Measurements, Fabric And Other Things To Decide On Before Buying Curtains

Measurements, Fabric And Other Things To Decide On Before Buying Curtains

Curtains are simultaneously the most crucial as well as the most underrated part of interior design. Most of the times, they are overshadowed by the more prominent elements in interior design, but you certainly feel their absence if the windows are bare.

So even if you feel like your curtain choice won’t matter in the long run, know that it certainly does. Six months – or even a year and more – down the road you’ll definitely be noticing the fabric, the hardware and the topping – don’t make any mistakes that will cost you a lot more in the long run. So today, we’ll be looking at measurements, fabric and other things to decide on before buying curtains. Let’s have a look:

  1. Measurement

The most common mistake that homeowners tend to make while buying their curtains is not taking the right measurements. A curtain whose size and dimensions are based on shoddy guesswork is definitely going to end up being an eyesore. So, before you hit the market, take out that measuring tape from your toolbox and take measurements of all the windows that need to be draped and furnished.

Remember that not all windows in your house or condo are of the same size, so you’ll need to be very specific with all the dimensions you take. This will help you make better-informed decisions about the amount of fabric you’ll need, how much extra leeway you may need at the top and bottom of your curtains, along with what style may suit well for certain spaces.

  1. Type of fabric

The type of fabric you choose for your curtain depends upon both your preferred aesthetic as well as your budget. Some fabrics are definitely more inexpensive than others, but they may not have the same visual quality as the expensive ones.

A common affordable choice is a polyester, but try not to use that in your condo’s kitchen windows as the material is highly flammable. Cotton, on the other hand, makes for a lovely traditional-style fabric. Elongated silk curtains have a certain panache that emulates elegance and luxury. Then there are sheer curtains, which emulate a highly modern look, and will be the perfect material to let in diffused, opaque natural light. You can switch them with lace as well, for a more romantic effect.

  1. Style of curtain

The style of your curtain is also something you need to decide before buying. You need to match it with the overall interior design theme of your house. If the aesthetics clash, you’ll have a huge interior design faux pas on your hands. So, if your house has been styled to emulate the traditional or neo-classical style, then try to go for curtains that either have elaborate pelmets or valances with rich, luxurious fabric to complement the grand style. However, if your house has been styled to emulate a rather contemporary vibe that is modern, minimal, or Scandinavian, then it’s best to opt for sheer or lace curtains to evoke a sleek, modernistic aura.

  1. Style of hardware

Lastly, you also need to carefully select the style of your hardware – i.e. curtain rods or rails – before you buy your curtains. There are various types of curtain hardware that you can pursue according to the style of your windows and drapes. Single rods with finials at the end look beautiful in classical style settings. Double rods are excellent for layering two curtain fabrics on top of each other, and if you want to hide the hardware completely, it’s best to opt for pelmets. If you want to showcase the curtain rail, then go for tab-top or eyelet style curtain designs and if you want to hide them completely, then valances are an excellent option to emulate a little flair.

So these are the things that you need to decide on before you actually go and buy your curtains. We hope this piece helps you style your windows with the perfect curtains.

Author:

Zana Dodig

Zana is a window treatments consultant with over 20 years of experience.

Call Now Button