Think about your purpose before purchasing curtains, and you won't go wrong.

Curtains have a multitude of uses besides merely covering windows. They can serve a decorative purpose, insulate your home, divide spaces, or cover ugly window frames. Before you purchase curtains, first decide what you would like their primary purpose to be.

If you would like 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. If you like, you can keep the look relatively simple. Hang the curtain from rings on a pole, and presto, you're finished.


To block out light, and thus lower your electric bills while protecting your furniture from fading, you will want to choose a curtain that is heavily lined, perhaps even with blackout fabric. These liners can be purchased separately and hung behind the curtains if need be. If you are someone who is not only looking to lower their electric bill, but who also needs complete light blockage due to working a night shift, consider also hanging a roller shade behind the curtain for extra darkness.


Decorative curtains can take all kinds of forms, and can include curtains used for privacy and light blockage as well. Many people do not need curtains for these reasons, however, but would like to add a more designer feel to their home. In this case, you may want to consider purchasing a simple window dressing. You can mount a decorative curtain rod with fancy finials, and hang a long swag across the rod so that it hangs down on both sides of the rod and reaches to the floor. Sometimes these swags are called scarves. At any rate, you will want to make sure that it is long enough for your purpose, if you will be hanging it alone, without the curtains themselves.


If your purpose is to merely accent a room, sheer curtains are a lovely way to accomplish this. You can choose the curtain rod that strikes your fancy, and hang the curtains from it in a variety of ways. You may want to choose rings, tab-top, or simple gathered curtains. Sheers do not block out light or provide privacy, but they are a beautiful airy addition to a room. You can find sheers that feature beautiful embroidery on them, further enhancing their decorative appeal.


If you like, you can go all out, and hang multiple window treatments. There are many ways that you can do this. You can hang curtains, and then hang a scarf in a complimentary color from the rod as well, or you may choose a box valance instead. You can even hang two rods and have sheer curtains behind a practical set of privacy curtains. You can also combine curtains with different types of blinds and shades. Consider a Roman shade in a complimentary color or pattern hung behind the curtains.


Sometimes, you may want to use curtains to provide a separate space in your home, as opposed to limiting their use to windows. If you have a closet without an attractive door, or perhaps no closet at all, but a clothes rack, you can use curtains to conceal these areas, and provide protection from dust. In these cases, you will want to choose a thick curtain that cannot be seen through. Curtains with backings, or that are made of a thick material, such as velvet, are perfect for this purpose. Suddenly, where you once saw a cluttered closet, you have a beautiful fabric treatment instead. This can also give the room a space-enhancing effect, as the curtain implies a window behind it.


You may want to use curtains as space-dividers if you live in a studio apartment, and would like to separate your sleeping area from your dining area, for example. In this case, you would suspend poles from the ceiling, and hang the curtains. It can be a particularly attractive arrangement if you have tie backs, so that the curtains can be opened, in which case, they provide a beautiful decorative effect. Again, you will want to choose a heavy curtain for this purpose, although in this case, the curtain should be attractive on both sides, since you will be able to see it from either side. A lined curtain may not be a good idea. You may want to simply purchase a heavy curtain. If you are not pleased with how the other side of the curtain appears, you can hang double panels, so that the decorative side is facing out on both sides of your curtain divider.


Many people choose curtains over shades and other window treatments because of how easy it is to coordinate them with other furnishings in the room. In this case, you may choose to have curtains custom-made for your home, or to make them yourself. If you have had your sofa reupholstered, you can choose a complementary fabric for your curtains. An inexpensive way to accomplish a similar look in a bedroom is to buy extra flat sheets and make curtains out of them that will match the bedding. In these instances, be careful not to overdo it. Too much chintz, for example, can be hard on the eyes!


You have more options than ever when it comes to curtains and their accessories. It can be overwhelming to walk into a store and see all of the different choices. Remember to keep your purpose in mind, and you will have no problem selecting the right ones for your home.

10 Tips to Choose The Right Curtains

Consider the style, size, and shape of the window, and what you want the curtains for. Think about the room, its proportions and what it's used for, the upholstery, and accessories. Curtains can be hung from rods in a number of ways.
Although most are functional rather than stylish, some decorative types are available. The right choice will not only enhance the window but also turn an ordinary room into a really special place.

