Types of Curtains

One window and many different types of curtains, how to choose and decide.

Choosing curtains is a very personal decision and at times can be influenced by the latest trend or design.

Before deciding on the type to make or buy take a look at the window and think about:

• The direction it is facing
• The view looking out from it
• The noise level coming from the outside into the room
• The size of the window
• The air flow around the window if it is an older house

Taking these points into consideration may help with the decision. If the house is down a country lane with the nearest neighbours miles away and no public footpath then maybe none are needed. 

However if the house is right beside the pavement on a very busy road then curtains can block out some of the sound and thinner net curtain or voiles are useful for privacy.

If the view looking out is onto an industrial business park then the window can be totally obscured with a heavier net curtain or film onto the window to allow the light in.

The Many Types of Curtains to Choose From

When stripping this down to the basics the type is really the curtain styles and designs, after all a curtain is really a piece of fabric fixed to a window and many have started out with just a sheet and some thumb tacks at one stage or another.

Choosing the Curtain Styles

Pencil Pleat

Eyelet or Grommet

Tab Top

Once the curtain styles or the type of heading has been decided this could determine whether curtain tracks or curtain poles are used. A pencil pleat top can be used with a pole as well by using the curtain rings that are usually included when buying the pole. These larger rings will have a smaller ring at the bottom that the curtain hook can loop into.

Choosing the Curtain Fabric

Taking some of the above points when looking at the window:

• the direction it faces could be a point the choice of curtain fabric. If the sun rises into a bedroom window then a thicker fabric should be used unless the light is wanted to help wake up. This would be the case if it sets and shines into a living room window making television watching or computer work impossible.
• if the view out is not one to be seen then a heavy net or voile can mask it but still allow the light through. The same can also apply if the window is by a pavement to allow for privacy from people passing by. Obscure film can be bought instead and I have seen it work well. Blinds and shutters are another option.
• the noise level coming in through a window can be dulled down with a heavy lined curtain.
• the window size is a factor as bulky heavy fabrics wouldn't suit a small narrow window likewise a great big window wouldn't suit flimsy fabric unless it is a voile only.
• if the window was in an older house with draughts coming through gaps then like the noise factor a heavier lined fabric would help those.

There are many questions that come with choosing curtains with the first important one being whether to make your own and with that you need to know

• how to sew basic curtains before the heading
• how to sew pencil pleat, eyelet or tab top curtains
• how to measure a window 
• how to calculate the amount of fabric needed
• whether to have lined or unlined curtains
• deciding on the type of track to use.

There are a huge variety of ready made curtains available to buy from shopping outlets and online such as Terrys Fabrics and Laura Ashley.

Enjoy deciding on the many types of curtains available.

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