How to Choose Curtains: Common Problems To Consider To Make the Right Choice
- Updated on:
- Written by Bev Fidler
We rely on curtains every day to make our lives more comfortable, but how do you choose curtains for your home?
When choosing curtains for your home you need to consider what existing window treatments you’re working with, the curtain fabric, curtain function, the length and style, as well as curtain colour to match your interior design. You’ll also need to make decisions about whether or not you use curtain rods and the style of curtain rod, if you want blackout lining, and if you need any other accessories, like soft furnishings or pelmets.
Every room will have its problems when you try to hang curtains. Whether you’re having an issue with length, aesthetics, light or privacy, there is a solution to every problem. Here are some of the most common concerns we discuss with our customers, complete with the ideal solution and why it works.
The Problem: Needing Privacy Without Blocking Out The Light
You Should Choose: Sheer and light filtering, or translucent curtains
Why it works: Sheer and translucent curtains allow light to come through, but keep your room concealed from the outside world – an ideal choice for dining or living room curtains. Light filtering curtains offer a soft, relaxed ambience and can be made from a variety of fabrics – cotton curtains or linen curtains being a favourite for a balance of privacy and natural light.
Due to the lightness of the fabric, they work well as floor length curtains and are easy to manage day-to-day. Lighter fabrics are also popular as you can get them in almost any colour curtain you like, so they can easily match your interiors.
The Problem: Keeping Out The Summer Heat and Winter Chill
You Should Choose: Blockout fabric curtains or aluminium plantation shutters
Why it works: Curtains and blinds made from blockout lined fabric (called either blockout or blackout curtains) are thick enough to stop outside heat getting in and the warmth from your home’s heating system getting out. Blockout curtain panels are perfect for bedrooms and darker home aesthetics, used for both privacy and light control.
Alternatively, aluminium plantation shutters work just as well and offer greater flexibility. Hinged louvres make controlling airflow easier — something you can’t do with curtains.
The Problem: Picking a Curtain Style
You Should Consider: Curtain headers and fabrics
Why it works: How your curtains hang from the rail influences how they drape. For example, wave folds cause a soft fabric fall, whereas pinch pleats are structured and decorative. When choosing a curtain style — be it a header design or fabric — consider what tone you’re aiming for in the room: relaxed, formal, modern, traditional and so on. Use this as your starting point to guide your decisions on fabrics and shapes.
If you need help learning about the different curtains styles and accessories, talk to an experienced professional at Classic Blinds.
The Problem: All The Light Needs To Be Blocked Out
You Should Choose: Blockout blinds or curtains
Why it works: Nodding off with light streaming in or waking up as soon as the sun rises is no fun. Blackout fabric — used on curtains or blinds — blocks all light. For maximum effect, you’ll need the curtains or blinds to completely cover the window to ensure light doesn’t creep in underneath or at the sides.
The Problem: There’s Glare at Certain Times During The Day
You Should Choose: Double roller blindsWhy it works: All bases are covered with the teamwork of a double blind. A thinner, translucent (or sheer) blind for the daytime reduces glare, without blocking out all the light or view. When night falls (or if the glare is really bad) simply roll down the blockout blind. This keeps nosey neighbours out when the house lights are on.
The Problem: Security and Safety
You Should Choose: Security Plantation ShuttersWhy it works: Sometimes the biggest window in a room doubles as a door. When this is the case, the window treatment should offer more than just privacy, but also a degree of security for your home. Aluminium shutters complete with three-point locks can be easily fitted over windows or sliding doors. Not only do you get the security, but they’re considerably more attractive than grilles or bars.
Choosing the Right Curtains Can Revitalise Your Home
Deciding which type of window treatment to hang starts with looking at the problems the window covers must solve, be it energy consumption, light reduction, or style.
Once you’ve identified the problems and decided on the type of blinds, curtains or shutters you need, the next step is to work out the size and cost.
And that’s where we can help. The Classic Blinds & Shutters team provides a free measuring service. And once we’ve got the measurements, we can provide you with your project quote.
Book your appointment here and tell us you’d like a free measure and quote, or get in touch with our friendly team at Classic Blinds and Shutters!
Key Takeaways
- Consider the room's existing decor and window treatments when choosing curtains.
- Address privacy, light control, aesthetics, and energy efficiency with the appropriate fabric choice.
- Sheer or light-filtering curtains offer privacy without sacrificing light, while blockout fabrics are ideal for light blocking.
- The article emphasizes the importance of fabric, function, length, style, and color in achieving the desired look and functionality for your space.
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