Here are ten household helpful hints for choosing curtains:

1. Match curtain fabric with upholstery to unify space that seems untidy.

2. Use carpet to mark off space. A rug is ideal for establishing a social zone within a room.

3. Fabrics with classic patterns give a period feeling to the ambience of a room.

4. Remember that the bed linen, tablecloths, and towels also contribute to decoration.

5. Sheer curtain and gauze enable us to filter light.

6. Venetian blinds allow control over the amount of light entering a room.

7. Do not limit curtains and blinds to just windows. They can be used in an excessively long passage or hallway. Blinds make good screens.

8. In rooms with a lot of pictures, different colored walls, or furniture, it is suitable to use neutral tones for the curtains and upholstery.

9. Take advance of fabrics by using them to renovate your furniture.

10. Use rugs and tapestries as hanging on a wall. Their color and texture are unbeatable and they improve acoustics. About The Author: Roger King has been involved in home interior designs for several years, and has been helping people find and review the best value for interior design solutions.

Choosing Fabric for Curtains in Your Home Deco

There's more to shopping for curtain fabric than seeking out the perfect print of the weave those complements the color scheme to perfection. Furnishing fabrics are not all suitable for every situation.
With the wide range of weaves and weighs of cloth available, make sure the one you buy will do the job you have in mind. The two most important factors to bear in mind when looking for curtain fabric are resistance to fading and the weight of the fabric.

Light resistance curtains, being so close to windows, take a lot of punishment from sunlight. Make sure to close fabrics that are resistant to fading and rotting by the sun's rays, particularly for rooms which get the sun throughout most of the day.

Look at the weight and quality of the fabric. In general, all but the lightest curtains are worth lining, and even some of the thinner softer cloths, which drape well look very limp unless they are lined.

The after-care of made-up curtains also needs some though when choosing fabric. Unless a fabric is labeled and sold as pre-shrunk of fixed-finished, shrinkage have between five and six per cent is considered normal.

Fabric needs to be flexible enough to roll around a wooden dowel. All medium-weight fabrics can be used, but look for tightly woven cottons for really reliable results. If curtains are going to need regular washing it is sensible either to pre-wash the fabric, lining and tape, or to make curtain with detachable linings.

Add Elegance and Style with Beaded Curtains

If you want a drastic and colourful change to your décor then try using beaded curtains for your windows. These change the entire backdrop into an exotic setting. Beaded curtains originate from Asia where they have been in use for many years. The West started to use these beaded curtains only in the 1960s. The curtains basically were made of strings of beads attached to a rod. Adding different colors to the same string or choosing curtains of a single color or in any pattern these beaded curtains look enchanting.




You can use them on both doors and windows as they suit any setting. Commercial places like restaurants or shops use these curtains as dividers to hide the kitchen or the storage area from view. In houses too these can be used as dividers in your drawing room or as a cover for your closets. These come in handy in decorating small areas which require a lot of partitions. With Feng Shui being in vogue the beaded curtains have risen up in the popularity charts. In Feng Shui if you go through a beaded curtain you will feel relaxed and calm with all the stress of the workday leaving you. The beads are supposed to give a positive energy when air comes in contact with these beads.

The beads used for these curtains are made of various types of material. You can get beads made of glass, plastic and wood. Beads are also available in crystal, gemstone and acrylic forms. You can choose from these various collections, blending one or two or choosing one particular make. These beads are very affordable and if you want to make one on your own then you can do this very easily at your home. Moreover you can use your creativity and produce a lot of eye-catching curtains giving your room style and class.




Another advantage of using these curtains is that you can maintain them easily. These are washable and you can repair them easily when torn. Also you can replace your old one with a new one if you get bored with the same look or if the curtain is damaged. This is possible because these are quite economical and easy on your purse. So go ahead and splurge on these beaded curtains giving your home an elegant and chic look.

Useful Hints and Tips for Choosing Curtains

They can transform your room as you wish with curtains to give it a classy, chic or trendy look. Before choosing curtains take note of the size, shape and the style of windows or anyplace that you want to hang curtains. The curtains should match the general décor of a room. You can add height to a room by hanging full length curtains or you can give a room an airy look with short and bright curtains.

