How to Choose Curtains

So you need to buy curtains for your home but what do you need to consider? It's not as straightforward as you think! There are several considerations so let's have a look at how to choose curtains for your home so you get exactly what you need.

Material

curtains
When you choose the material for your curtains you have to take the room into consideration. Does the room get a lot of outside light? Are you close to a street light? If the room is quite dark then a lightweight material may be appropriate like linen or cotton but if you want the curtains to completely blackout the light then a heavier material like velvet may be more suitable. You can also find the perfect blackout curtains for the room darkening in a variety of other materials to provide you with the ultimate privacy and darkness you are looking for.  Silk or faux silk material can add a glamorous look but can crease easily.  As the material is thin they are usually lined. You may also want curtains to be lined to keep heat in and make the curtains impervious to light. 

Design

The design of the curtains is another factor in choosing the right ones for your home. Many people go for a classic colour without a pattern but if you have children you may want a fun design for their bedrooms. For a harmonious look, you may want to go with curtains in a complementary colour or tone to the rest of the room rather than clashing with the decor. If you have a theme for the room you may want your curtains to match this theme, or if your room is simply designed you may want the curtains to stand out. If you have a historic property perhaps Georgian or Edwardian or are decorating in a traditional style you may want swags and tails on your curtains and you need to budget for this.

Size

The important thing to do when buying curtains is to measure the curtain space. To do this you also need to think about where your curtain rod will be, or if you are happy with where the curtain rod is at present measure from there down. Do you want the curtains to be down to the floor or just below the bottom of the window? Ready-made curtains are usually available in standard lengths. If you have a very big window you may have to buy made-to-measure curtains or make them yourself. A common rule is that the curtains should be at least twice the width of the window.

Budget

curtains
So when you consider the material, design and size you will realise that this all affects the budget. Curtains can be expensive but this depends on your choices.  Cotton fabrics in a simple design for a small window will be cheaper than velvet designer curtains for a large window. It's mostly common sense but your budget can constrain your choices so think carefully about how much money you have first. Curtain rods and all the finishing touches like tiebacks also add to the cost too.

Hanging

Before you hang your curtains, it's a good idea to have a look online at how to do it. YouYube is a great source of information so find a hanging guide for curtains on there. Curtain rods should be hung 4 to 6 inches above the window. Get all your materials together to hang your curtains including your curtain rod and hardware, stepladder, tape measure, pencil, drill and anything else you need.  Install the brackets, then the rod and finally the curtains. The rod, finals and tiebacks add the finishing touches so choose ones that complement the curtain design. In the majority of curtains, the length should just touch the floor. 

Now all you have to do is sit back and admire your work! Job done.

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