Do you have a love-hate relationship with curtains? Many homeowners do.
Curtains are an important accessory in creating a space you will love. They come in all sorts of fabrics, colours, patterns and price points and are also referred to as drapes, panels and window treatments. Deciding what type of curtain to purchase can be confusing and leave you with questions.
In this article, I will share what you need to know about curtains, which should help your decision about them easier.
The first step is to figure out what type of curtain you are looking for and what its purpose will be.
Popular types of curtains
Grommet
These cost-effective window treatments have large eyelets embedded near the top edge of the fabric panel. The eyelets help maintain soft folds in the fabric and create an even window covering. This type of window covering is easy to open and close. Grommet curtains come in all sorts of colours and fabrics; you just have to select the one that you like and works for you.
Blackout
Blackout curtains are usually made of a double-lined, tightly woven fabric designed to block light out completely. This type of curtain is very popular with shift workers and for people who like to sleep in total darkness.
Sheers — solid & patterned
Sheers are a great way to add softness and texture without blanketing a room in a heavy, visually overpowering fabric. They are lightweight fabrics that cover your windows, soften your home’s lighting and add an instant infusion of style into your space. They also give you a measure of privacy and are well-suited for a layered window treatment, such as pairing with heavier side panels.
Why is it important to have curtains?
Curtains help keep allergens from entering your rooms. When your windows are open, dust particles and pollen can get inside. Curtains act as a barrier to collect these particles. They’re also a natural way to cool your home in summer (by keeping the sun’s rays out) and warm it in winter (by creating a barrier that traps cold air coming through the windows.
Designer tip: Choose a fabric in a slightly lighter shade of the wall colour to open up a small room. Use darker coloured curtains to make a space cosier.
How high do I hang my curtains?
A good rule of thumb is to place them four to six inches (10-15 centimetres) above the top of your window frame. The higher you place your curtain, the larger your room will appear. For the brackets, your rod should be about eight to 12 inches (20-30 cm) wider than your window, so your brackets will likely be four to six inches (10-15 cm) beyond the window frame on each side.
Should curtains touch the floor when hanging?
In general, yes, it is best for curtains to touch the floor or float just above it. The effect of long, floor-length curtains is a luxurious one that accentuates the height of your window and ceiling. Popular lengths of curtains are 84, 96 and 108 inches.
Should I puddle curtains?
Curtains that pool or puddle on the floor give a more dramatic and glamorous look to your space. Dining rooms are the perfect place to have your curtains puddle. However, if you have small children or pets, puddling may not be the option for you.
Should you use the same curtain rods in every room?
If your rods are in adjoining rooms, they should at least co-ordinate, if not be the same. If spaces are totally separate, you can switch up your rods, depending on the look in your space. Personally, I like the look of uniform rods throughout the house.
If I have divided windows, should I use one or multi-curtain rods?
Long, solid curtain rods on windows can create an impression of spaciousness and are visually more pleasing.
Where do I buy curtains?
Over the years, the prices of curtains have become very affordable. It’s not uncommon to see individual panel prices start at $10 to $40, depending on the fabric you select. These ready-made options make it easier for homeowners to purchase and install their own curtains.
My favourite place to buy them, both for myself and for my clients, is Giant Tiger. They have an excellent selection of colours, fabrics and styles and are very well-priced.
So, armed with all that, I hope these tips will help you when deciding about curtains for your space.
