Due to the vast variety of choices available, it can be a challenging process to choose the right style of curtain fabric for your home. Curtains are so much more than just window dressing; they have a very important role to play in setting the tone for your home.
Choice of Color & Pattern
The color of your curtains should sync with the rest of the furnishings in the room. You could either choose fabrics that harmonize with the decor or create a contrast. For a more aesthetic look, choose fabrics in a color that complements the shade of your walls. Alternatively, if you want the curtains to be the star of the show, pick a hue that contrasts with your furniture and walls. On the other hand, you can use patterned curtains to add some flair to a plain room which draws a lot of attention to the windows. So, if you have gorgeous windows, frame them with patterns!
Type of Fabric
The type of fabric affects how curtains hang and drape, as well as coverage, durability, and ease of laundering. Because polyester curtains are so low maintenance, they’re perfect for curtain first-timers. Linen fabric drapes nicely, and the sheerness fabric doesn’t block the sun, which allows for natural light to fill your living space. Cotton curtains drape well, making them a natural fit for formal dining rooms. Silk curtains are heavier than curtains made from other materials and drape well, offering a romantic look that’s ideal for bedrooms or formal dining rooms.
Fabric Size
For a streamlined or clean look, curtains should fall an inch above the floor. For an elegant look you can opt for a curtain size that is longer by a few inches. The key is to get the right measurements. Before you estimate the length and width of the window, it’s important to think about how far you want to hang your curtains from the frame of the window. The longer the length of the curtain, the more opulence it lends the room. Fabrics generally comes in two basic widths: 140cm (Single Width) and 280cm (Double Width). Always look out for the fabric tag to determine its width. Every single pair of curtains should have a certain amount of gathers, without the gathers the curtain will look flat.
Curtain Must Haves
While taped curtains are the traditional way to go with a much fuller look, eyelet curtains are easy to hang and are more suited for a contemporary style. If the curtain hangs on a window that receives direct sunlight, a protective lining can make it opaquer, fade slower and last longer. The lining can be stitched at the back of the fabric to make the drapes heavier.
