Smart tips to choose the best curtains and drapes for your space
Staff Writer | December 9, 2024
This article was made possible thanks to 3HLinen, a brand that produces linen bedding, clothing, kitchen textiles, curtains, duvet covers and more using only 100% Flax Linen from Best European Linen Mills.
In home decor, selecting the correct curtains and drapes for your area makes a significant difference.
Though they appear like a minor detail, these soft furnishings are important for limiting light, increasing privacy, providing texture to a room, and defining the mood.
Whether you’re decorating your bedroom, living room or any other area, there are several factors to consider if you want to create a harmonious look and feel.
Try these smart tips to choose the best curtains and drapes for your space:
Consider the functionality of your curtains
The first thing to consider when selecting natural curtains for your room is their purpose. Do you need them for insulation, light control, or privacy? The room and your demands will determine the uses for curtains and drapes.
For places like a nursery or a home office where you have to control the temperature or prevent light from entering, thermal or blackout curtains are excellent choices.
Knowing the main purpose of your curtains will enable you to choose the fabric and style that best meets your particular needs.
Select the appropriate fabric for your space
The fabric of your curtains greatly impacts the ambience and use of the room. Each material provides varying degrees of opacity, textures and appearances. Lighter fabrics including linen, cotton and sheer materials are ideal choices for areas including kitchen and living spaces where sunlight is vital.
Alternatively, heavier materials like velvet, brocade, and heavy linen offer a modern touch and are perfect choices for bedroom or formal dining areas where you wish to have more privacy and light control.
Also, consider how each fabric type responds to sunshine. Certain materials fade more quickly than others, so select a fabric with UV protection to extend your curtain’s life.
Consider the style of your room
The style of your room greatly assists you in guiding your choice of curtains or drapes. The style of your curtains should match your decor whether it includes traditional, modern, minimalist, eclectic, or others.
For a more classic setting, consider exquisite tiebacks, pleated designs or rich, opulent fabrics like silk or velvet with detailed patterns.
If you have a modern home, choose clean lines and drapes in neutral or striking colours. Matching the style of your curtains with the current decor will create a coherent and balanced look that improves the overall design of the area.
Measure the space correctly
Choosing the ideal natural curtains depends on accurate measurements, hence measuring the space correctly. Before buying curtains, properly measure the width and length to make sure they fit the space of a room.
First, measure the width of the window then, add extra inches to guarantee the curtains will cover the window fully and create a fuller look when drawn. Depending on the desired style, there are different options for the length.
While lengthier curtains falling to the floor provide a more formal and elegant image, curtains ending just above the windowsills have a clean, practical appearance. To guarantee a proper fit, measure your window frame and intended curtain length exactly.
Think about your room’s colour palette
The colour of your curtains should complement the current colour scheme of your space. Choosing drapes in neutral or light tones will balance and contrast if the walls are painted in strong or dark tones.
Most rooms can benefit from light-coloured curtains like white, beige or light grey, which also make a room seem brighter and more spacious. Rich, deep-coloured curtains will enhance the visual appeal of a room. If you have patterned furniture or decor, choose solid-coloured curtains to prevent dominating the room.
Consider durability and maintenance
Maintenance is often disregarded in curtain and drape selection. While certain materials might be machine-washed or spot-cleaned for simple maintenance, others require frequent dry cleaning.
If you prefer low-maintenance solutions, consider sturdy and easily maintained fabrics like polyester or cotton mixes. These fabrics can sustain daily use and do not fade with repeated washing.
Though beautiful, heavy fabrics like velvet or silk sometimes demand more sensitive treatment to maintain their texture and look. Choose a more durable and simple-to-clean alternative if you’re not ready for the additional work.
The next time you’re looking for curtains or drapes for your home, consider these smart tips, including the functionality of the curtains, selecting and appropriate fabric and the general colour scheme. You’ll be sure to find the most suitable style for your space.
Sponsored
We have a request
SHE DEFINED’s journalism is independent and we’re committed to elevating the voices of women by putting them front-and-centre in our stories and giving them a platform to speak up.
Quality journalism and editorial content takes time, money and resources to create, which is why your support matters. We don’t have a paywall or exclusive subscriptions because we believe in keeping our stories open to everyone.
Help support our mission by making a financial contribution today.