From Sunlight to Secrecy – 6 Factors to Consider When Buying Curtains

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Curtains can make or break a room. There are so many things that need to be taken into account, such as selecting fabric for functionality or decoration, style of curtain, and many more. With so many decisions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so here are 6 things you should think about when selecting the right curtains for your home.

Fabric

Fabric is an essential part of choosing the right curtains, since the material will dictate how well your curtains function and hold up over time. Linen, silk, faux silk and velvet are the best choices to use for window treatments since they tend to hang the best. Faux silk tends to be the most durable and doesn’t deteriorate as quickly as real silk. Some fabrics can help keep out the cold. Suede, velvet, tapestry or tweed help block light and keep heat in due to their weight. However, nearly any fabric can be interlined with a thick, insulating felt material which can also help prolong the life of the curtains.

Privacy and Lighting

Depending on your space, consider how much light you want to filter in or out. When choosing curtains for a common area like a living room or sunroom, opt for sheer or light fabric curtains to allow more light into the space. Consider a heavier, thicker fabric in a room where you want more privacy or less natural light, such as a bedroom or theater room.

Length

Before you take out the tape measure, decide how high above the window you’d like the curtains to begin. Hanging panels higher than the window will give a sense of height to the room. Designers often hang curtains about six inches above the window frame. With that said, if you want a dramatic look, go higher. Measure from the top of the window (plus the added inches of height where the curtains will hang from) to the floor.

For more of a traditional look, have the curtains slightly puddled on the floor, that means you’ll want to add another two or three inches to your length. For a modern, crisp look, have them fall flush with the floor.

When measuring the width of your window, be sure to add four to eight inches on both sides and double the total number to ensure curtain fullness. If you plan to use the curtains to shut out the sun, those extra inches around the perimeter of your window frame will also help block out any creeping light.

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Washing machine friendly or dry clean only

Determine whether you’re going to buy dry-clean only or washer machine friendly curtains. Machine wash friendly can save you money in the long run but keep in mind that you can ruin high-quality curtains by trying to wash them yourself without proper knowledge on how to. Dry clean only curtains will cost you more since you will have to pay to get them cleaned, but it will save you time and is more secure as you are leaving it to professionals.

Consultations

A safe way to have your curtains be perfect first go is with a home consultation. Some companies will send a consultant to your home to help you decide on colors, textures and finishes that blend perfectly with your design whilst still fulfilling their purpose. If you prefer working online, snag suggestions from designers with online interior design services, which will pair you with professional designers to help you pick out the perfect curtains for your space. After, you’ll be given a list of items and the ones you choose will be delivered straight to your door.

Metal Shutters

Whilst not as stylish as some curtains, metal shutters are the ultimate investment for your house. They, not only give you the ultimate control on light and privacy, they are provide noise reduction, weather and sun protection, break-in and security protection and are energy saving.

Since they go on the outside of the window, you can still put up decorative curtains inside and not have to worry as much about the fabric but just design and colour. They are a little more pricey than normal curtains but once paid for, there aren’t any more fees. No more dry cleaning fees or time spent trying to wash all the curtains.

Curtains, when don’t properly, can not only be stylish but benefit your house and comfort greatly. So, following these simple tips can create more comfort and peace in your home.