All About Curtains

From choosing to cleaning: everything you need to know about curtains

Today curtains are a standard addition to homes and businesses because they are not only functional, but also attractive. While the original purpose of curtains was to block unwanted light over the years they have become an easy and often affordable way to enhance a room's decor.

Choosing curtains

Considering that curtains are constructed of just a piece of cloth you can only imagine the number of shapes, sizes, materials, patterns, and colors that are available. The selection of curtains is so large that some retailers specialize in just selling curtains while other major retailers dedicate an entire department to them.

When you are choosing curtains there are a few items to consider.

- Purpose: What is the purpose of adding curtains? Are the curtains intended to provide privacy, block out light, or just add a splash of color to the room? This will help you determine the right weight of curtains. For example, if you are installing curtains in your bedroom in order to add privacy you will want to avoid sheer curtain fabrics.

- Style: What style of curtain will complement the room's decor? Would curtains that gather or bunch add a bit of texture to the room or would curtains that fall straight be better?

- Patterns and colors: Curtains can help add color to a room or simply blend in with the current decor. If you are looking to use curtains as an accent consider ones that feature bold colors or unique patterns.

Another important factor: selecting the right length

The length of curtains is perhaps the most important factor to consider. Curtains are basically available in four lengths. Curtains that fall

- to the windowsill,

- below the trim or apron of the window,

- to the floor,

- or gather at the floor.

It's important to realize that certain lengths are better for specific rooms and decors. Here's a helpful guide to choosing the right length.

- For formal rooms like living rooms or dens, long curtains that fall to the floor are best.

- To create a dramatic effect in dining rooms try curtains that gather at the floor.

- It's best to be practical kitchens and bathrooms and stick to curtains that fall to the windowsill or just below.

Caring for your curtains

Unfortunately most curtains require dry cleaning, but you can look for ones that can be machine-washed in the delicate cycle. Realize that machine-washable curtains will likely require ironing.

More information on curtains