One aspect of house decor you simply cannot overlook is curtains. They are one of the most important decorative items that can influence the final look of your home. For example, some can make your space appear more prominent and luxurious, while others might make it cozier and warmer. You will come across many options when choosing the right curtains for your home, from sheer to heavy, from patterned to solid. Whether you’re making home improvements before moving in or simply want to spruce up your home, these tips will help you navigate all of these different options.
1. Choosing patterned or solid curtains
One of the very first choices you will have to make when choosing curtains is whether you wish to have patterned or solid ones. To know which choice is the right one for you, first look at your current space. If your chosen room already has plenty of patterns, it would be best if you avoided adding more patterns. However, if your room is mainly filled with solid colors, it would be favorable to break this monotony by adding some interesting, patterned curtains.
When choosing between different patterns, it mainly boils down to your preference. If you are going for more of a traditional style, floral patterns are a great choice. On the other hand, if you want to make your space more contemporary, add bold patterns. If you are still having trouble deciding on a pattern, you should get in touch with experienced interior designers who can help you match your vision with the right curtains to bring it to life.
2. Figure out the color you wish your curtains to be
Your choice of colors will significantly impact how your room looks as a whole. If you use colors that do not match, you will create a space that looks unappealing. The topic of color theory may not be something everyone is familiar with, so here are some basic tips.
When choosing the right curtains, it is essential to look at all the colors in your room. Afterward, decide if you wish to break apart the monotony or simply go with the current flow of colors. If you want to spice it up, you may choose colors on the opposite side of the color wheel. For example, if your living room is yellow, you could choose light purple curtains. If you want to keep the same color, you can change its shade, tint, or tone when choosing curtains. However, if you’re looking for some easy living room ideas that will open up the space, simple white curtains can do just that without drawing much attention.
3. Find the ideal length for your curtains
Most people may find the curtain’s length irrelevant when choosing the right ones for their home. However, this is not true. The length of your curtains can play a vital role in the overall look of your room.
Generally, there are five standards you can choose from:
- 63 inches,
- 84 inches,
- 95 inches,
- 108 inches
- 120 inches
To determine the ideal length of your curtains, measure the distance from your curtain rod to the desired height. If you are going for a more casual look, reaching just until the bottom of your window is perfect. However, if you want to achieve an elongated appearance, go for ones that reach halfway from the bottom of your window to your floor. Lastly, if you’re going for that luxurious look, floor-length curtains are for you.
4. Pick a material that suits your room in the best way
The material you choose for your curtains will determine the amount of light you’ll get, the privacy you’ll be able to have, and the aesthetic of your room. Depending on these parameters, you can choose between the following fabrics:
- Sheer curtains made from lace or thin cotton are perfect since they let a significant amount of light into your room while also providing privacy. They are ideal for minimalistic rooms or ones with beautiful windows you wish to showcase. Furthermore, if you have a room with a city view, these curtains will allow you to take full advantage of that.
- Linen or cotton curtains blends are classic and create a natural look with various textures. Such curtains can complement all kinds of different rooms since they come in various textures, patterns, and colors. They come in different thicknesses making some sheerer and some more opaque.
- Lastly, denser curtains made from wool or velvet block light while keeping in the heat or cold. Of course, if you wish to block sunlight completely, invest in blackout curtains and place them behind one of the other ones you’ve chosen.
5. Research different hardware for curtains
The most underrated factor when choosing right curtains is their hardware or the curtain rod. Choose a rod six to twelve inches broader than the window to create a balanced appearance. In addition to making it easy to move your curtains to the side when you want them open, this will add some visual appeal to the space. Thankfully, most curtain rods are adjustable, allowing you to change their size as necessary.
Various materials, including brass, brushed nickel, polished nickel, and antique bronze, can be used to make curtain rods. Because of their beautiful appearance and ability to complement any style, these materials are among the most often used.
6. Choose a heading style
The last thing you must consider when choosing the right curtains for your home is your preferred heading style. This term simply means the method by which the top of the curtain is connected to the hardware.
Here are a couple of the most popular ones:
- Rod pocket curtains: The curtain fabric is folded back on itself to create a pocket the rod will go through. It is a visually appealing style but makes it difficult to move the curtains back and forth.
- Ring curtains: The curtain fabric is attached to rings, which are then used to put the rod through. This style is incredibly durable, functional, and easy to add to your cleaning routine.
- Eyelet/Ring top curtains: The curtain fabric has holes at the top and metal rings through which you feed the curtain rod. This style is quite contemporary and functional.
The same decor rules apply here as they do with the other hardware. Always be wary of the other hardware already in your room when opting for a particular style. This way, you will create a more harmonized appearance.
Author Bio: Bonnie Stephens, a professional interior designer, is devoted to sharing the art of interior design online. She greatly enjoys exploring new trends and writing about them.