Today there are literally countless varieties of curtains available in all hues and patterns to suit the décor of your home, from ready-made to custom-made curtains. You can also find an assortment of curtain rods ranging from stylish and trendy to elegant and classic. Perfect curtains with matching rods that blend with your room décor can enhance the whole ambience of the room.

Following are some useful tips for choosing the perfect curtains.
• Take care to blend your curtain fabric with that of your upholstery. This will give a uniform look to the room.
• If you are aiming for a sophisticated and periodic look, go for fabrics with classic patterns for your curtains.
• Choosing the right curtain is not enough, you also have to give attention to tablecloths, towels or bed linens in the room. Colours and textures of all these fabrics should blend well to enhance the ambience of a room.
• You can create space within a room to establish a social zone by placing carpets or attractive rugs.
• If you want to let in air and light into your room then go for gauzy or sheer curtains.
• To have more control of the light that enters your room you can use venetian blinds instead of curtains.
• If the room is already cluttered with lots of pictures, furniture and other accessories, the best choice is to select muted or neutral colours for curtains and also for your upholstery.
• Keep in mind that curtains are not just for windows. You can improvise and use them to separate a long hallway or other areas.
• If you have leftover fabrics from curtains, use them to redecorate your furniture to match your curtains.

Enhancing Design with Curtains and Drapes

Using Color and Style on Your Drapes and Curtains to Complete a Room

A room just isn't complete without window curtains and drapes. No matter what your taste, effective window treatments can make a room change from ordinary to stylish. Additionally, curtains and drapes are affordable.

For those who are renting or don't have the budget to completely redecorate a room, window dressings can add a finishing touch to make any room feel like home.

There are many drapes and curtains styles to choose from, so before you make any purchases, do some research to find a style that you can live with for a while.

Even though curtains and drapes are more affordable than redoing an entire room, they're still an investment, and one that will be in place for a while.

Curtain Colors
Color is an easy and obvious place to start when looking into new window treatments. Experimenting with colorful window treatments is a great way to expand your creative comfort level.

If you're not ready to paint your walls maroon, for example, you can incorporate the color in your curtains and drapes to make a dramatic statement that is easier to change should you decide you don't like it. It also eliminates the need to get into a major redecorating project, as painting or wallpaper often require.


Use complimentary colors throughout the room, including the window treatments. Not sure what color to choose? Consider all the elements of color in the room, including furniture and accents such as throw pillows, throw rugs, or paintings. If you're not comfortable with your color abilities, consider using a color chart from a local paint store, craft store, or out of a design book.

These tools group similar colors that work well together. Using these tools, you can choose drapes and curtains that will compliment the other colors in the room. It will also help boost your confidence level.

Pick a style

The options for drapes and curtains are nearly endless, or so it seems. While it may seem like "just" curtains, they can be powerful design elements when done well. That said, it pays to take some time to review various styles and choose one you really like. This also has a direct influence on the type of curtain rod you'll need, or other hanging design elements. Again, there are many design choices when it comes to hanging your window treatments, so it is best to know what you are getting yourself into.

Do you like traditional designs, or do your tastes run toward the contemporary looks? Do you like bold color, or do you prefer subtle shades? Consider making a list of the design elements you know for sure. Then, browse through a variety of design books and websites to get a good idea of how these designs are incorporated in different ways.

Another key element to consider is the fabric choice for your curtains and drapes. The fabric, and texture of the fabric, can greatly enhance the overall design scheme. A lightweight, airy fabric is perfect for a sunny kitchen, while a heavier fabric works well for those areas where you need more privacy and need to compliment larger, heavier furnishings. Do not be afraid to explore and experiment with different fabric types.

Mixing lightweight fabrics with heavier ones gives you daytime and evening options, for those rooms where you want to take advantage of natural light, but also need privacy in the evening. This combination also works well in climates that change dramatically, allowing you a lightweight summer option, and insulating curtains during the winter. It also eliminates the need to change your window treatments with the seasons (although this can be fun!).

As you know and will quickly discover, there are more things to consider than simply color and texture. The options for hanging drapes and curtains are seemingly endless! As you browse through design books and home improvement stores, allow your imagination to drift as you consider different possibilities. Even some contemporary hanging designs can work very effectively in a traditional room, adding a complimentary mix of design.

