Curtains are an important element in a room’s décor. The style, color, and function of a curtain can make or break the whole look and feel of a space. When curtains are added, they warm up a room, they add character to it, and they complete it; just like a frame completes a picture. Because there are so many curtain options on the market, learning how to choose curtains can make the process less overwhelming. For this reason, it is necessary to determine the objective of your curtains, as well as the size of your budget, prior to shopping for them.
The color of your curtains makes a huge difference to the look and feel of your room. The goal is to match or complement the décor. However, you also want to take into consideration the size of your room. For example, dark colors close in a room, and if you have dark furniture and dark walls, then a dark curtain will make the room even smaller. The same concept works for the opposite hue and room size. Light colors, along with light colored furnishings and walls, open up a space and make it bigger. So contrasting curtains with the color of the room is a common practice in controlling space dimension.
Before choosing your curtains, it is important to establish their purpose. Are they for privacy at night, or simply for aesthetic purposes? If functionality is a must, then choose curtains that are convenient to open and close on a regular basis; without having to take them apart or puff them back into position daily. If the curtain is just for looks, but privacy is still a concern, then you might have to include coordinating window blinds to the final window treatment.
Curtains should be cleaned on a regular basis so as to maintain their appearance, but cleaning and maintaining curtains can be costly and time consuming. For this reason, it is necessary to choose curtains that are conducive to your lifestyle and budget. Can you afford to dry-clean your curtains if the care instructions ask for that method? If the option is given to wash by hand, lay it out flat, and iron, do you have the time and the means?
Establishing a budget is imperative as well. Curtains are made from a variety of fabrics, in different styles, and some have linings. The quality of the fabric used for a curtain, as well as the quality of the lining, ultimately determines the price. If special detailing is added, the price can be higher.
Costs increase with curtain styles that require you to purchase additional accessories. Items such as hold and tie backs, wraps, shawls, and draperies are needed to complete the look and feel of some curtains. You may also be expected to purchase specific rings or decorative rods, beyond the basic rod, in order to mount it. And if a particular curtain calls for hardware that complements the style of the curtain, that type of hardware may also greatly affect the installation process.
Understanding the installation process prior to purchasing your curtains will save you a lot of aggravation. It’s easy to get distracted by the look and feel of a stunning curtain, but if the installation process is difficult, then you may be stuck with having to commission someone else to help with the procedure.
Although there are many options available when choosing curtains, the process does not have to be frustrating. If you have an idea of color and style, and you have assigned a budget, then you can narrow down the search. You just need to give yourself the time, remain disciplined, and stay focused on your objective.
