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How to Choose Curtains for Your Home

By Louisa Price

Curtains can be used in various ways to beautify a room. They can be hung from rods or they can be draped over rings. Curtains can be of floor length and of heavy material or light and flimsy ones, just midway down the wall. Besides just covering windows, curtains can serve a decorative purpose, insulate your home, divide spaces, or cover ugly window frames. Let’s look at a few tips to help you choose the right curtain for your home and make the best decision.

It is important that the curtain you choose is both functional and attractive. There are many easy to maintain materials available which can be used for draperies so be sure to study the fabrics well to understand your needs.

Match the curtain fabric with that of the upholstery. This ensures that there is one particular theme running throughout the room, which creates a tidy and harmonious look. Also, make sure the curtains length and the fabric weight are proportionate to the window’s style and size.

Use sheer or gauze curtains if you want to create a light and airy space. These light weight curtains are semi transparent and so can either be used along with slightly heavier second curtains that can be drawn in the night to offer privacy. If you want curtains for privacy, choose a heavier curtain with a lining. You can add tiebacks for occasions when you would like to look out of the window.

Curtains can be used for insulation. If you live in a cold region, use heavy drapes that will block out the cold air and keep the warmth in, thus reducing your heating bills. Likewise in hotter regions, use light curtains for an airy feel. Or, choose a curtain that is heavily lined to block out light and protect your furniture from fading.

If you want to create a period feel in the room, then you should choose fabrics with classic patterns that immediately add character to the room. If you prefer country style interiors, choose curtains with flowery or other designs depicting the outdoors or the countryside. It is also a good idea to have the same theme running through your bed linen, towels and table cloths which are an important part of the overall decorations.

If you have bright colors on the walls or have lot of art work, it is advisable that you choose neutral colored curtains to make the room less “busy” with lots of patterns. The same applies to bright furniture.

You can also combine curtains with different types of blinds and shades. Use Venetian blinds to control the amount of light entering the room without completely blocking out the light and air.

You may also want to use rugs and carpets in complementary colors to the curtains to demarcate social areas in the room. For instance, if you have two chairs and a coffee table, try placing them on a rug in a particular area to highlight the seating area in the room.

Rugs and tapestries on your walls not only look good but also add warmth and character to a room.

If you are ordering custom curtains online or through an interior designer, always make sure to request for a fabric sample before you buy. Tape the fabric sample to your wall next to the window an live with it for a few days. How does the fabric look in the morning light and evening shade? Many fabrics look quite different when held at different angles; by fixing it to the wall in the direction it will hang you will get a good idea of how it will look in the room.

With these buying tips in mind, choosing curtains for your home is easy. If you are really unsure, you may even want to take a picture of your room and take it with you to help you make the best decision.

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