6 Keys to Choosing the Right Curtains for Your Home
Curtains are the perfect decorative elements to add personality to a room. Whether they’re on poles or rails, with or without generous drops or lengths, gathered, printed or plain-colored, made of linen, silk or cotton… there are many different options you can choose from. So much so that you may have doubts about how to choose the right curtains for your home.
But don’t worry, because we’re going to make your choice easier for you! Next, you’ll discover six key aspects that will help you decide which are the right curtains for your home.
6 keys to choosing the right curtains
1. Before choosing the curtain fabric…
What determines the effect of a curtain is the fabric it’s made of. Therefore, it’s important that you compare a lot of different fabrics before choosing.
The first step is to ask the store for a few samples of the fabrics you like. They have to be large (at least 15 x 15 inches) so that you can place them next to the window where you’re going to hang the curtains.
This way, you can check how they filter the light and if they go well with the room’s decoration. This is the time to decide on the type of fabric – thick or thin, cotton or velvet, washable or not…
Don’t forget to read the labels of each fabric and compare their properties. Also, remember that, once you choose a store that suits your budget and needs, you should ask them to visit your home to take measurements.
2. Decorative tracks or rods
Once you decide on the fabric, you need to choose the fastening method. Rods are practical options. However, you need to keep in mind that, to achieve a good finish, you’ll have to hide them.
Although tracks are more expensive, they have the advantage of being decorative on their own. Whichever method you choose, before buying them, you should check that they can support the weight of the fabric.
Also, you should make sure that the wall of the room where you’re going to put the curtain holder is strong. If you don’t take this into account, you may have some extra unforeseen expenses.
3. Which system is best to hang curtains on rods?
There are very attractive options for hanging curtains on rods. Rings and metal eyelets are the best systems, as they support the weight of fabric well and slide easily.
Belt loops, ties, and tucks made from the same fabric can only be used on curtains that don’t need to be opened very far, as it’ll be hard for the fabric to slide over the rod.
They can either be discreet, if you make them with the same fabric as the curtain, or more striking if you mix and match different fabrics, buttons, and any other decorative details you like.
A middle-ground option would be to use clips and rings. However, you have to make sure that the curtain fabric is fine and not too heavy. Keep this in mind to ensure success!
4. Choosing the right curtains – the elegance of gathers
If the curtain is on a track system, you should think about the gathering. Many stores add gathering tapes with self-gathering cords.
If you want a more elaborate effect, gathering cords offer a wide range of options: double and triple gathers, horizontal gathers, or even button gathers.
If the gathering is very elaborate, keep in mind that you’ll need more fabric and that fine fabrics gather more than thick fabrics or those with large prints.
5. How to achieve good curtain drops
The drop of a curtain depends on the type of gathering and, above all, on the length of fabric used. A curtain should always reach the floor and, depending on personal taste and the style of the room, it can even drag about an inch.
Long curtains are more elegant and protect rooms from drafts. Another element that enhances elegance are liners, which are more attractive if you choose those made of contrasting fabric.
Keep in mind that, to achieve a flawless finish, you must hang the curtains for 48 hours to let the creases fall out.
6. Pelmets
Pelmets are decorative elements used to hide curtain rods or rails. They must be wider than the window (about six inches more on each side) and allow the rings to slide.
Pelmets are more rigid because they’re normally made of wood. They can be upholstered with the curtain fabric. You can also paint them the same color as the wall or another color if you’re seeking contrast.
What do you think of the six keys to choosing the right curtains for your home? We’re sure they’ll prove helpful.