 Curtain Basics
Believe it or not, curtains are one of the most important elements in home decoration. Remember when you moved into your home? Chances are, you put up some kind of curtains right away -- if only that college standby, a tacked-up sheet. Curtains provide privacy; they filter light; they affect the feel of a room. Replay that old sheet. How did the room change when you replaced it with crisp cafe curtains? Then later, with floor-length drapes?
You can use curtains to change the look and feel of a room, and they're a fast, easy and relatively inexpensive way to update your decor. Here are some of the basics:
Consider the room || What's your style? || Tricks of the trade
Consider the room: The lighting in a room, and how it is used, affects the curtains you choose
When and how is the room used? If it is used mostly during the day for well-lit activities -- a sewing room, for instance -- you may to let in as much light as possible. For a nursery, on the other hand, you must be able to block out sunlight. If a room is used mostly at night, you may want more coverage at the windows; bare windows at night look stark from inside, and provide no privacy.
What's outside? Do you want to highlight a beautiful view or let the light in while blocking the view of a brick wall. Consider, too, the overall effect you want to acheive; if your carefull decorated Colonial room looks out on skyscrapers, you may want sheers or lace to perpetuate the period illusion. Noise is another factor to consider. Do you want heavy treatments to block out noise?
What exposure does the room have? If windows face north they let in little or no direct sunlight; if they face east, they let in strong morning sun; if they face west, strong afternoon sun; and if they face south, they have direct sunlight all day. Check windows with strong sunlight to see if they're shaded by trees or awnings; if not, they may need blinds or shades in addition to curtains to keep the room from getting too hot, and to prevent fabrics from fading.
Safety considerations: Remember that curtains should never touch or block vents or radiators, and should not be near heating units or fireplaces.
What's your style? Your decorating scheme is another important factor in choosing curtains.
General style: What "feel" do you want your room to have? Homey? Playful? Formal? Fresh? Consider how your choice of curtains affects the overall look of the room. In general, shorter is more casual: Cafe curtains are very informal; sill-length or slightly longer are less so; and full length curtains look elegant and somewhat formal.
Historic periods: If you are decorating in a particular period style, choose curtains that will complement it. If your approach is a painstaking restoration-type approach, you will probably know exactly what should be hanging at your windows! But if you are working to achieve a general feel, a trip to the library to flip through books and journals on period home furnishings will give you a feel for what looks right.
Tricks of the trade: Curtains and other window treatments can set the tone for a room and act as effective camouflage for its shortcomings. For example:
Dealing with different window sizes: If you have several window sizes or shapes in one room it's generally best to start with the largest window, then dress the rest in smaller versions of the same treatment. Choose the highest window and hang all the other cutains in the room at that height and if desired (and practical), to the same length.
Masters of disguise: Curtains are a (relatively) quick and easy way to alter the look of both window and room. Some examples:
- To make a window look taller, hang the rod above the actual top of the frame. If the curtains are to be opened, hang a valance above them to camoflauge the gap.
- To make a window look shorter, reduce the area with a deep valance.
- To make a window look wider, extend the rod beyond the actual curtain frame.
- To make a window look narrower, join the curtains at the top and use tiebacks.
Step outside: Don't forget to consider how windows look from the outside. Do you want a uniform look? If so, you may still be able to use different curtains in different rooms as long as lace panels or a sheers provide a uniform look from the street. Another consideration: Are your curtains providing you with enough privacy? Walk around your house during the day and at night to check.
We hope you've enjoyed these hints, and that you don't stop here! Go to your local library, bookstore or magazine stand. Sign up for a home tour, and take notes. Visit decorator showrooms and boutiques, and notice the displays. Have fun -- and let us know what happens! |