If you do not like a traditional valance, many draping styles offer a similar framing effect without being as constrictive as a valance style. On the other hand, if you don't like the freeform look of draped fabrics, a flip-style valance may be the perfect option to give your drapes a polished, styled look.

Don't be afraid to mix styles. You can always change your mind. Take advantage of drawing boards (or computer programs, if available) to "test" your designs before making final purchases. Even a rough sketch can give you an idea if you will like the scheme. Use pictures in books and the design sections of home improvement stores to get a visual idea of how different options look. (You can even trace them and add your own colors to get a better feel for your choices.)



Decorating on a budget

Once you have chosen your design, it's time to look for fabric or drapes. Even though window treatments are less costly than completely redecorating a room, fabric and drapes can add up quickly. This can be even more of an issue if you have many windows to treat, are using layers, or if you are using design to make your windows appear larger.

One way to overcome this problem is to shop wisely. Be on the lookout for sales and discount drapes and curtains. Look for discount stores, clearance items, and seasonal sales. Another option is to combine your own fabrics with discounted drapes or to alter them to meet your needs. Tab-top curtains, for example, can be made from standard drapes (so long as they are wide enough to create the desired effect for your window).

In other words, be open to ideas and take your time when shopping. The finished effect will be worth the wait.

Adding elements

Adding design elements to your curtains and drapes can be an effective and cost-saving method to add instant design and style. Visit your local craft or design store to find ideas for adding design elements. Artificial vines or flowers can add a nice touch, as can using twigs, bamboo, or other natural items.

These elements help bring the outside in and create a warm, comforting feeling in the room. Design elements such as ribbon, beads, buttons, clips, and anything else that catches your fancy allow you to add a personal touch. These result in a truly unique window treatment, a finishing touch, and represent your personal style.

Curtains - Buying Tips

Using curtains as window treatments can give your room an entirely different look. The great thing about using curtains is that you do not have to spend a fortune to get a designer look. By today's standards, many curtains are expensive but by looking for sales or even sewing your own, you can transform the appearance of your windows for 60%, 70%, 80% or more off what you pay for designer curtains. For example, look for end of season and overstock items. Many times, beautiful curtains simply did not sell so to move old stock, stores will offer outstanding sales.

When choosing curtains, you want to think about your furniture, furnishings, and colour of the room. Regardless of the style, traditional, contemporary, or elaborate, you can use curtains to set the mood. In other words, you can complement and enhance the room by creating a romantic or whimsical look. With so many options for curtains, you can use design, colour, and even texture to achieve your goal. You will be amazed at how gorgeous your rooms just by adding new curtains.

Therefore, before you go out to shop for new window curtains, consider the goal you have. In this case, do you want the curtains to blend in with the background, do you want the curtains to pop with colour, or are you looking for curtains that make a sophisticated statement. Then, you need to consider the type of window you have. Obviously, not all curtain styles look good on all windows so consider the height and width of the window so you choose the appropriate style.



With curtains, you have literally thousands of options pertaining to fabric. Some of these are brand names, which can be costly. However, you can find beautiful fabrics that are private label. The key here is to check the fabric carefully before buying. In this case, the private label could mean sub-par quality or it could be high quality. Therefore, pay attention to the look and feel. Typically, if the fabric looks and feels expensive, then the quality is probably good. However, if the fabric is thin and flimsy, you should avoid using it for curtains.

You also want to consider cleaning when buying or making curtains. Needing to have curtains dry-cleaned can be expensive. Therefore, choose wisely so cleaning is not too expensive. Two of the advantages to curtains is that if you choose lined treatments, they can work to regulate the amount of light filtering into the room and help with heat and cold. With lined curtains, you can keep them pulled on cold days and the lining will help maintain a nice, warm room. If you work at night, you can choose curtains with a special type of lining to completely, block out light, allowing you to sleep like a baby during the day.

Start with the fabric, choosing colour and patterns that work best with your room. Keep in mind that you want curtains that also reflect your personal style and personality. Then, to soften heavy material or dark colours, you can use coordinating sheers underneath. Sheers allow sunlight into the room while still providing you with a little bit of privacy. Finally, when choosing curtains, the most important thing is good fit. For this, make sure you measure exactly. The result will be a professional appearance that makes your entire room look fantastic.