Curtains are one of those integral elements of decor that can set the tone for the room. The appropriate curtains can bring style and character to the bedroom, living room, and windows.Alsoknownas drapes, these add a finishing touch to the overall interior decor. So, when choosing the right curtains, whether for decorating or functional purposes, it is essential to consider everything from light and breezy feel to substantial and ornamental design, and from block colours and print patterns to sheer fabrics and heavy opaque fabrics.
With the vast array of options out there, making the right choice can be pretty confusing. To help you, we’ve compiled a detailed guide that identifies these curtains depending on the fabric, style, design, and material, along with diverse purchasing choices to make shopping a breeze for you.
Curtains have the ability to completely transform a room. So, before you take the plunge, it’s worth considering various alternatives to ensure you make the best decision possible.
Read along the article to figure out which curtain designs, styles, patterns and materials are ideal for you.
Picking the right drapes for your home can help give it a distinct look and functionality. Every type of fabric has its own benefits and uses according to its weight, texture, light-blocking, or exposure properties. There are numerous fabric choices. The most popular kinds of fabrics are cotton, silk, linen, polyester, velvet, acrylic, rayon, and lace. The right fabric is determined by the total cost you want to invest, the level of privacy desired, the design of the drapes, and finally, the level of care and maintenance you are willing to commit.
Length
The most important step in getting the best drapes is to ensure that you have the correct measurements. Inadequately fitted drapes can make a well-decorated room look disorganized and chaotic. However, drapes that touch the floor are in great demand. For a more dramatic style, you can choose a curtain that is a few inches longer so that the drapes puddle on the floor. Standard drapes come in three lengths: 84 inches, 96 inches, and 108 inches. To make your space appear wider and higher, add a few inches to your measurements. You can go as high as a few inches below the ceiling for maximum height and design.
Colour
The colour of the drapes should gel well with the rest of the furnishings. You can choose curtains that harmonize and contrast with the decor. For a pleasing appearance, choose the colour that complements the colour of your walls. Alternatively, if you want the curtain’s colour to be the focal point, pick a hue that contrasts with the furniture.
The look and pattern of the curtain influence how curtains hang on a rod or drape across your windows. Different curtain designs also serve several purposes: some curtains block out light, while others are purely decorative. So, to make the best decision, you should first analyze your household and décor needs.
We have categorized several curtain designs based on hanging styles to assist you.
Window sill curtains
Window sill curtains design are short curtains that hang right above the window sill. These curtains are ideal for smaller kitchen windows or bathroom windows.
Beautiful blue and white sheer curtains
Image Source: homecentre.in
Single panel curtains
Single panel drapes are both contemporary and timeless. Moreover, these styles of drapes are suitable for all decorative settings. Single panel curtains look magnificent against French doors and windows.
Sheer single panel drapes
Image Source: Goodwillsp.org
Double panel curtains
Double panels are the most common style, where two fabrics make up the design of the curtains. These come as a matching set curtain, with two equal-sized pieces of fabric to hang on either side of the window or door. This curtain design allows you to make the room look spacious.
It’s a long, thin piece of fabric hung from the window’s top. Window scarf drapes do not obstruct the window view or light emission. So, these make a beautiful bridge between classic and modern styles. Window scarf drapes are a great way to create a dramatic effect. Also, these allow you to go wild with your imagination and creativity to create a distinctive look that complements your home decor.
We can’t take our eyes off from this beautiful window scarf curtain
Image Source: Ubuy.com
Box pleat curtains
Box pleat designs have folds that run deep and uninterrupted across the entire length of the fabric. These designs offer full coverage with a sophisticated appearance. Box pleat designs are suitable for dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms.
All types of box pleat drapes
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Goblet pleat curtains
Goblet pleat design gets its name from its resemblance to a goblet or wine glass. The most formal of all styles are these goblet pleated designs. So, goblet pleat curtain designs are ideal for formal rooms or living rooms with high ceilings.
This goblet pleat curtains decor is for those who love the systematic interior
Image Source: theshadestore.com
Pencil pleat curtains
Pencil pleat designs have thinner single pleats that make it easier to work with different drape hooks or rods. These designs are ideal for less formal rooms like bedrooms or living rooms.
Beautiful and cosy are two words that define this curtain design
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Grommet curtains
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Grommet or eyelet designs are contemporary designs of drapes. Grommets support the panels and allow you to easily open and close them. Grommet designs curtains are a good substitute for bedrooms, living rooms, or any other room where the drapes are frequently opened and closed.
Beautiful double panel curtains set
Image Source: next.us
Rod pocket curtains
Rod pocket drapes are made of lightweight and sheer fabrics. So, the style of these drapes is much more casual. Also, these drapes are simple to assemble. Thus, you just have to slip the curtain rod through the fabric’s pocket. Rod pocket curtains are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.
The combination of black curtains and white wall is timeless
Image Source: ubuy.com
Tab-top curtains
Tab-top designs have prominent loops that hang from the panel’s top seam. These designs are simple and quick to thread through a rod. Tab-top designs are a stylish and decorative element for the farmhouse or cottage décor.
