How to Choose the Best Curtains for Your Home
- Updated on: May 6, 2025
- Written by Bev Fidler
Selecting the right curtains can enhance both the look and functionality of your living spaces. From controlling natural light to adding a stylish finishing touch, the best curtains can transform any room in your home into a comfortable haven.
In our latest guide, we’ll explore the various types of curtains, discuss the most suitable materials, highlight the top curtain trends for this year, and provide expert recommendations on purchasing, installing, and maintaining your window treatments.
Why Quality Curtains Matter: Function Meets Style
Curtains go beyond mere decoration; they serve an important role in everyday living. Whether you want to block out bright light or emphasise natural light, curtains affect how you experience your home.
High-quality curtains offer essential light control, enabling you to regulate the amount of sunlight entering your space. Whether you crave brightness or want complete room darkening, the right curtain fabric and style make all the difference. They also ensure privacy, protecting your household from outside views and creating a sense of security and comfort.
From an energy efficiency perspective, high-quality blockout curtains help insulate rooms, reducing heat transfer during Newcastle’s warm summers and cooler winters. This practical benefit complements their aesthetic appeal—the right design and fabric selection can highlight your home’s décor, helping every room feel more inviting.
Understanding Different Curtain Types for Various Needs
Knowing the various curtain types is essential for selecting the best option that matches your style, lighting control requirements, and budget. Homeowners often seek a balance between functionality and style.
Blackout Curtains (Blockout Curtains)
Sometimes called blackout curtains, blockout curtains are designed with specialised fabric and lining that effectively blocks out external light. They’re a favourite for bedrooms and home theatres because they promote deeper sleep by shielding the room from streetlights or early morning sun.
They also enhance viewing experiences, making them ideal for media rooms and home cinemas. The added benefit of improved insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures, offering energy savings throughout the year.
Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains diffuse intense or bright light, allowing a soft glow into your room while maintaining a degree of privacy. Known for their lightweight fabrics, sheer curtains showcase natural light by allowing sunlight to filter through while softening glare.
They create airy atmospheres, making them ideal for living room curtains or communal spaces where you want openness. Sheer curtains also layer beautifully with heavier options for versatile light control.
S Fold Curtains
S-fold curtains (also known as wave fold curtains) are named after the smooth “S” shape the header forms. This modern style offers a sleek look with even, continuous folds that create a contemporary silhouette.
Designed to glide smoothly along the curtain rod or track, they work beautifully with various fabrics, whether sheer curtains, blockout curtains, or lightweight linens.
Curtain Materials and Fabrics: Making the Right Choice
The material you choose impacts the curtain’s appearance, durability, maintenance, and light control. Newcastle’s coastal climate—with higher levels of humidity and strong sunlight—also influences your selection.
- Cotton curtains offer breathability and are easy to clean, although they may fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight.
- Polyester options offer durability and wrinkle resistance, although they are less breathable and can trap heat.
- Linen curtains are eco-friendly and have a natural look, although they are prone to wrinkling and can be more delicate.
- For a luxurious feel and excellent insulation, velvet curtains offer premium benefits, although they are typically heavier and more expensive.
Consider how much light you want to let in or block out, your home’s interior style, and how often you’re willing to clean or maintain the curtains. For example, linen curtains lend a relaxed, coastal vibe that suits many Newcastle homes, but they may require more careful handling to avoid creasing.
Current Australian Curtain Trends
As the Newcastle region evolves, so do our home décor preferences. Currently, we’re seeing earthy and soft palettes dominate the market, with sandy tones, warm greys, and gentle pastels reflecting Australia’s natural landscapes. Patterned curtain choices featuring botanical prints, geometric motifs, and subtle stripes are gaining popularity.
Layering for depth has become increasingly common, with homeowners combining sheer curtains with blockout or room-darkening curtains to provide flexible light control and a sophisticated look.
There is also a growing focus on eco-conscious fabrics, with Australians increasingly interested in sustainable and organic materials, particularly those made from linen, hemp, and recycled blends.
Our designers emphasise choosing curtain styles that complement the area’s laid-back coastal aesthetic while still delivering modern, functional benefits, particularly when it comes to light control, such as blocking bright light or intense summer sun.
Room-by-Room Curtain Recommendations
Different rooms in your home may call for specific curtain solutions, depending on how you use the space, your privacy needs, and the desired atmosphere.
Living Room Curtains: Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality
When choosing living room curtains, consider the fabric weight—medium-weight linen curtains or cotton-blend curtains provide a relaxed, airy look suitable for social areas.
