Design Hacks: Tips For Picking The Perfect Curtains

Design Hacks: Tips For Picking The Perfect Curtains

If you’ve ever been overwhelmed with curtains, what to do and what to choose, you’re not alone, and we are here to help! While it is easy to focus your attention when designing a room on the furniture, it is also important to consider the impact of your drapery. Being one of the first things you see when entering a room and taking up vertical space, they really are quite a focal point. While they may seem like an afterthought to many, curtains can impact your design in a multitude of ways.

Function

Blocks Direct Sunlight – While direct sunlight can brighten a room and provide stellar views if you have large windows, too much sunlight can actually damage your floors and furniture. To prevent fading and warping, it is important to shield these things from the harsh rays. 

Climate Control – Along with damaging floors and furniture, direct sunlight can cause the temperature of your room to increase drastically, which can be an issue if you are trying to keep a room cool in the middle of summer. Drapes can help by blocking out heat emitted from windows, or reversely, curtains can also keep the heat in during the cooler months. As the old saying goes “I’m not paying to heat the outside!”

Privacy – This goes without saying, but curtains can provide privacy by blocking the ability to see inside your home from the outside. For homes that are particularly close, this function can be an absolute necessity.

Noise Insulation – Similar to muffling the intensity of the sun, curtains can be of assistance with blocking outside noise. Whether you have a napping baby, you work nights, live on a high traffic street or that dog next door just won’t stop barking, curtains can help reduce the noise that would otherwise make its way through your window panes.

Enhance the Design – Along with the many other functional benefits curtains provide, they also add a great deal of interest to your room’s design. With the incredibly wide variety of fabrics available to you, curtains are among the most customizable features of any room. Whether you want them to disappear into the background or stand front and center. 

Now that we have addressed some of the many functions, let’s talk form! 

Form

Height/Length – When determining the length of the curtains you will select, consider some of these things. You can create drama with long lengths by hanging the panels high to create a sense of intensity. At minimum, hang curtains 3 to 6 inches above the window frame and 4 to 8 inches on either side of the window. Go even higher to create a lavish, powerful effect. For rooms with low ceilings, consider floor-to-ceiling drapes, which will create the illusion of more space. Choose a length that falls flush with the floor to create a crisp and modern look. For a more traditional look, extend the length a few inches, this will create a classic puddle effect. Choose shorter lengths if you have children and/or pets to prevent curtains from getting damaged or from collecting dust in high traffic homes.

Color – When deciding on color, look for something that complements the existing color palette of your room. It does not have to match perfectly and can also be used as an opportunity to tie in hues that can be found elsewhere in the home. Metallic color trends can add a luxurious feel to minimalist designs and accentuate shimmering tones of gold, copper and silver accessories you may have. Neutrals can be used in both solids and patterns. If the room already has statement pieces or patterns, look for solid neutral fabric. And vice versa, if you are looking to introduce a pattern, select a design with a neutral palette to bring visual interest in a subtle way.

Fabric – Heavier gauged fabrics like suede, velvet, and tweed are great for insulation while lighter materials like sheer panels, faux silk and cotton let in as much natural light as possible. Natural materials such as cotton, jute and bamboo create a calm and relaxed environment. For smaller rooms, heavier fabrics can create an imbalance and cause the room to feel cramped. Choose a lighter weight fabric with a liner if you are looking for more of the insulation benefits without negatively impacting your design with too much weight. 

Pattern – Bold curtains with geometric prints and large floral motifs were once the staple of every home and are now making a comeback. Patterns can energize a design or transform the space completely if the room is currently lacking any distinct prints or patterns. Consider vertical stripes to create or accentuate height and colorful florals in spring and summer months.

While there is a lot to consider when choosing your perfect window treatments, remember these are among the most customizable pieces you will have in your home. You have the freedom to choose the form and the function. You can choose the design and the functionality, make them seasonal or year-round. The options are truly endless and as we always say, have fun with it!Apr 1 2020