#1: Know the Difference Between Curtains and Drapes
#2: Pick Out the Right Fabric
#3: The Colour of Your Curtain Design Can Make or Break the Look
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Got the furniture and wardrobes and kitchen cabinets for your home? There’s one element of home decor that you simply can’t ignore — curtains for windows. They are one of those crucial pieces of decor that can set the tone for the room. From light and breezy to substantial and ornamental, from solid colours to prints, from sheer fabrics to heavy opaque textiles — the possibilities are endless. With the sheer variety of options for tracks, fabrics and accessories out there, making the right choice can be quite confusing. Here are a few quick tips on how to choose curtains that could help you:
#1: Know the Difference Between Curtains and Drapes
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Pick curtains for privacy and drapes to block out sunlight
The first step to figuring out how to choose curtains for windows is to figure out what your room requires. Oftentimes, homeowners choose curtains, drapes, blinds and shades without knowing the difference. Doing so can lead to these window treatments interfering with the amount of sunlight your room should get.
It is, therefore, important to know the difference between these two soft furnishings. Curtains are fabric panels made of light materials and hang from curtain rods. They are mostly used for privacy purposes, making it perfect for living rooms. Draps, on the other hand, are made of thicker materials that are made to block out sunlight, making it ideal for bedrooms.
#2: Pick Out the Right Fabric
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Materials you choose for your window treatment can change the tone of the room’s design
The material plays a vital role when it comes to selecting curtains for windows and impacts the look of the room. From sheer lace to lightweight cotton, medium-weight brocades to heavy velvet, your options in curtain designs for windows are aplenty. The two factors that you should consider while picking your fabric are:
The amount of sunlight you want streaming in
The mood and decor of your room. For example, heavier fabrics suit more traditional rooms while sheer fabrics work best in more minimalist rooms
Each fabric falls differently from an elevation and therefore will look different when pleated and drawn back. This is an important thing to remember when choosing curtain designs for homes.
#3: The Colour of Your Curtain Design Can Make or Break the Look
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Curtain designs for homes should complement the furnishings in the room
The colour of your curtain designs for windows and doors should ideally be in sync with the rest of the furnishings. You could either choose drapes for windows that harmonise with the decor or contrast with it. For a pleasing look, choose drapes in a colour that complement the shade of your walls. Alternatively, if you want the curtain designs to be the focus, pick a hue that contrasts with the furniture and walls.
#4: Choose Wisely between Prints and Solids
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Opt for patterns on curtains for windows and doors when the room is packed with solid colours
To know what to go with — prints or solids — we need to look at the rest of the decor. If all the other soft furnishings in the room are a solid colour, going with printed curtain designs for home can be a favourable choice. The opposite holds true as well. One thing to remember is that prints add visual weight to any element. Therefore, one way to work with printed curtain designs for windows is to pair them with solid-coloured furniture accessorised with printed cushions, area rugs, etc. You could use quirky prints and geometric patterns in a contemporary space, while florals would suit modern classic and traditional decor.
#5: Select the Ideal Length of Curtains for Windows and Doors
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Floor-length curtains give the appearance of a high-ceilinged room
Curtains that fall exactly to the floor are in vogue. For a more dramatic look, you can opt for a curtain size that is longer by a few inches, so that the drapes puddle on the floor. On the other hand, if you have kids, you are better off with curtains a couple of inches above the floor. Ending curtains for windows at the sill is yet another classic option, but full-length drapes could work equally well.