Stunning curtain
Image Source: 3hlinen.com
Type of curtains based on opacity
Different opacity suits the demands of different rooms and applications.Opacity is one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing the appropriate drapes for your needs. To determine which drapes you need for your place, you should be familiar with the three main kinds of opacity in curtain fabrics.
Sheer drapes are classic and timeless. These drapes are an excellent way to brighten your home and create a light and airy atmosphere. However, the sheer fabric offers less privacy because they are see-through. Sheer curtains are most popular in living rooms and dining rooms.
These drapes are a combination of sheer and blackout. The semi-opaque fabric allows some daylight into the room when the drapes are closed. Also, these fabrics provide more privacy than sheer fabrics. These are a popular choice for every room be it the living room or the bedroom and can be combined with other drapes designs as well.
Our top semi-opaque curtain recommendations (Buy Here)
Blackout fabric is a kind of opaque fabric that is used to block light. Moreover, Blackout fabric provides the most privacy. These fabrics are generally used in bedrooms, theatres, and other rooms and areas where natural light is a concern. Blackout fabric is sometimes used behind the sheer fabric to offer extra features and a more polished appearance.
The fabric has a major impact on the appearance of the drapes. From sheer lace and lightweight cotton to medium-weight brocades and heavy velvet, you have plenty of options to choose the right drapes. The factors that you should consider while picking your fabric are the amount of sunlight you want and the theme of the room. Also, you must factor in the room’s functionality before choosing your fabric.
Cotton
Cotton is soft, relatively lightweight, and comes in a variety of different colours, designs, textures, and care levels. So, this allows you to find the right cotton fabric for your application. The material’s versatility lets you use it in every room and setting.
Linen is a cotton-based natural fabric. This cotton-blend fabric has more density than plain cotton and a good choice for drapes. Linen fabrics are available in a variety of colours and styles, allowing you to find a natural fabric that is light, airy, and ideal for your windows and doors. Among the most significant advantages of using linen fabric is that some light can still pass through the fabric.
If you are looking for ultimate luxury, consider adding silk fabric to your home. This luxury fabric comes in several patterns and colours. This makes silk well-suited to home decor. The weight and durability of silk fabric are their most significant advantages. Silk is a heavy material that drapes and lays beautifully. Thus, each tailored pleat will retain its smooth shape throughout the length of the drapes. These curtains are ideal for the living room.
Lace is a beautiful, detailed, elegant, and soft sheer material. Also, it allows sufficient light to pass through. Laces are for decorative purposes only because these provide very less privacy. Lace has been modernized in recent years and can help bring a country-chic look to your home.
Velvet is a beautiful fabric that displays grace and style. It has a unique texture with a soft and light-catching lustre. Also, it is a great choice for keeping light and sound to a minimum. The opacity of velvet is perfect for maximum privacy. Utilizing designer velvet curtains in your bedroom or living room will instantly transform your home interior and give it an elegant touch.
Polyester is a trending fabric because it is affordable, durable, and easy to care for. These fabrics resist wrinkling, shrinking, and stretching. Polyester fabrics are best for bright and sunny rooms because these fabrics do not fade or deteriorate as quickly as other fabrics. Also, it makes a perfect fit for your bedrooms and living rooms. However, polyester may not be the best material for the kitchen as it easily absorbs odours.
Our top polyester curtain recommendations (Buy Here)
GM 7 Feet Floral Grommet Single Sheer Door Curtain
Acrylic is an excellent-quality synthetic fabric that is both durable and noise-insulating. Also, it is non-staining, fade-resistant, and can be dyed and designed in a wide range of colours. Therefore, this material’s versatility and durability make acrylic an excellent choice for bedroom rooms and living rooms.
Our top acrylic curtain recommendations (Buy Here)
Curtains should be one of the first things to consider when it comes to decorating a space whether it is the bedroom, living room, or even kitchen. A good curtaindesign not only enhances the look of the room but also makes it more functional. These decor items play a vital role in privacy, interior decoration, and light manipulation.
The selection of curtains depends upon a number of aspects such as their length, colour, thickness, and fabric. An ill-fitted and wrong-sized drape not only makes the entire room off-putting but also hampers its efficiency. So, factoring in the key elements becomes pertinent.
Moreover, the quality and opacity of the material also influence the choice of your drapes. Sheer curtains allow maximum transparency while block-out drapes cancel all light. Similarly, cotton, silk, velvet, and other materials have different purposes and benefits. So, choose your fabric wisely.
Once you have decided on the basic features of your curtains plan their hanging style in accordance with the theme and style of the room. Curtains, truly, have the power to revamp your entire space instantly.
Now that you are ready will all the necessary information regarding curtain selection, what’s stopping you from buying the best one? Check out the above-mentioned trendy curtain designs and shop your favourite one!
*The featured image used in this article is from Unsplash
Full-time content writer for BuildingandInteriors, Ankita, spins magic across niches with her creative quill. When she’s not weaving words, you’ll catch her in a passionate tango with art or lost in the reel world of films. With ink as her wand and creativity as her spell, Ankita crafts stories that captivate and content that sparkles!
