Curtains
Windows are like the eyes on a house, and gorgeous curtains will set them off beautifully, adding an important element of the décor to every room. Curtains not only frame a window but also offer privacy, warmth and shield the room and furnishings from too much sunlight. Before you even start to decide on a fabric choice, there is much to consider about your curtains first.
Lining
If it is a child's bedroom, you will need to consider using a blackout lining - this makes it much easier to get children to sleep on sunny summer evenings and it may even keep them asleep after 6 am on summer mornings too.
Interlining (which is a fleecy lining sewn between a normal lining and the curtain fabric) will add weight to curtains and make them look heavier and more luxurious. It will also exclude draughts and prevent the fabric becoming faded by the sun.
Headings
French/Pinch Pleat headings are the most popular type of curtain headings, providing a classical and contemporary look, especially if created with a 6 inch buckram. These look best with a simple chunky wooden pole.
The Goblet Pleat heading is more formal and classical than the other headings and more suited to sitting rooms or master bedrooms. They look best with very high windows and full length curtains. The round pleat is normally filled with dacron or wool so it keeps its shape. Elegant swags and tails or valences are also very formal and dramatic.
Eyelet Curtains are ideal for a modern contemporary look. One can choose from a variety of different colours for the eyelets. They offer a durable curtain finish. The curtain pole simply travels through the eyelets and the curtain pleats stack back neatly. Lovely in children's bedroom curtains too.
Length of curtains
In my opinion, full length curtains look much more elegant. However, if the radiator is positioned under the window can mean that the heat from the radiator goes up behind the curtain rather than into the room. If it is a large window, the only option then may be to have a shorter curtain (to just below the window sill) that can be drawn and have elegant full length dress curtains framing the window. Shorter curtains (to just below the sill) will look fine in children's bedrooms or a bathroom.
Pooling (or puddling) whereby the curtain is about 18 - 24 inches too long and pools on the floor creates a relaxed yet sophisticated look. However, they are not child-friendly!
Hang loose or Tie them back?
I would always suggest using tiebacks to tie back the curtains. Tiebacks not only give curtains a defined and elegant shape but they can also act as an embellishment to the curtains - think of them as the crowning glory hat and shoes to a lovely wedding outfit! There is a huge choice of colours, shapes and styles to choose from - to suit any fabric or style or curtain.
Some Types of Fabric
And here are some samples of curtains
Windows are like the eyes on a house, and gorgeous curtains will set them off beautifully, adding an important element of the décor to every room. Curtains not only frame a window but also offer privacy, warmth and shield the room and furnishings from too much sunlight. Before you even start to decide on a fabric choice, there is much to consider about your curtains first.
Lining
If it is a child's bedroom, you will need to consider using a blackout lining - this makes it much easier to get children to sleep on sunny summer evenings and it may even keep them asleep after 6 am on summer mornings too.
Interlining (which is a fleecy lining sewn between a normal lining and the curtain fabric) will add weight to curtains and make them look heavier and more luxurious. It will also exclude draughts and prevent the fabric becoming faded by the sun.
Headings
French/Pinch Pleat headings are the most popular type of curtain headings, providing a classical and contemporary look, especially if created with a 6 inch buckram. These look best with a simple chunky wooden pole.
The Goblet Pleat heading is more formal and classical than the other headings and more suited to sitting rooms or master bedrooms. They look best with very high windows and full length curtains. The round pleat is normally filled with dacron or wool so it keeps its shape. Elegant swags and tails or valences are also very formal and dramatic.
Eyelet Curtains are ideal for a modern contemporary look. One can choose from a variety of different colours for the eyelets. They offer a durable curtain finish. The curtain pole simply travels through the eyelets and the curtain pleats stack back neatly. Lovely in children's bedroom curtains too.
Length of curtains
In my opinion, full length curtains look much more elegant. However, if the radiator is positioned under the window can mean that the heat from the radiator goes up behind the curtain rather than into the room. If it is a large window, the only option then may be to have a shorter curtain (to just below the window sill) that can be drawn and have elegant full length dress curtains framing the window. Shorter curtains (to just below the sill) will look fine in children's bedrooms or a bathroom.
Pooling (or puddling) whereby the curtain is about 18 - 24 inches too long and pools on the floor creates a relaxed yet sophisticated look. However, they are not child-friendly!
Hang loose or Tie them back?
I would always suggest using tiebacks to tie back the curtains. Tiebacks not only give curtains a defined and elegant shape but they can also act as an embellishment to the curtains - think of them as the crowning glory hat and shoes to a lovely wedding outfit! There is a huge choice of colours, shapes and styles to choose from - to suit any fabric or style or curtain.
Some Types of Fabric
- Appliqué: Fabric on which a pattern in another fabric has been applied with hand stitching. There are some fabulous children's ranges using this effect.
- Crewelwork: Indian cotton with an embroidered chain stitch pattern in wool. Gorgeous.
- Damask: Damask fabrics are usually silk, linen or cotton and a design woven into them. Tend to be quite large traditional designs so more suitable for formal rooms
- Gingham: lightweight checked fabric, usually cotton. Lovely for a country kitchen look.
- Linen: Hard-wearing made from spun fibres of flax. A natural material and can crease easily.
- Organza: A lightweight, semi-transparent material, usually made from silk or cotton.
- Silk: A natural, luxurious fibre produced by the silk worm and found in many different weights and weaves. Silk can fade when exposed to sunlight and so when using silk in curtains they must always be interlined.
- Taffeta: A synthetic man made fibre that gives a silk look. It is found in many different weights and weaves but is no comparison to the real thing. It does not drape as well but from a distance can be a good copy.
- Velvet: A cotton or silk fabric with a deep, luxurious pile. Ideal for formal rooms.
- Voile: A light, semi-transparent fabric with a high yarn count, made from cotton, silk or rayon.
- Lorna Sixsmith is an interior designer and owner of the online store at http://www.garrendennylane.com
And here are some samples of curtains
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