Updated at: 31-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Got your home’s furnishings, including beds, dressers, and kitchen cabinets? Curtains are an essential part of any home’s interior design. There is nothing more important in a room’s design than a piece of art that sets the tone. Colors can be solid or patterns can be printed; sheer materials can be thick and opaque; there are no limits to what can be done with them. Choosing the correct tracks, materials, and accessories might be difficult due to the wide range of alternatives available. Here are a few pointers to help you choose curtains:

#1: Difference between curtains and drapes

In order to know how to choose curtains, you must first determine the needs of the space you’re decorating. Homeowners may not be aware of the distinction between curtains and drapes, blinds and shades. Using these window treatments in this way can actually reduce the quantity of natural light that enters your room.

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Curtains are fabric panels that are attached to a curtain pole by means of a hook or eyelet. For the most part, they are employed for personal privacy, making them ideal for the living room. Instead, the thicker materials used to make curtains help block out sunlight, making them perfect for use in spaces such as bedrooms.

#2: Pick out the right fabric

Choosing the right material for the curtains and the room can have a big impact on how the space looks. From sheer lace to lightweight cotton, to medium-weight brocades to thick velvet, there are a wide range of alternatives for you to choose from. When choosing a cloth, keep in mind these two factors:

  • The amount of light that you desire to enter your home or office.
  • Your room’s ambiance and design. For example, heavier materials are better suited to more traditional interiors, while sheer fabrics are more suited to more contemporary ones.

Keep in mind that because each cloth falls differently from a height, it will have a varied appearance when retracted and pleated.

#3: The choice of colour can make or break the look

You should try to match the color of your curtains to the rest of your decor. You might choose curtains that harmonize with the rest of the room’s design or ones that stand out from it entirely. Choosing drapes that match the color of your walls can give your room a more polished appearance. Choose a color that contrasts with the furniture and decor to make the curtains the focal point instead.

#4: Choosing between prints and solids

For this question, we’ll need to examine the overall look and feel. It’s common to use printed curtains in rooms where the rest of the soft furnishings are solid colors. In the same way, the inverse is true. It’s important to keep in mind that prints give any element added visual weight. One approach to incorporate printed curtains into a room is to use solid-colored furniture adorned with printed cushions, carpets, and other decor items. Florals go well with both modern classic and traditional design, while whimsical prints and geometric patterns go well with contemporary style spaces.

#5: Selecting the ideal length

As of late, floor-to-ceiling curtains are in style. It is possible to get a more dramatic effect by using longer draperies, which will pool on the floor. However, if you have children, you should use drapes that hang a few of inches over the ground instead. Another typical alternative for tiny windows is to have the curtains end at the sill, but full-length drapes can be just as effective.

#6: Measuring the width

Your window pane or door’s molding determines the optimal curtain length. Measure the frame and multiply by a factor of 2/2.5 to get the optimal width. When the curtains are drawn back, the additional fabric helps achieve the gathered look on the sides.

#7: Trims and accessories

They can be dressed up or toned down. Pull-backs, valances, and decorative curtain tracks are just some of the curtain accessories available. Light drapes can be used to enhance the richness and grandeur of trims and accessories. Your room will look more beautiful with the addition of elegant frilled fabric that is placed on top of the window valance. Velvet and satin, on the other hand, appear stylish and sleek when worn with simple pull-backs and no ornamental accents. It all depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.

#8: Picking between lined and unlined curtains

This is where you consider the practicality of your chosen drapes or curtains. A protective liner can make the curtain more opaque, fade slower, and stay longer if it is hung near a window that receives direct sunlight. Another benefit is that a double layer can allow you to control the amount of light and privacy in your home. Lined curtains are heavier in general, so choose cautiously.

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#9: Select fabrics based on the maintenance required

The fabric and substance of a curtain dictates how often and how frequently it should be cleaned. In spite of the fact that all curtains and drapes should be washed every three to six months, there are some materials that need extra care and others that can be machine washed.

