Setting the Scene with the Perfect Curtains
Curtain maintenance & selection guide!
Contents
While draperies are heavy textiles that serve the same purpose as blinds, curtains are made of lightweight materials that are hung in a window opening. The proper fit of curtains and drapes for living space actually requires a lot of accuracy, consideration, planning, and decorating, even though they may look relatively easy to choose and install based on the colours of the walls of the house.
Benefits of curtains and drapes
Curtains provide much more than just complementing your interior design. Check out these 3 advantages of having curtains in your house!
- Maintains privacy-The best way to control and safeguard the privacy of your house and block unwanted glares is with curtains. Increasing the barrier that separates you from the outside world frequently makes you feel safer and increases the security of your house. Similar to this, as bedrooms offer more solitude, curtain selection criteria suggest thick textiles in darker hues. However, in living rooms, where privacy may not be as important, a sheer curtain could be appropriate.​
- Affordable & durable– Depending on your needs and what you desire for your house, curtains are very affordable and very durable. In addition, there are choices to fit every budget and taste. You can change them out frequently and give your house a fresh look without having to make big financial commitments. They may last for years, depending on how well you take care of them.
- Prevents dust– The benefit of curtains is that they keep dust out of your rooms. Dust particles from the wind may enter your home through open windows or doors. Therefore, curtains can aid in collecting all of the dust. For this reason, it’s better vacuuming curtains often.
Types of curtains
There are an array of styles, lengths, and fabrics of curtains to choose from, and some are more appropriate for certain rooms in your house than others. Select the ideal style of curtains for your house by using our in-depth curtain buying guide, which is provided below.
- Blackout curtains– To encourage restful sleep, blackout curtains totally block all light and provide total darkness. They are fully lined with a densely woven material that keeps out all light. In addition to controlling light, blackout curtains also aid in controlling temperature by blocking out hot air in the summer and drafts in the winter.
- Tiebacks for Curtains– Window panels look great and serve a useful purpose when paired with curtain tiebacks. Usually constructed of the same material as the curtains, they also may have tassels or are adorned with woven cords, or they may be made of a complementary fabric or pattern. Two loops on either end are fastened in a wall hook to keep them in place.
- Single panel curtains– Two curtain panels may not be necessary for a smaller window. Usually created from a single continuous piece of cloth, you can always buy two panels to go on either side of the window, or for larger windows or sliding doors, you can even buy double the number of panels for both sides. It is best for small windows that give a contemporary look.
Curtain fabric selection tips:
Selecting a product based on textures, colours, and patterns is simple. However, depending on factors like size, durability, light-blocking/filtering abilities, and resistance to sun fading, each type of fabric also has advantages and optimal applications. Your choice of fabric will also influence how your curtains hang, and certain types of fabric work better in certain rooms than others. Most common fabrics for curtains are:
- Cotton– Cotton is adaptable and provides a fresh, clean feel that goes well with both modern and traditional styles. Cotton curtains do require suitable lining in order for them to hang and fall as intended because the fabric can be quite light.
- Linen – Since linen is a natural fibre, it deteriorates quickly and is difficult to manage. To get the desired look at a more affordable price with greater performance and a longer lifespan, we suggest linen blends or linen-look fabrics.
- Velvet, which can be made of synthetic or natural fibres, adds glitz and richness to a space. Because of its thickness and weight, it is ideal for bedrooms and living areas where you want to block out light and chilly air while also lowering noise levels.
- Acrylic is a lightweight fabric that drapes beautifully and offers excellent insulation. It has a texture comparable to wool. Acrylic curtains are hypoallergenic, easily absorb and distribute moisture, and have no issues of preventing mold on curtains, as they are mold-resistant.
- Voile – The ideal use for voile, an open-weave fabric, is sheers. It is crisp. It collects and drapes beautifully, maintaining a high degree of seclusion while generating a light, airy environment.
Draperies
They are window treatments made of substantial materials, with the thick, block drapes displaying a lavish, royal style.
- Valance – It’s a drape that is closed at the curtain heading and end but partially open in the middle, forming a diamond shape. They are generally lined with curved edges and held open with tassels, knots, or ribbons.
- Swags – They are basic, long curtains with wide folds at the top, near the curtain heading, and hang freely from top to bottom. Swags are best for wide windows.
- Curtain Panels – Super-thick, homogeneous, faintly patterned drape used mostly for decorative purposes and to block light.
Curtain cleaning tips.
Curtains can acquire dust, filth, and even stains over time. Some of the best curtain care tips to retain their appearance and performance are as follows:
- Curtain fabric care – Cleaning procedures vary depending on the fabric of the curtains. It is essential to check the care instructions or the tag for exact curtain washing instructions. Some curtains can be machine washed, while others may need to be professionally cleaned or treated for removing stains from curtains.
- Regular care – Regular maintenance prevents heavy soiling and increases the life of your curtains. Simply dusting or vacuuming your curtains with a brush attachment can help remove loose debris and dust.
- Handwashing fabrics– For fragile or non-machine-washable curtains, hand-washing is a safe and effective option. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and mild detergent, then gently agitate the curtains to eliminate dirt. Rinse well and squeeze away any extra water without wringing.
- Dry cleaning– Dry cleaning curtains is recommended with elaborate detailing or fragile fabrics, such as silk or velvet. Professional cleaners understand how to work with delicate materials and keep your curtains in good condition.
Enjoyed reading about classic drapes and contemporary curtains? Desiring the same kind of opulence for your house? Allow us to create magic on your home, Book a consultation with Homzinterio, the best home interior designers in Bangalore.