CURTAIN
Every person would wish to dress up their windows and doors with gorgeous looking curtains, blinds, shades and drapes. As these window accessories would add style and colour to the room while maintaining privacy and preventing direct sunlight from entering the room. Curtains and drapes are the most popular type which in some countries people most commonly call them as curtains whereas, in western countries curtains are popularly known as drapes. Most types of curtains are unlined and made from lighter fabrics than drapes. Curtains are more casual and homely, and are often made of washable fabrics.
One thing to be kept in mind is that unlined curtains will not block light and are often used in conjunction with blinds. On the other hand, the fabrics used for drapes are generally of a heavier weight and are lined, either with regular fabric like velvet or a thermal material. Previously draperies have been associated with a higher level of traditional decor schemes and today’s look often incorporate contemporary drapes as well. Therefore, choose the curtains which will enhance the decorating style of your house.
Types of curtains
When it comes to choosing the right curtains for your space, there are so many options of fabrics, finishes, colours and curtain rods which is a quite overwhelming task. Curtains aren't often cheap either, so it’s always a good choice to get the right ones for your room to begin with, as they may be quite costly to replace if they don't suit your needs.
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Panel Pair -
Panel pair curtains features a two separate curtain panels with this type of curtain being popular with people who wanted a classic and contemporary styles. With a panel pair, you can place a curtain on either side of the window. To close these curtains, you did have to pull each panel together. Panel pair curtains can be tied back to create a symmetrical look for your windows. ➢ Single Panel -
With single panel curtains popular in modern and casual styles one panel will be enough to cover the entire window with panels able to be pulled to either side and it can be also be tied back with a knot attached to create a modern, asymmetrical look. ➢ Window Set
- With window sets including everything one will need to create a full window treatment. These set almost always includes one or two curtains with a valance. Some window kits accompany with accessories like knots and curtain rod. ➢ Liner-
Curtain liners are another optional add-on which is used to provide an additional level of versatility to your curtains. Many prefer to add a liner with curtains, so they have more options. Liners may be used as thermal, or noise-blocking.
Attachment Styles & Patterns
When choosing the curtains one should also consider the attachment of the rod with the curtains. Depending on the style you are looking to achieve, certain attachment styles are going to be a better fit for the curtains.
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Rod Pocket:
Rod pocket curtains includes a feature with a pocket which is sewn into the top of the curtain. To hang these curtains, you insert the curtain rod through the fabric in and out from the other side. These curtains are popular with a valance with rod pocket curtains best in fabrics like cotton or linen.
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Grommet & Eyelet:
Grommet and Eyelet curtains have large eyelets in the top of the fabric that is reinforced with grommets. This curtain styling is popular in contemporary or modern styled curtains. Grommet and eyelet curtains allow you for an enhanced look of style in place of a valance.
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Tabletop Curtains:
With tab top curtains, loops of fabric are sewn into the top of the curtain in which the curtain rod hangs through the loops. Sometimes, these curtains feature decorative embellishments like buttons. Table top curtains are most popular in casual styles, and they are also used in more contemporary styles as well.
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Hidden tab Curtains:
Hidden tab curtains are like a cross between a rod pocket and table top curtains. With this style, the tabs used to hang the curtain are kept out of view, behind an additional piece of fabric, which is usually decorative. The fabric on top of a hidden tab curtains are mostly pinched pleated which are trendy in traditional, country styles.
When considering curtain styles there are many types as follows,
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Casual Style:
Casual curtain style are quite a popular choice in places like bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Casual curtains will lend themselves to an easy use with the curtains often feature grommet and eyelet or tab top attachments, and they are rarely used with a valance.
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Classic Style:
Classic styles are universally popular with their design styles like classical, country and bohemian styles.Classic curtains are often used with valances and other accessories to cover the full window.
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Contemporary Style:
Contemporary curtains provide a fresh interpretation of classic styles. They are mostly available in shades of grey and earthy tones which is inspired from mother nature. Sometimes, brighter and bolder colors are also used to provide a pop of color in an subdued space. Contemporary curtains are known for their rich textures which in turn provide a glorious look.
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Modern Style:
Modern curtains usually reflect modern age designs focussing on the style of the room which are usually minimal and often incorporate metal along with eco-friendly materials. While solid colors are ever popular with modern curtains, bold patterns with clean lines or abstract elements are also quite popular.
Fabrics Used in Curtains
Another main factor when choosing curtains is the materials which serves several purposes beyond being decorative. Based on the fabric quality the thinner materials are used for sheer or semi-sheer materials while thicker materials are normally used in semi-opaque and blackout curtains.
Cotton:
Cotton is a popular choice for many as the fabric is semi-sheer, so it lets in full flow light which is mostly layered with other fabrics while still providing a moderate level of privacy. Also, Cotton curtains are also easy to clean, which makes them even more versatile.
Linen:
Linen curtains are a bit heavier than cotton which allows a moderate level of light to pass while still maintenance is easy. Linen can be a bit more difficult to clean than cotton so just think twice before using it in dusty environments as the rough texture of linen can act as a magnet for dust.
Velvet:
Velvet curtains are heavy and popular material which suits if one wishes for the most privacy possible. The also keeps out drafts and reduces outside noise. Velvet is a recommended choice for bedrooms for light-sensitive sleepers. Velvet curtains need to be cleaned professionally, as it is a quite difficult fabric to clean.
Silk:
Silk is a beautiful and luxurious fabric that is used to produce a broad range of different types and varieties of curtains. It’s semi-sheer and depending on the thickness of the silk it may let in ample amount of light, or a very minute amount of light. Silk curtains need to be dry washed for longer shelf life so consider the upkeep costs before investing in silk curtains.
Lace:
Lace is a sheer modern type fabric which makes it the best choice if you are looking to create a light, bright and airy curtains. Laces provide the least amount of privacy of these materials while letting in the most light. Lace is most popular in kitchens, living rooms, or any other area of the home where you did like to let in full swing of light.
Burlap:
Burlap has a similar look and texture close to linen which is easy to clean but it’s much heavier in weight than linen . Burlap fabric is casual and plain which provides a great deal of privacy while allowing minimal light or no light at all when you close the curtains.
Synthetic:
Synthetic materials have become extraordinarily popular for curtain usages. Since synthetics are cheaper to produce than natural fibers they are most preferred and they are also easy to clean as well. They are usually a cheaper option than natural materials as well and if you are looking for an easy to clean option, synthetic curtains may be the best choice for you.
Curtain Patterns and sizes
Patterned curtains are popular in every style as these colorful patterns can be a great way to achieve a specific look with your curtains. Patterned curtains are typically cotton, lace, or synthetic. There are also some modern patterned curtains in linen or burlap varieties, or embossed velvet curtains as well. In classic and contemporary curtains patterns like floral, stripes, checks and plaid, toile, and paisley are also widely used. They also employ patterns like chevron, dots, geometric or graphic prints.
The length of your play a vital role to achieve certain styles, and the size of your windows will help determine the curtain length one need. Not all curtain lengths are equally suited for all applications for instance Sill length curtains are perfect for windows that you open all the time, Apron length curtains are a great way to elongate the window look with these types widely used on smaller windows, like in kitchens, bathrooms and some bedrooms. Similarly floor length curtains are great for floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors, Puddle length curtains are extra long floor length curtains which are several inches longer than the size of the window .
Thus in addition to the above quoted qualities shopping online at Limeroad is a popular way to purchase curtains and window treatments. Shopping Limeroad is the most popular online destinations to shop for curtains which will give you seemingly endless options to find the curtains that are perfect for your room.
