Curtains

What Are Curtains

Curtains & blinds have three equally important purposes: to secure privacy, to transmit or block out light, and to provide a decorative visual accent to a room. Most modern designs combine functionality with remarkable aesthetics, and their features are distinguished mainly by choice of material. 

Readymade curtains are a convenient choice for anyone who wants a quick and straightforward solution for windows with standard measurements. Opting for readymade curtains does not mean compromising on style, since those are available in a plethora of styles. 

Curtains made to measure are a solution for large or very small windows, door curtains, and other uncommon variations. 

Completely customized curtains cover for special needs, unique window designs, and tailored luxurious varieties. 

Types of Curtains

Single Panel

A single panel curtain covers the entire window or can be tied back to create a stylish asymmetrical look. This type is timeless and suitable for all interior styles.

Panel Pair

Panel pair features two separate panels on either side of the window. This type of simple, symmetrical look is popular in many styles, from classic to contemporary. 

Valance/Window Scarf

A long piece of curtain fabric hung from the top of the window is more of an accessory than a proper curtain. However, in some instances, valances and window scarves can be used as stand-alone features. 

Liner

Adding a liner to a sheer curtain increases its privacy and durability. Some liners come with additional features such as noise-blocking or insulation.

Window Treatment Set

A window treatment set commonly includes one or two curtains and a valance, sometimes with accessories such as tiebacks, a curtain rod, or a pelmet. It's mostly found in traditional settings.

Types of Curtains by Pleat

Pinch/Tailored Pleat Curtains

Pinch curtains can be easily customized according to the window size. The tailored look beautifully compliments many room styles with its rich, fixed shapes.

Box Pleat Curtains

This curtain type is designed in box shapes that provide an effortless, casual look. 

S-Fold Curtains

S-Fold is a modern-looking "rearless" style of curtain. It appears the same from both sides, which makes them favoured by many designers. 

Goblet Pleat Curtains

A goblet pleat curtains got their name from being delicately folded into the shape of a wine glass (goblet) at the top. The sophisticated detail adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise casual curtain design. 

Pencil Pleat Curtains

When the curtain pleats are formed to resemble a pencil's shape, it's called - a pencil pleat. This style combines several pleats tucked together for a bit of a classic flair.

Eyelet Curtains

Eyelet curtains are low-key classy and provide a modern look with a cozy feeling. They are easy to install and operate, which makes maintenance a breeze. 

Rod-Pocket/Casement Curtains

Rod pocket curtains make the tube rods invisible, encasing them in sewn-in pockets. This style often features decorative rod finials. 

Curtain Fabrics

Adequate choice of curtain fabrics will determine its features and convenience, from style to function. 

Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains don’t provide perfect privacy, but their transparent fabrics allow the light to flood the room. Depending on the material and tailoring style, sheer curtains combined with a blind or a heavier drape can appear quite luxurious. Commonly used fabrics for this type include voile, lace, nylon net, cotton fabric, and muslin.

Regular/Semi-Opaque Curtains

Regular curtains are mid-solution between transparent and opaque. These are often made of fabrics with a high thread count and sufficient weight to make good drape and drop. Such fabrics include thicker cotton, linen, silk and various synthetic fabrics.

Blackout Curtains and Drapes

Blackout curtains come in a variety of designs, to provide a high level of privacy and keep the sunlight away.  They require thick and heavy fabrics such as wool, velvet, brocade, damask, and a whole range of practical synthetic blends.

Thermal Curtains

A thermal curtain insulates a room and protects against outside temperatures. Any heavy fabric can trap the cold; however, specialized thermal curtains feature several layers of cloth, often accompanied by a layer of acrylic foam. Thermal curtains also provide noise reduction, block out sunlight, and can reduce energy bills.

Motorized Curtains

Motorized curtains and blinds are modern, convenient window treatments that present an ideal solution for windows hard to reach, or those opening in groups. They come with a system that allows easy remote control of the entire window treatment. The motor can be battery-powered or hardwired when an electrical outlet is available, or solar-powered and independent from the grid. 

Curtain Length

Fifteen to twenty centimetres above the window frame is the common height for mounting the curtains. That is not the ultimate rule, however, since the curtains can help to balance out the room proportions and make the ceiling appear higher or the room design more dramatic.

Measuring should define the distance between the floor and the top of the window. This result is then altered by adding the extra height above the window for hanging, and additional length for puddling. Floating curtains, on the contrary, require subtracting a couple of centimetres from the original measurements. Accuracy is essential, as it ensures that the curtains will look as desired. 

There are three basic ways to hang curtains:

• Float: This style has the curtains end or “float” above the floor, at about 2-3 cm distance. 
• Kiss: As the name indicates, here the curtains “kiss” the floor. This style requires the most precise measurements of all, with every detail taken into account - from rods, brackets, and rings to the lining. 
• Puddle: The curtains are long and “puddle” on the floor. The puddle style is often found on heavy drapes in formal rooms, but can also look very chic on lighter fabric side curtains.

Things to Consider When Buying Curtains

Among many factors to consider prior to shopping, the purpose is the most important. It will determine the correct curtain size, type, style and material. A thermal curtain or a blind is quite a different feature from something purely decorative, like a drapery panel or a window scarf.

While dark wool might be a perfect choice for regions with a cooler climate, a white curtain made of cotton or linen will perform much better in hot areas. 

Transparent fabrics diffuse the sunlight and create a pleasant glow in the room. When used for single curtains, they make an ideal match for rooms that don’t require sun protection. Otherwise, they must be combined with blackout curtains in order to provide privacy and heat control. 

Semi-sheer curtains filter to block the sunlight rather than diffusing it. Depending on colour and material, they offer numerous options for privacy. 

One single curtain is sufficient to cover and close most windows. Whether it’s one, two, or three panels, the total width should be double the horizontal measure of the window in order to pleat properly. 

It's also good to decide in advance how the curtain will be hanging and if it needs a fixed curtain rail or a tension pole.