When it comes to decorating your home, window treatments aren’t generally uppermost on our minds. What kind of sofa do we need? What colour should the walls be? That’s what we’re thinking about. As a result, curtains or drapes are among the last items we think about, let alone buy.
But they have functional benefits, too, like keeping out light and giving us privacy. There are many varieties available, from sheer curtains to blackout ones, ensuring that every room can have a window covering that serves a purpose.
It is necessary to understand how you want to use the space before choosing relevant curtains as they can make or break the look and feel of the room.
To help you narrow down your choices, our experts have put together this post. Here, they outline the different kinds of curtains, their benefits and the reasons why they are ideal options for every room.
What to Consider Before Buying Curtains for Your Home
Keep these factors in mind before purchasing curtains, whether you buy blackouts, sheers or any other type.
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Length and Lining
Before you pick the material, consider the height at which the curtains will be placed. When installed properly, they offer a sense of openness and add height to small rooms.
To understand the best height to hang them at:
- Take measurements from the top of the window while keeping a few additional inches for the hooks to be installed.
- Make sure the curtain puddles a little on the floor in traditional-style homes and line the skirting in contemporary and modern ones.
- Keep 4” to 8” extra on both sides with an additional 2” to create a fuller look. This ensures that when the curtains are drawn apart, they won’t cover any part of the window, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty outside.
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Colour and Fabric
Both the colour and fabric of the curtains you choose are important factors to consider as this is what creates interiors that breathe. Not choosing them with care could create a claustrophobic interior that feels cramped.
With the right fabric, you ensure your curtains sit perfectly on the window frames and stay out of the frame when drawn open. Remember, light fabrics don’t stay together on the window frame and heavy ones might cover the windows when kept open. Also, certain materials allow air to flow freely while others prevent it altogether.
When thinking about curtain fabric and colour, remember to:
- Think of the material before placing your order. Ask your window covering provider for samples to understand how they will look and whether or not they’ll hold their shape properly once installed.
- Consider their exposure to sunlight over an extended period of time. If you’re dressing windows in a room that receives a lot of sunlight, choose pastel colours to make the room bright and airy during the day. Steer clear of bright colours, especially ones on cotton as they fade more quickly.
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Custom or Readymade
Custom-made window coverings offer many advantages over readymade ones.
For instance, they can be perfectly fit to your window based on its dimensions. Also, custom panels are available in a wide range of designs and materials to suit your preference.
Readymade window treatments are made to fit standard dimensions, meaning you might not find something to fit exactly Since they’re made in bulk, there’s no guarantee either that you’ll find one to match your existing decor.
It’s best to purchase custom window treatments as they give you the advantage of having curtains that fit your interiors and suit your design preferences.
Curtain Styles: What to Choose
Are you thinking about buying window treatments but can’t decide? This guide will help.
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a. Blackout Curtains
These are great at keeping out light for privacy, no matter where you install them. And with so many options available, you’re bound to find something that looks great.
Read about some of their advantages to see how they can benefit your home.
- They Filter Light: If you have children who wake up with the sun, you won’t be sleeping in during the summer months. Likewise, if you work nights or like to nap during the day, sunlight streaming in can be a problem. But with blackout curtains, you can enjoy peaceful sleep, no matter the time of day, as their thickness blocks out sunlight completely. They also keep out the glare from streetlights or car headlights.
- They Save Energy: Blackout curtains are great at trapping heat in winter and keeping out heat and light in summer. This in turn reduces the energy needed to heat and cool your home. As a result, you can save up to 25% on your utility bills annually.
- They Reduce Noise: Blackout curtains are great at reducing noise as they’re generally made using heavy, thick and lined fabrics.
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b. Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains are made with lightweight fabrics that soften sunlight. They’re a great way to add instant style to your home while offering a modicum of privacy.
The following are some benefits you enjoy with sheer curtains.
- They Diffuse Sunlight: Sheer curtains are made using materials that are somewhat translucent, making them great at filtering out sunlight and harmful UV-rays. This means, you’ll have natural light, but it will be somewhat diffused and softened.
Additionally, they offer privacy and prevent furniture from fading due to exposure to sunlight.
- They’re Affordable: Since they employ lightweight materials, they’re more cost effective than curtains made with heavy fabrics. This makes them a good option for homes with many windows, especially unconventionally sized ones.
- They’re Versatile: Sheer curtains are available in a wide range of styles, patterns, textures and colours. You can either hang them as a solo window treatment or pair them with heavier drapes or curtains for a layered look.
Curtains play a significant role in your home decor, so it makes sense to put some thought into choosing them. Hopefully this post has answered any questions you may have about curtains, making it easier to purchase ones that suit both your interiors and your budget. All you need to do now is take the right measurements and you’re ready to buy curtains that complete your interiors.
