How to choose curtains can be simple, but a mistake or two can change the whole look. One of my favorite aspects of design are textiles. Window treatments enhance the appeal of a room. chosen, curtains have the ability to set the mood of a room, taking it from dull to fabulous! You might be amazed at how you choose curtains that can impact a space.
How to choose curtains: made easy
1.Function
Consider the function you want these window treatments to serve. For example, do you want curtains for privacy, to filter light, or is the goal to sit there and look pretty? Personally, my favorite is the combination of function and beauty. Once you know the purpose, many options are automatically eliminated.
2. Lining or no lining
If you need to filter light or decorate, lined curtains are not essential. Adding lining usually increases the cost of a window treatment. However, drapery lining has advantages such as privacy, light blocking, or added weight. The drapery liner will also protect the curtain from sun damage and fading.
Some stores offer ready-made curtains with an attached liner at no additional cost. Target has a number of great options, as does JCP.
3. Choice of fabric
When choosing your fabric, consider the function of the piece. A formal room is a great place for velvet or silk. Got a casual space? Try linen or another utilitarian fabric such as duck (cotton thick) or burlap. We've had burlap in our great room for a long time. They were GORGEOUS, added texture, and people thought they were linen.
4. Color
Consider the furniture in the room and the purpose of the room. Will the curtains make a statement or blend in with the decor? curtains.If you prefer boldness, look for a fabric with an eye-catching color.
5. Prints and patterns
If there are patterns or prints on the furniture or a large area rug, seriously consider solid curtains. Solid, neutral colors provide great flexibility if you want to change bedding or swap out a chair. Use large prints and patterns when the room is subtle but you want the view to pop! Prints and patterns can live cohesively in a room when the color tones are similar.
When we complete our lower level, my vision is muted walls, creamy white trim, and curtains made from this beautiful fabric from Tonic Living.
Source: Tonic Living
6. Length of curtains
There are a lot of choices now when it comes to the length of draperies. Generally speaking, I think curtains that hang higher than the window and touch the floor are the best. illusion of a bigger window.
If the house is older with uneven floors, consider buying curtains that are 2-3 inches longer than necessary. Leaving the bottom of the curtain puddles on the floor, no one will notice the unevenness!
7. Width of curtains
Like everything there are exceptions but here are some general guidelines. If window treatments are usable they should be at least twice the width of the window and maybe two and a half times the width of the window. is a great example of how much larger a window can look with draperies.
For purely decorative window treatments, the measurement is approximately one and a half times wider. Again, use your best judgment.
I have a fairly large window. The decorative panels are nowhere near 1.5 times as wide, but the width fills the space appropriately without obstructing the view or natural light.
8. Material, material, material
Ok, here's the thing, don't skimp on the hardware. It makes a huge difference in the look of your drapes: I promise. The hardware is not just the curtain rod, but also any hooks or rings that you can use. I know these clippy rings are popular. I've tried them and except in a rare situation; they usually don't deliver when it comes to opening and closing. Real life example: the difference in this piece between before and after a hardware change is A-MAZ-ING!
Source: Visual Vocabulary
Mount the rods above the window. And for the sake of it, if possible, avoid mounting the hardware to the window frame.
Go outside the frame and secure it to the wall. Be sure to find a stud or use a drywall anchor when attaching hardware. The last thing needed is for the draperies to come crashing down on the floor. Also, there will be a gaping hole in the wall, and it never looks good!
9. Styling
Again, think about the look of the room. A teenager is unlikely to want a pinch pleat adorning their window. Consider a grommet header (the top part of the panel). There are curtain hooks specialty ones that can be mounted on curtain rings if the room is a little less casual than a child's room or if, like me, you like the look of cute curtain rings.
10. Where to buy:
The buying options here are plentiful, so I'll break them down by general price points.
Economy range:
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Midrange:
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Upper range:
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There are pros and cons to buying from each price point…one obviously being price and getting what you pay for! personalized according to my vision.
I have made curtains many times but have found that with the options now available to the general public, making store bought drapes has become my window treatment of choice.Are you someone who tend to change your mind about window treatments or, unlike me, are you able to make a decision and live with it for a while đŸ™‚
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