlined and made of light-weight fabrics that allow for more privacy than light blocking. They can be hung from either a rod or small curtain rings attached directly to the curtain fabric. The length of curtains varies depending on your preference; they can be floor length or shorter than drapes.
The curtain should fit perfectly into your style, both in terms of color and material
Once you’ve selected the color, you’ll need to decide what type of fabric to use. You should always match the fabric with your home’s style. For example, for a fresh and clean look, linen or cotton is an ideal choice. But if you want something warm and soft, velvet will be your best bet.
As far as colors go, there are two broad categories: cool tones (blue-based) and warm tones (yellow-based). Cool colors are prurple, green and blue; Warm colors include orange, red and yellow. The rule of thumb is this: if you have a warm-toned room with little natural light coming in from outside, go for cool colors to brighten it up; on the other hand if your room has less furniture or feels dingy during the day time, then warm colors will give it more life.
The choice of colour can make or break the look
It’s true that colour can make or break the look of a room, so choose wisely. A great place to start is by asking yourself if you want your curtains to blend in with your decor or be the focal point.
If you’re aiming for a cohesive look, find a shade that complements the existing colours in your room and use it throughout: on your furniture as well as window coverings and throw cushions. The effect will be unified and understatedly elegant. If you prefer something more bold and distinctive, best to keep the surrounding decor fairly neutral and let those curtains shine!
Darker colours tend to absorb light (rather than reflect it), which makes them ideal when trying to achieve intimacy in large spaces such as ballrooms and banquet halls. On the other end of the spectrum, light colours appear larger than they really are so they work best in smaller rooms where greater visual space is desired.
Choosing between prints and solids
If you’re looking for something fun and whimsical, prints are a great choice. When choosing between prints and solids, it’s important to consider the decor in your room. Because they often tend to be more subtle than printed curtains, solid-colored curtains can be more versatile.
What type of print do you want? Prints come in all shapes and sizes. Some are animal prints, others are floral or geometric. For example:
- Animal print curtains can add some spice to a neutral decor color scheme (for example: taupe walls, white accents). They look great with leather couches or sofas in warm earth tones like burnt orange or brown.
- Floral patterns work well with cozy rooms that have lots of small touches to them—quilts or pillows, for instance—and if the walls are a lighter shade of what’s found on the curtain itself. A floral pattern on cream-colored curtains looks perfect on an antique bed frame with a white headboard and footboard made of wicker material.
- Geometric patterns can add some energy to modern minimalist rooms that have clean lines everywhere else in the design scheme: stainless steel appliances and cabinets, glass lamp shades, and so forth.
- Solid-colored curtains can be used as complements to other designs featuring prints throughout the room: striped wallpaper paired with blue solids; pale yellow window frames matching the sofa; etc.
Selecting the ideal length
When it comes to hanging curtains, length is everything. The right length can add a graceful, airy elegance to your home, while the wrong length can make it look messy and awkward. So how do you go about selecting the perfect length? First consider the purpose of the curtain. Is it for a bathroom window that opens outwards? A patio door? Or is it just for a little extra privacy in your living room?
And don’t forget!
– Long curtains make a room feel bigger, but only work in tall rooms.
– Thick curtains keep heat in and cold out, but can be hard to clean.
– Light curtains brighten up a room but get dirty easily.
– Patterned curtains add a decorative touch but are often expensive.
Next you have to think about where on the wall you want the curtain rod to be mounted. Do you want them hanging from right above your windows so that they only cover up part of them when they’re closed or do you want them mounted close to the ceiling so they take up most of your wall space when they’re closed? Finally consider how high your ceilings are as this will affect what length is best for your space.
Measuring the width
Measure your windows to determine the length you will need.
Select the width of the curtains to be 1.5 times the width of the window opening. For example, if your window is 36 inches wide, select a curtain that is 54 inches wide. If you want fullness, select the width to be twice the width of the window opening. For example, for a 36 inch window, choose a 72 inch panel.
The type of curtains you choose for your home will depend on what your needs are. You might want privacy, or you might want to let as much light in as possible. You might want a curtain that’s easy to clean, or you might want one that will last for a long time. You might want something that’s insulated to keep the heat in (or out), or you might want something sheer so you can enjoy the view outside. All of these things are possible—you just have to choose the type of curtain that best suits your needs!
