Make a bold statement with colourful curtains

With so many types of curtains in the market, one is spoilt for choice.

But if you want the best treatment for your windows, colour, fabric, length, lining, and custom-made versus off-the-shelf are the factors to consider. Attractive curtains make a powerful statement, although they are often the last elements added to a room.

To make a personal statement, ensure that you get exactly what you want by touching the fabric and feeling its heft before you buy. Do not be afraid of asking for samples of fabric to take home and hang in front of your window to see if they fit with the rest of the décor. Before making that purchase, consider the following:

Colour

It is an important element when choosing curtains since it can make or break the look. You might decide to have curtains that blend in with the décor or those that stand out. If you opt to blend, pick a colour that is the same as the wall but a few shades darker, or a non-dominant subtle colour.

Curtains are exposed to direct sunlight, which leads to some colours fading with time, so it is advisable to avoid bright colours since they tend to fade faster. Going with neutral colours would be a better option, since they are less likely to fade and more likely to blend in with a room’s décor. Also, bear in mind that in a space where the sun shines through unlined curtains, the colour will pervade the room.

Fabric

It is another important factor to consider since the material dictates how well the curtains function and hold up over time. If it is too heavy, it will not fold crisply when drawn, and if too light, it will not fall well.

Fabric should also match the mood of the room. Linen, real or faux silk, and velvet are the best choices since they fall best. In a particularly sunny room, faux silk does not deteriorate as quickly as real silk. In a formal space, heavy silk or velvet are great insulators, but they are both dry-clean only.

The more practical, often washable options include silky rayon blends and cotton sateen. Cotton and cotton blends work with any type of décor and bring a crisp, neat feel, as do wool or wool blends. Some fabrics also help keep out the cold. Hotels can use suède, velvet, tapestry, or tweed since they are heavy and, therefore, block light and keep heat in. However, nearly any fabric can be interlined with a thick, insulating felt material.

Effect

If you want treatments that provide privacy or total darkness, you need lined curtains. If you are fine with light filtering through or if you simply want decorative curtains, unlined will work just fine. Lining may be expensive, but it has many advantages.

It shields the curtain from damage by the sun, thereby making them last longer, adds heft, which protects against drafts, and helps fabric fall more luxuriously. For maximum durability, light blockage, body, and insulation, get curtains with an interlining.

Print

The rule of thumb is that if you have patterned furniture, bedding, or a very elaborate rug, you should stick with solid-coloured curtains, and vice versa. For a subtle hint of style and energy, opt for a small, neutral print, like dots or paisley.

Length Current trends favour near-floor length. The fabric should just touch or hover half-an-inch above the floor. Curtains that are too short look nerdy and off. For the kitchen and bathroom, however, short panels that cover only the lower portion of a window and just touch the windowsill are more appropriate, since long drapes would not be practical.

For formal rooms, long panels that just about touch the floor are the most stylish options. Although they are high maintenance because they require occasional rebuffing, they provide a more cosy and romantic feel.

Width

For a look that is ample and drapes well when drawn, get curtains twice the width of the window. If you want curtains that just frame a window, get those one-and-a- half times the width of the window. Pleated panels have fullness built in, so their width should more or less match the span you want to cover.

Curtain rods

There are functional rods that can be completely hidden from view, but decorative ones such as the Classic rod that has an adjustable pole with ornamental end caps that attach to the wall with brackets should relate to the style of the room. Match the metal with the other finishes in the room. You can also opt for a double-rod version if you want to layer with sheers.

The return rod with an adjustable U-shaped rod that screws directly on to the wall is a good option for blocking out light.

The Tieback
If you want to be able to pull curtains to the side for more light or a swoopy, formal look, tiebacks are the answer. There are simple fabric tiebacks and fancy ropes with tassels for a grandeur effect. One can also use the more casual style of tying the curtain in the centre of a window with a matching fabric or wide ribbon.

They are also a nice way of displaying a view. Mount a curved metal bracket or a rosette (also known as a peg) on the wall about two-thirds of the way down the window.
Match the room, rod, and rosette for style and finish.