Curtains may seem like a small part of your house but do play a major role when the whole room or the space comes together. Curtains are the part of the room or space that completes the whole look. Without them, it would always seem to lack something. So, when it comes to choosing curtains, may it be for your home or commercial spaces, there are certain important aspects and tips to keep in mind.
Floma understands your needs to get the right curtains at the best suitable price, so we have brought you the 15 most important tips to remember the next time you decide to revamp your curtains!
1. Understanding the difference between curtains and drapes
Determine the requirements for your home first. Typically, people choose the wrong drapes, blinds, curtains, and shades because they act on incomplete information. This oversight could cause you a lot of hassle because improperly chosen curtains can reduce the quantity of daylight entering the room. When it comes to picking the correct curtains and understanding the distinction between them and drapes, curtains are best suited for living rooms since they provide seclusion, are composed of lightweight materials and are hung from curtain rods. On the other hand, drapes are made of thicker fibers that are designed to block out sunlight, making them ideal for bedrooms.
2. Selecting the right fabric
When choosing window treatments, the fabric is crucial since it affects the space’s interior design. Your selections for window treatments include everything from lightweight cotton to thick velvet, medium-weight brocades to sheer lace. When choosing your cloth, you should keep these two things in mind:
- The tone and style of your room. How much sunshine do you want to let in? For instance, thicker fabrics are appropriate for traditional-styled rooms, whereas sheer fabrics are ideal for modern-styled spaces.
- Each fabric will have a different appearance when pleated and drawn back since each material falls differently from a height. When selecting curtain designs for homes, it’s crucial to keep this in mind.
3. Picking the right color/complementing color
The drapes’ color scheme should complement your home’s furnishings and decor. Choose curtains that properly match the color of your walls for an eye-catching and seductive appearance. Choose a color that contrasts with the walls, furnishings, and decor. Remember to pick curtains with a neutral tone if your room contains brightly colored walls, rugs, or furniture. If your furniture and walls are neutral in color, switch to bold-colored drapes to provide a sense of opulence.
4. Selecting the right pattern
While there has been sufficient growth in having printed or/and patterned curtains, you need to understand that patterned designs don’t really go with all types of interiors. Depending on the space and the theme of your existing interiors, you need to understand if patterned curtains would go well or just plain ones.
Depending on the kind of look you want to create for that specific space, you can choose from various patterns, such as heavy and light patterns. For example, if you plan to design patterned curtains for your living room or lounge area, they can help a certain look and give character to that room.
5. Understand the right length and width
It’s trendy to have curtains that fall precisely to the floor. Choose a curtain size that is a few inches longer than necessary so that the drapes puddle on the floor for a more dramatic appearance. However, if you have children, you would be better off with curtains that are a few inches above the ground. Another traditional option is to have window treatments that end at the sill, but full-length drapes may also be an alternative.
6. Deciding on the accessories
Curtain tie-backs can help your curtains look better and more polished. You can choose from a huge selection of curtain accessories. Pull-backs and roller blinds can be used to make your curtains appear more elegant. Include a valance, which is often positioned at the window’s top. Additionally, use the classic pull-back curtain technique for a stylish and modern appearance.
7. Knowing the most suitable fabrics based on their maintenance
When it comes to picking fabric, pick a fabric that needs little to no upkeep. What is the point of selecting a fabric that is difficult to clean, right?
All curtains and drapes must be washed every three to six months, but some materials require extra special care. The best choice for you if you detest cleaning is to choose low-maintenance fabrics like cotton and synthetic. Wool, silk, and sheer are examples of high care curtain materials that may be fairly challenging to maintain.
8. Choosing between dual tone or single tone
As interior styles and trends have been changing and growing, curtains have grown from a single tone to a mix of dual tones according to the theme of the space. Dual tones can be a subtle mix of pastel shades represented by gradient or can be a mix of two different color fabrics altogether.
When going for dual tones, you need to understand that these types of curtains are very hard to match and even harder to create a pleasing look. So make sure to understand your specific space’s interiors, theme, and color scheme. If you have neutral themes as your principal theme, you can choose a similar color hue and pair it with a brighter color to give the space a certain character.
9. Layered Curtains
Here, you evaluate the usefulness of the selected drapes or curtains. A protective liner can increase the curtain’s opacity, retard fading, and lengthen its lifespan if it is hung on a window that receives direct sunlight. Additionally, two layers, one sheer and one opaque, can provide you the freedom to select the level of light and privacy you desire. The fact is that linings make draperies heavier, so make an informed decision.
10. Type of attachment style
While installing the curtains, you also need to ensure the curtain attachments you require. There are mainly four types that you can go ahead with.
- Rod pocket curtains
- Grommet and eyelet curtains
- Tab top curtains
- Hidden tab curtains
Depending on the type of style and suitability you are looking to have, you can choose from these options. Certain attachment styles will suit you more comfortably, depending on the style you want to achieve.
11. Knowing the right optimacy
The opacity of your curtains will be the primary factor in supplying them. Different rooms and uses call for curtains of varying opacities. For instance, since you’ll probably need to prevent sunlight in the bedroom, you might not choose light or white curtain types.
- Sheer Curtains
- Semi-opaque curtains
- Blackout curtains
You can choose various types of curtains based on the room and setting you to want for that specific room.
12. Training your curtains
If you choose curtains with folds or pleats, you should “teach” them to hang straight when they are open, she says. Pull your curtains back as far as they will go on either side and then firmly tie them in this position several times from top to bottom. After two to three weeks, leave the curtains in this position; when closed or opened, they will hang precisely.
13. Choosing the right curtain rod
You might feel the need to get a cheaper curtain rod as it might not seem to pay for. But the best investment for lovely window treatment is a high-quality curtain rod; it’s worth the extra cost, especially if your curtains will be moveable. You can get away with using a cheap box store rod if your curtains are immovable and just functional as decoration.
14. Lining the curtains is not a choice but a necessity
If you are going ahead with customized curtains for your space, you might even have to rethink the curtain lining as well. Adding a fabric liner to your curtains can protect your investment because the sun can fade and harm them over time. And there are other ways to add a little extra flair to your curtains. Trim can be added to store-bought curtains to give them a customized appearance.
15. Final touches
The finials (decorative end screws) at the end of your curtain rod may appear insignificant, but they may add the ideal finishing touch to your window treatment. If you’d like to modify the style without changing all of the hardware, you may usually buy modified finials. Always remember that the details make a great room; adding finials will round off your design.
We hope these 15 important tips serve as a useful guide to refer to the next time you choose curtains for your home and rooms. If you feel you might have a few more tips up your sleeve, make sure to add them in the comment section below. Better yet, you can always consult with Floma Homes to get the best options at affordable prices!
