Curtain specialist Merja Spring tells us what to look out for when buying curtains and what faux pas to avoid when installing them.
- by
- Meret Steiger
Merja, you are Category Manager for curtains at Möbel Pfister. What is a curtain used for?
A curtain is not just something you hang on the windows! It can also replace a door or serve as room dividers. It is also possible to use heavy hangings as wall coverings, as was once the tradition in castles.
Should we give more importance to curtains?
Yes. They are part of the interior decoration. In front of a window, the curtain not only provides insulation from daylight and prying eyes, but also serves as thermal insulation. Without forgetting that it has a role of sound insulation, which is particularly important in a new construction. The curtain brings comfort to an interior.
What should be paid attention to when buying curtains?
We quickly made many mistakes. To be sure of doing the right thing, it is better to contact a professional, especially as regards the dimensions. Curtains that are too short don't work at all. Curtains that are too long, on the other hand, give a certain style, sometimes sought after, to a room. A common mistake is not having enough fabric width. A curtain should crease, even when drawn.
What about colors?
Many missteps are possible in this area. Because there is white and white. A white curtain may appear yellowish next to a white wall. The color of the floor should also be taken into account, although parquet allows for flexibility and goes well with almost anything. Linen tones are particularly suitable, do not tend to yellow and are still very pleasant.
What should be paid attention to in terms of materials?
For easy-care curtains, it is better to opt for polyester. Linen is aesthetic, but much more delicate. In this regard, linen curtains are always sold a little longer, since they are likely to move depending on the humidity and the temperature of the ambient air. You should also know that they can lose up to 8% of their surface after a first wash. If you value sustainable products and recyclable materials, you have the option of opting for biodegradable curtains.
What are the rules for hanging a curtain?
Depending on the desired rendering, the curtains must have a drop of one to two centimeter(s) from the ground or, for a brittle drop, be ten centimeters too long. It is absolutely necessary to wash the curtains before hemming them, because linen, like polyester, tends to shrink in the wash. And it would be a shame if the curtains, which have been hemmed to perfection, are suddenly too short.
Do you have any maintenance tips?
If it is not necessarily necessary to dust them, it is nevertheless advisable to wash them regularly in the machine. However, care should be taken not to overload the drum of the washing machine. You can place the hooks for the rail in a small delicates bag, so they won't damage the fabric of the curtains in the washing machine. Then wash without spinning and hang your curtains, preferably still damp.
Why is it important to have curtains?
I believe that everyone needs curtains. Generally speaking, textiles play a vital role in interior design and this is an often overlooked aspect. Nowadays, constructions are very sober and minimalist. A curtain can radically change the atmosphere of a room and make an interior warmer, especially in a new building.
Merja Spring is Category Manager for Curtains at Möbel Pfister. At 34, she knows exactly what to look out for when buying curtains.
