Picking Curtains: The Dos and Don’ts

Framing your windows with the right drapes and curtains can add a lot of personality and glamour to the room. However, due to the range of choices available and the unique design considerations you have to make, picking the right set of curtains for your room or home can be a challenging endeavor. So, before you head to the store or start shopping online for curtains, here are some things to consider. 

The Purpose of The Curtains

you may want to install curtains to darken the room, increase privacy, or add a dash of color to the space – determine what it is that you are trying to achieve with the curtains before you start shopping for them. 

Patterns and Color

Curtains can have a significant visual effect on your room. So, it’s important that you select the right color and pattern. To ensure you’re making the right choice, ask the store executive to bring you a swatch of all the fabrics you are considering. Take these swatches back home and hold them up against your walls, sofas, and pillows to know which specific color and pattern go best with the current aesthetic of the room. 

Hardware

It’s important that you ensure that the curtain rods match the fabric. Heavy drapes will work well on decorative rods, while sheers and light silks will look a lot better when placed on thinner bars. 

Size of The Curtains

Curtains should be at least twice the width of the window, even if you intend to keep them drawn most times. It’s also important that they are long enough. For an elegant look, you can buy curtains that will puddle on the floor. But, for a more clean style, look for curtains that just skim the floor. If you need to buy short curtains, it’s important that they at least brush the window sill. Remember that it’s better to buy your curtains slightly longer and then get them hemmed than buy them too short. 

Fabric Options

While velvet is luxurious and elegant, cotton is easy to clean and versatile. Sheers are graceful and light but don’t really help if you are trying to increase privacy. Wool is a great option if you want to hang embellishments like fringe and tassels on the fabric, but it can be really heavy. Consider these factors when choosing the fabric of the curtain.