For light control, sheer curtains or layering with room-darkening options allow flexibility for daytime brightness and evening privacy. Ensure your curtains enhance existing furniture, colours, and décor elements to create a harmonious space.
Bedroom Curtains: Creating the Perfect Sleep Environment
Your bedroom is a sanctuary for rest, so opt for blockout curtains to keep spaces dark for a good night’s sleep and energy efficiency. Thicker fabrics can help buffer external sounds, creating a quieter environment for better sleep.
Choose tranquil tones with soft, calming colours to promote relaxation and complement your existing décor.
Newcastle Climate Considerations: Choosing Curtains for Local Weather
Living in Newcastle means dealing with a coastal location, warm summers, and cool winters. When shopping for the best curtains for this region, look for humidity resistance—linen curtains and other natural fibres can absorb moisture but may require frequent airing to prevent mildew.
The insulating properties found in blockout or thick, layered curtains can help stabilise indoor temperatures, saving on energy bills. Additionally, consider UV protection, as Newcastle’s sunshine can cause fabrics to fade over time. Use a lining or opt for materials specifically designed to withstand strong sunlight.
Installation Guide: Getting It Right the First Time
Even the best curtains won’t perform optimally if they’re not hung correctly. Follow these steps to hang curtains like a pro:
- Measure Your Windows: Accurately measure the width and length for each window; add extra width for fuller-looking folds.
- Decide on Hardware: Choose a sturdy curtain rod or track that complements your décor. Consider metal rods for modern styles or wood rods for a classic, warm finish.
- Hang Curtains at the Right Height: Mount rods higher above the window to create an illusion of height and elegance.
- Allow for Draping: Curtains that extend to the floor often look more luxurious; some homeowners even allow curtains to “puddle” on the floor for a dramatic effect.
If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, hiring a professional installer can ensure your curtains are perfectly positioned for maximum impact.
Classic’s Maintenance Guide for Long-Lasting Curtains
Maintaining your curtains properly can extend their lifespan and preserve their appearance. Different fabrics require different cleaning approaches.
Cotton and linen curtains are often machine-washable in cold water on a gentle cycle. To reduce wrinkles, fold curtains neatly and air-dry. Polyester curtains are generally durable and low-maintenance, with spot cleaning using mild detergent typically sufficient. Velvet requires gentle handling or professional cleaning, with regular vacuuming to remove dust.
For seasonal maintenance, implement a quarterly refresh by dusting and vacuuming curtains to eliminate airborne particles and pet hair. Prevent sun damage by rotating or adjusting curtains regularly if one area is more exposed to harsh sunlight.
Consider an annual deep clean depending on fabric type—either machine wash, dry-clean, or steam-clean your curtains for thorough maintenance.
Expert Recommendations: Insights from Classic Blind’s Designers
Here are our designer’s top tips for when you buy curtains:
- Avoid under-sizing—curtains that are too narrow or short can make windows look cramped.
- Measure carefully, and when in doubt, go longer and wider.
- Choose colours wisely, as soft or neutral curtain shades can make small spaces appear larger, while bold colours or patterned curtain designs add personality.
- Always prioritise function by focusing on what each room needs in terms of privacy, light control, and insulation before settling on aesthetic details.
- Matching the curtains to a room’s overall style—such as traditional, contemporary, or coastal—to achieve a cohesive look.
Key Takeaways
- Quality curtains enhance light control, privacy, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal in your home.
- Select from blockout, sheer, room-darkening, and S-fold curtains tailored to your specific needs.
- Material choice impacts durability and maintenance; consider options such as cotton, polyester, linen, or velvet.
- Room-specific recommendations suggest medium-weight fabrics for living rooms, blockout curtains for bedrooms, and moisture-resistant options for kitchens.
- Proper installation, with the correct height and width of the curtain rod, ensures optimal appearance and function.
Transform Your Home with the Perfect Curtains
From stylish sheer curtains that emphasise natural light to practical blockout curtains that deliver superior light control, the variety of choices can feel overwhelming. However, by prioritising your room’s specific needs, choosing durable fabrics, and following proper installation and maintenance methods, you’ll maximise both beauty and functionality.
If you’re ready to elevate your space, visit Classic Blinds’ showroom to see and feel all our curtains in person, including how the fabrics hang, fold, and function. With the right blend of style, material, and professional expertise, you’ll soon be enjoying curtains that perfectly suit your home and lifestyle.
