Picking the same curtains across the house

It’s an understandable mistake to make- you want to get the decorating sorted quickly, you’ve found a decent pair of curtains, you might as well use them across the whole house. But however counter-intuitive it may seem, keeping the same curtains throughout the house can make it seem disjointed. Think about it, would you really want the same curtains in your living room that you would in your kid’s bedroom? Your curtains can tie the whole room together, so you want to make sure they match the atmosphere you’re trying to create.

There are practical considerations as well, such as the lighting and heating circumstances in each room.

Not taking privacy into account

Now that most homes have double glazing, the main purpose of curtains beyond decoration is to give your house a bit of privacy. So it’s bizarre that a lot of people don’t actually consider how much privacy their curtains will afford them.

For instance, a lot of households install sheer drapes in their bedrooms and bathrooms. You can see the appeal, they can look good, and they let in a lot of light. However they let light out as well. If sheer drapes are all you have covering your windows, then your every movement is going to be visible in silhouette to passers-by on the sheet outside.

If you want sheer drapes, be sure to combine them with some darker fabric that will allow you to completely cover your window when you need it.

Messing up the lighting

Not all windows are created equal and curtain makers in Sussex have to take into account the wide variety of different properties they are working for. Depending on their size and angle they can let it in differing amounts of light, and when you pick out your curtains you’ll have to think about this. A heavy, dark set of drapes will block out a lot of light, which can be good for your bedroom, especially if the sun has a habit shining right into your eyes first thing in the morning. On the other hand, for windows looking out onto the garden sheer drapes can be a good way to keep the room nice and airy (providing it’s a room that doesn’t need a lot of privacy, of course).

1: It’s a question of what window dressing you need, not if you need it. The addition of curtains adds an extra dimension to your frames, with the added colour giving life to the glass panes. If your window looks out onto a great view, window dressing can help frame it. If your view isn’t so great, then window dressing can help disguise that.

2: This is really a question of taste, but it has to be said. We prefer full length curtains. Even where there are radiators or other elements beneath the window sill that might have sill length windows seem like the way to go, we prefer full length windows. They look far more lavish and professional than sill length windows. Also, to be absolutely honest, we just think sill length windows look weird.

3: Weight your curtains. With small lead weights in the hems of your curtains, one at each corner and two where fabric panels join, you can give an invisible aid to your curtains that will ensure they hang properly.

4: It might save time, but it’s not a good idea to skimp on lining. While there are people who find lining difficult handle, or believe it takes too much money and time. However, the truth is, lining not only gives your curtains a really professional finish, it can also help the curtains last longer.

5: Pay attention to your hanging system. By keeping your rod or pole on show and adding some well crafted finials you can create a really striking look. Alternatively, if you want your hanging system to be more subtle, make sure that although it’s out of sight it’s still sturdy enough to avoid sagging.

Curtains, despite naturally staying in the background of any room, are actually a surprisingly important part of the room’s overall appearance. A good curtain selection can really bring a room together, a bad one can make it look cluttered and unplanned.

We’ve already covered the basics of the available fabrics in curtain design. Now we’ll take a look at the different shapes of curtain that are available, and what effect they’ll have on your room.

Panels

These are pretty much the vanilla choice for curtain design. They are simply, rectangular sheets of fabrics hanging either side of the window. There are quite a few ways to spice them up however. Some well placed, ornamental tiebacks can give the window a wonderful picture book appearance, and if you’re feeling adventurous you can customise them with some fabric paint and a stencil set.

Framing the Window

By sticking up an extra curtain rod (or maybe more) you can create a layered effect using various different fabrics and patterns. This can help to really emphasise your windows, making the room feel a lot more spacious.

Just because you go for the classic, framed look, doesn’t mean you can’t add an extra rod or two and layer up your treatments with different prints and fabrics.

Fabric Run Wild

Although interior design can sometimes seem like there are a lot of hard fast rules that you must obey at all costs, the truth is that when it comes down to it, you can do whatever you like with your curtains. Simply have them frame the windows, or run all the way to the floor. Keep the layers separate, or twist them around each other. Mix and match patterns, experiment, and see what works for you.

Curtains tie a room together. While they might at first glance appear to just be set dressing, while they’re sitting in the background you’re actually picking up all sorts of information from them. If you don’t believe me, try walking into a room with no curtains. It feels strangely empty doesn’t it? As if whoever lives there hasn’t quite moved in properly, or doesn’t intend to stay. If the curtains are old and ratty, or don’t match the furniture, then the room just doesn’t seem to come together as a design, instead, it can simply look like a random collection of objects.

So today we’ll talk you through one of the more basic decisions you’ll need to make about your curtains, namely- the fabric.

Silk

Silk is an extremely popular material for curtains, and so, obviously they also tend to be more expensive. Silk curtains can vary from sheets of solid colour to an almost ghostlike, wispy gauze. Satin, voile and pongee are fabrics commonly used to create a silky effect in curtains, and it’s worth giving all of them a look

Cotton

You won’t often find curtains made purely from cotton. It will normally be blended with wool, silk or synthetics. This can create a fascinating array of effects and colours. For instance, a cotton, linen blend creates a wonderfully lightweight fabric that’s extremely fine with a great frosty sheen.

Lace

While not a fabric in and of itself (actually, lace can be made from practically any fabric) the weaving patterns involved in lace curtains really make them stand out. These intricate patterns are not only interesting to look at, but the light weight of the fabric and the mesh effect of the finished product allow you to prevent downstairs rooms feeling like a goldfish bowl while still allowing plenty of light in.

Select Interiors is the place to come for beautiful curtains made to your exact specifications.

We pride ourselves on not only our wide range of materials to choose from but primarily the skill, care and attention that is used to create your curtains.

If you are looking for a curtain maker in Bexhill then Select Interiors is the name to trust.

Please call us today or pop into our shop in Little Common and we’ll talk through your ideas.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Select Interiors