Different Types of Curtains & How to Buy The Right Ones
Unlike sheer accessories that are hung on windows, curtains play the role of light control, privacy, and fashion in home decor. Curtains come in different types and choosing the right set can make a big difference to the feel of the house or any room for that matter. Below, you will find a brief description of the most popular curtain types and advice on how to select the right curtains.
Fabric
Curtain materials are also classified as sheer to heavy options, and each type has its advantages. Sheer curtains permit the sunlight but they do not offer much privacy. For bedrooms or media rooms, one should choose fabrics such as velvet or brocade to give the intended room a privacy of light as well as sound. When choosing fabric, one has to take into consideration what the room will be used for and what type of atmosphere is to be created in that specific room. For example, when it comes to hospitals, you can check for durable emergency room curtains that are perfect for that purpose. Therefore, there should be proper arrangements in the emergency room with special concern for the working patterns of the staff, the arrangement of working, and specific privacy needed for the patients and visitors. Your curtain system should help to enhance the beauty of the several landscape designs that you have adopted within your facility.
Curtain Styles
Rod Pocket
These curtains have an opening at the top where a curtain rod is passed through it. They produce a gathered appearance and offer convenience through installation.
Tab Top
Tab top curtains come with tabs of fabric at the top through which the curtain rod is passed. First of all, they provide comfort and afford a rather informal design.
Grommet
Grommet curtains are made of metal that is wired through the fabric with small holes where the curtain rod fits through. They give a more contemporary and polished aesthetic appeal.
Pleated
Pleated curtains have a fold of fabric at the top, giving the curtains a tailored, neat, and classy look. It comes in some varieties of pleats like the pinch pleat and goblet pleat.
Eyelet/Ring Top
Like a grommet, curtains have rings of fabric around the tool through which the curtain rod passes. Last but not least, they provide a traditional and elegant appearance to the furniture.
Length and Width
You should also decide on the drapery length. Some people want curtains to touch the windowsill, some desire them to touch the floor and there are those who want the curtain to loosen on the floor. For the width, curtains can vary greatly. We recommend the use of dimensions 3 to 5 times the width of the window to allow for fullness when closed. Take measurements on the wall to check whether the curtains will fit properly on your windows.
Color and Pattern
Some people even go to the extent of saying that the color and even pattern of curtains are essential to the general outlook of a room. With lighter colors, the room looks larger and much lighter; with darker tones, the room has a certain elegance mixed with warmth. It is important to have some basic knowledge about the room decor and colors while selecting the curtain color and pattern.
Lining
Besides, there is an extra layer of fabric at the back of the curtains, thereby giving the curtain the much-needed weight and thickness; it also eliminates light since it is thick and heavy in that part. For bedroom decorations or media rooms, opt for curtains with a lining, as these will help to eliminate noise and light. It also provides thermal control for the availability of heat or cool to prevent the room from getting too hot or cold.
Functionality
Think about the functionality that would be right for you in the curtains that you are choosing. In this case, the best option is opaque curtains or blackout curtains if privacy is an issue. Rooms with much natural light should be fitted with sheer blinds to create shade but also allow light and seclusion. Motorized curtains also provide convenience, especially when the windows are located out of reach, by stretching or pulling the curtains to close or open them.
Maintenance
Here, the buyer needs to think about the care that the curtains will require. You also need to decide if the material of the clothes can be washed in a washing machine or only in a special solvent. It is therefore important to heed the wearing instructions while washing or cleaning the curtains so as to maintain them.
Budget
Last of all, set up the amount of money you will be willing to spend on buying the curtain. Curtains, as you know, can be cheap or expensive, depending on the design and fabric being used in their making. You must set a budget to be able to narrow down your deliberations to such factors as the quality of the fabric, the fashion aspect, and the necessary properties of the fabric to be used. Think about the dimensions of the windows, special choices of fabric, buttons, and zippers, the overall amount of the windows to cover, and your choice of fabric. Budgeting helps in avoiding any decisions that will lead to the purchase of things that are way beyond the intended look and feel, as well as having the intended functionality without straining a user's pocket or going way beyond the set budget.
There are certain factors that should be put into consideration when selecting curtains; they include the fabric type, aerodynamics, length, color, lining, purpose, durability, and cost. When considering all these aspects and looking at the various possibilities, one should be able to choose curtains that provide the right atmosphere in any room and fulfill these functional requirements. If you want your home to have translucent curtains to let more light in, or if you’re looking for curtains that completely block the view and keep out light, there is a curtain that is right for your home. Happy decorating!
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