It’s no surprise that curtains have the ability to really bring a room to life, so with such power, you’ll want to ensure you find the perfect pair. When it comes to curtains, there’s so much to consider. From colour, to length, fabric and lining, we’re here to ensure you avoid feeling overwhelmed thanks to our interior designer Northern Ireland expert's top 5 tips to help you effortlessly choose new curtains for your home.
Colour & fabric
When choosing curtains, fabric is definitely key given its ability to dictate the functionality and endurance of them. Finding the right weight is vital; too heavy and they may not fold crisply when closed; too light and they’re unlikely to fall well.
To help determine if the weight of fabric is correct, try holding it up to a window, even in a showroom. Use a big piece of the material and fold it accordion pleats at the top. Watch its drape to see how it falls.
For colour options, consider the lighting in your room. If the curtains are likely to be subjected to a lot of sunlight over time, or you aren’t planning on changing them for a considerable period, avoid bright colours, which have a tendency to fade faster. Instead, choose neutral colours, which are also more likely to blend into your room.
When it comes to fabrics, linen, silk, faux silk and velvet are the most popular curtain texture choices, since they have the ability to fall well. Faux silk is usually the most durable, and won’t deteriorate as quickly as real silk, which will rot if left unlined.
You should also let the functionality of your curtains determine your fabric choice. Heavy weight fabrics such as suede, velvet, tapestry and tweed are popular choices in hotels since they work to keep out the cold.
Length & lining
When deciding the length of your curtains, consider where you want them to hang from. An easy trick to instantly add height to your room is to hang your curtains higher than the window. To measure, begin at your chosen height above the window, down to the floor. For those seeking a traditional look, add two to three inches to the length for a puddled look on the floor, or for a more modern finish, the curtains should finish flush with the floor.
When measuring the width of your curtains, add four to eight inches on each side, and then double for a full finish. If your curtains will serve the purpose of blocking out sun, those extra inches will work perfectly.
Custom creations or off-the-shelf
If your budget allows, custom curtains boast many advantages. Your curtains will be made specifically for your window and room, so their fit will be perfect for a tailored look. Furthermore, custom panels are available in endless design options, from materials to header style so if you have a specific vision in mind, this is the perfect way to achieve it. Speak to our interior designer Northern Ireland team to bring your vision to life.
Cleaning options
From the onset, determine whether you would prefer machine wash or dry-clean only curtains, keeping in mind that trying to wash curtains yourself can lead to their ruin.
Consultation options
If you choose to go down the custom route, consider whether an on-line or personal in-home or studio consultation is better for you. The advantage of meeting with a consultant face-to-face means they can view the room your curtains are required for, and you won’t have the hassle of trying to measure the window space yourself. A meeting with our interior designer Northern Ireland team will give you the opportunity to discuss styles and vision, as well as viewing sample fabrics and finishes.
At Home and Contract Design, our interior designer Northern Ireland team offers the complete custom curtain design process. Allow us to take care of everything from measuring to finding your perfect fabric and textile, as well as providing the correct curtain pole to complete the look. For more information, get in touch with Pam here.