  • Cotton or synthetic fabrics are good choices for curtains that only need to be washed twice a year. If your curtains are unlined, you can machine wash them, or if they are lined, give them a short hand wash. If you have children or pets at home, this is a perfect alternative for you.
  • Dry cleaning is required for any curtain with pleats or swags, regardless of fabric. If you want to keep the colors and shape of your drapes intact, you’ll need to dry clean or hand wash them in cold water.

For those who suffer from dust allergies, you can also vacuum your drapes and curtains on a weekly basis.

It’s always a good idea to think about the curtains while planning the rest of the room’s decor. As a result, your home’s design will be more cohesive and unified. Take a look at How to Buy Curtains the Right Way if you enjoyed our guide on choosing curtains!

How to Choose Curtains for Your Home

Step One: Figure Out How Long They Need to Be

One of the most important considerations when selecting curtains is the length. 63, 84, 95, and 108 inches are the most common curtain lengths, respectively. Depending on the height of your windows and ceilings, and the appearance you’re going for, the length of time you spend painting will vary. The length of a curtain is calculated by measuring from the bottom of the fabric to the rod pocket, which is where the curtain is attached to the curtain rod.

There are also tier curtains, which are short curtains that just cover a portion of the window and are called tier curtains. It is common for these to be either 24 or 36 inches in length.)

You’ll need to know the rod-to-floor height in order to determine the appropriate curtain length. Measure from the present rod to the bottom of the window or all the way to the floor, depending on where you plan to install your curtain rod. Because curtain lengths in the United States are typically specified in inches, take this measurement in that unit.

A 45-inch curtain rod is the industry standard. Determine how many panels you need by measuring the width of your window in inches and then adding an additional 12 inches on each side for rod overhang and to enable for the curtains to hang in gentle folds, rather than hanging taut.

the many types of curtains according to their length:

You may find it more convenient to search for curtains by keywords rather than simply by their length. The following is a glossary of commonly used terminology.

  • A tier curtain is a type of short curtain that covers only a section of a window.
  • Curtains that dangle just below the bottom of the window are known as apron curtains.
  • A floor-to-ceiling curtain is one that covers the entire length of the room. Close to the ceiling works well when coupled with a lower rod.
  • curtains that puddle at the bottom – drapes that hang to the floor and leave a puddle of excess fabric. These should be paired with a higher-placed rod once more.

Step Two: Choose a Curtain Fabric

It’s possible to find curtains in a wide variety of materials. Consider the amount of light that will pass through your windows in addition to the overall design. Fabrics that are heavier and more opaque will keep out more light than those that are lighter and more transparent.

For maximum visibility, choose for sheer or cotton fabrics. It doesn’t matter what color you paint your home; you’ll still get plenty of natural light.

Linen curtains, which have a textured weave, allow some light into the room, but not all of it.

Velvet curtains, which are heavy and opaque, are the best option if you want to block out all or most of the light. Additionally, blackout curtains, which are lined with a reflective material that blocks out all light, are an option as well.

You’ll also have a wide range of color and pattern options to choose from inside each fabric option. Keep it basic if you don’t want your curtains to compete with the rest of the room’s decor, or go all out if you want them to be a major feature.

Step Three: Pick Your Hardware

To complete the process of selecting curtains, you must choose the hardware, including the curtain rod. Choose a curtain rod that is 6 to 12 inches wider than the window to keep things looking balanced. For visual appeal and the ability to shift your curtains to the side when you want them open, this will be an ideal solution. Most ordinary curtain rods, fortunately, may be adjusted to fit your specific needs.

These materials are all great possibilities for a variety of home decors and may be used with a variety of different styles. Curtain holders, if used, should be made of the same material as your rod to maintain uniformity.

The ultimate guide to choosing the right curtains for your home

What if Your Windows Already Have Existing Treatments?

Layering drapes over existing window coverings like shades or blinds is a popular practice. Keep the existing treatments simple if you decide to go this route; neutral colors combine best with the more ornate nature of curtains (and don’t pair prints with prints as a good rule of thumb).

When paired with shades or blinds, floor-length or puddle-length curtains are perfect for creating depth and volume in your windows.

The correct curtains may transform the look and feel of your home. To acquire the look you want, follow the procedures outlined above.