Numerous trends and fads have passed in history that saw curtains adopt the most surprising forms, textures, and patterns, ranging from tails and ornamented swags to minimalist curtain designs. Needless to say, not all were made to pass the test of time or enjoy longevity in homeowners’ houses, especially since many factors determining its potential to enhance an interior will come down to the quality and look.
Sorting through a sea of options for curtains to find the ideal ones can be overwhelming, but it’s not impossible. Your choice must elevate the look and feel of your room, not burden it, so let’s discover everything you need to get the perfect curtains that blend functionality and elegance perfectly.
Assorting curtains
Probably one of the main aspects to pop into your mind when thinking of the colours, print/pattern, or texture your new curtains will have is how harmoniously they’ll blend in with other elements, such as seatings, cushions, carpets, tablecloth, and so on. Yet, one thing that many homeowners don’t consider is that those elements are often changed more frequently than other pieces, such as sofas, since they usually last between 7 to 15 years or more, depending on their quality.
Ideally, you want both low-maintenance and quality curtains and sofas, with the latter being more paramount given the additional effort needed to change it, such as finding the most reliable piece on the market at a convenient price. However, finding the best performance fabric sofa will give you peace of mind as you won’t struggle with cleaning and maintenance or have to replace it ahead of time.
Therefore, when picking the ideal curtains, get pieces that mix and match long-standing elements that will remain in your home for years. You’ll have the material, colour, texture, as well as coverings to take into account. For instance, if your sofa has metal or wooden features like armrests, opting for metal or wood fittings and railings for your drapes will create balance among different contrasting colours and bring a touch of personality.
The needed terminology when shopping for curtains
Shopping for materials to create curtains or already-confectioned draperies is not smooth sailing. Still, it is definitely more manageable when you’re prepared with the right terminology to make better-informed decisions. Here are the most common curtain headings and their expressions to help you better locate the purchases that meet your wants.
- Rod-gathered. This style adds a touch of friendliness to a rather formal-looking room, providing the cosy feel you’re looking for when designing a room that enhances comfort and warmth. This specific heading is mainly found in homes where the curtains aren’t frequently slid, washed, or used, as constantly touching them can deteriorate the fabric.
- Eyelet. This alternative suits homeowners looking to save a buck on their purchases while ensuring they slide easily. Eyelet, AKA gourmet heading, offers a nice large pleat and is designed to be hung up on a pole instead of the classic track systems.
- Pinch pleat. This widespread heading is well-suited for both traditional and modern rooms thanks to the neat, tailored appearance provided. However, you’ll need more fabric for fabrication than the other headings depicted above.
- Wave. Last but not least, the wave heading is all about using fabrics that drape well, such as sheers or cotton, instead of embroidered ones. This model can be attached to a track and is easy to maintain in top shape in the long term.
- Goblet. The goblet curtain style can work wonders for a more dressy, formalized, and traditional look. With raw wineglass-shaped elements, it’s mainly ideal for silks or thick fabrics and optimal for tracks and poles alike.
The trendiest curtain styles this year
Indeed, you’ll want to know the most popular styles of curtains before you start shopping for the best choice, so let’s check them out.
- Floor-to-ceiling drapes. Large windows are increasingly popular, especially among UK homes, thanks to the airy and chilly atmosphere created that’s unlimited to winter times. They allow plenty of sunlight to come in, which is where curtains covering the whole floor-to-ceiling area come in as the perfect solution to control the level of brightness that fills your space. They’re either the ideal option for when you need a lot of light or perfect for nighttime when you’re avoiding it.
- Drapery panels. Suppose you want to add an extra pattern or colour to your interior to make it livelier and captivating without making it kitschy or overwhelming. In that case, you can resort to patterned drapery panels. These can add depth and make a statement without having to go the extra length to overfill your room with numerous accent details or décor items.
- Wall curtains. Who said curtains are limited to windows and can’t be used for merely decorative purposes? These accessories can work well as wall covers, hung alongside photographs, pictures, or other art elements. This effectively builds an accent wall that adds personality and is bolder than a mere splash of paint.
- Combination. Indeed, there might be times when deciding between blinds and curtains seems so tricky that you may want an in-between solution. The middle ground can be achieved with curtains combined with blinds, bringing a soft touch to the room and working ideally in spaces that don’t look crammed up.
- Double panel curtains. This option is best for neutral or earthy shades since you’ll have additional material to cover your windows compared to basic, lightweight curtains. In interiors where the windows are obstructed by furniture, a valuable advice is to leave some space between the wall and furniture not to impede closing and opening the curtains.
Lastly, pay extra attention to the length chosen
Regardless of the colour, material, hanging style or pattern chosen, at the end of the day, you’ll want to ensure the functionality of the curtains, which mainly translates to a proper length. For instance, if you have kids or pets, a sound idea would be to opt for shorter curtains that don’t touch the floor. On the other hand, if you want complete control over the light entering your room, you’ll want some covering the entirety of the glass.
Whatever you choose, make sure to consider how the length will impact your daily activities. You can always opt for having them adjusted by an experienced tailor.