Adding curtains to your windows can completely transform the look and feel of a room. The suitable curtains look elegant and serve functional purposes like insulating, blocking light, and adding privacy. In this article, we’ll explore the world of stunning curtains so you can make the best choice for your home.
Choosing a Style
When selecting curtains, one of the first decisions is what overall style or aesthetic you want them to have. Here are some of the most popular options:
Casual Curtains
For many homes, casual curtains work well for most rooms. These simple yet attractive curtains come in colours and patterns that coordinate with many design schemes. Cotton or linen fabrics are common choices, sometimes with embellishments like embroidery or trim along the edges.
Casual curtains convey a laidback, inviting feel and can be dressed up slightly with fancy curtain rods and other accents. For many, this versatility makes them the perfect choice.
Formal Curtains
On the more elegant side, formal curtains feature fabrics like silk, velvet, brocade, jacquard, or damask. They often have lavish details like decorative stitching, tassels or tie-backs, or ornate finials on the curtain rods.
The opulent look of formal curtains works well in dining rooms, sitting rooms, bedrooms, and other spaces where you want a touch of luxury.
Patterned Curtains
Patterned curtains add eye-catching visual interest to a window. Pattern options are endless, from vibrant florals and geometric prints to subtle tone-on-tone designs.
When selecting patterns, consider the room’s existing decor. For example, bold prints can help a neutral room feel more lively. But they may feel too busy in a space with lots of colors and textures.
Using patterned curtains to tie colour themes together throughout your home is also wise. For example, pick out one colour from your living room rug or artwork and find curtain fabric with that same accent shade.
Length and Shape
Curtain shape and length significantly affect appearance, too. Assess your windows and room dimensions to select the most flattering silhouettes.
Floor Length
As the name implies, floor-length curtains puddle elegantly on the floor, creating a formal, polished look. They can make low ceilings appear higher while softening the contrast between walls and floors.
However, note that fabric will drag and get dirty if puddled curtains are too long. Have them hemmed so just an inch or two of material gathers at floor level. Also, consider lining them so they hang correctly.
Puddle Curtains
Puddle curtains have hems that stop between the sill and floor, creating fabric “puddles.” The bunched folds add beautiful dimension and texture.
Puddling also helps curtains stack more attractively when opened fully. Stop puddle length anywhere from just an inch or two below the rod to around ankle height, depending on your preference.
Sill Length
Cutting hems at the windowsill creates a tailored appearance that highlights the window’s architectural shape. The crisp lines showcase moldings and trim in a room.
Sill length works well with simple rod setups like cafe rods or short drapery rods mounted close to the frame.
Ripplefold Curtains
Ripplefold curtains have hems reaching about halfway down to sill length, forming quaint fluted details. The ripples lend charm to a window, allowing light to filter in at the fabric valleys.
Hand-sewn headers so the ripples stack neatly and uniformly when open. Ripple folds are commonly seen in kitchens, baths, and bedrooms where a delicate style is desired.
Hanging Your Curtains
Pay special attention to the hanging details to elevate your windows to new heights of elegance. Follow these tips for an expert finish:
Select Rods Wisely
Decorative rods and finials let curtains make an even grander statement. Choose pole diameters and ornamentation levels to match your curtains’ formality. Opt for oversized medallion finials and swanky crane mounts for a luxe hotel suite vibe.
Make sure to include supporting brackets, too. Space them every three feet at a minimum and anchor them securely into wall studs, or use heavy-duty hollow wall anchors.
Rods should extend at least three inches past the window frame on either side. This prevents light from seeping and frames the view elegantly.
Know Proper Height
Mount your rod close to the ceiling to draw the eye upward and make rooms feel loftier. Place it flush against the ceiling or three inches down from it.
As a minimum height guideline, align the rod top around six inches above your window frame. Any lower proportions tend to look imbalanced.
Perfect Pleats
Pretty pleated curtain headings add further embellishment. Pin-style pleats maintain cleaner lines compared to knife edges.
Space pleats evenly – a good guideline is to allow a two- to three-inch pleat width depending on total rod length.
Add corner weights or holdbacks on each side for an ultra-pro treatment to keep edges neatly in place. Sheer Curtains by Pavone + CO helps infuse stunning new visual intrigue into your home. And should your tastes change down the road, revisit this advice to switch them out and revive your rooms again.
Read Also: The Importance of a Proper Lamp Shade Hanger
