Window curtains are the most integral part of the home as they don’t just serve decorative purposes but also come with practical features. When decorating windows, enormous choices are there in terms of textile materials, hanging or heading styles, and measurements.
Before you hit the market to shop for curtains and drapes, it’s important to know about their style, size, and fabric versatility. In this article, we have summed up the necessary details about curtains for the best shopping experience.
What You Need To Know | Curtain’s Sizes, Styles, & Fabrics
It goes without saying that the selection of fabric, style, and size of curtains must complement your decor and requirements. Here are the necessary details in this regard:
Range Of Curtains Sizes
Curtain length is one of those aspects that can change their overall look and functionality. Curtains can be either floor-touching, floating, or puddling over the floors or you can keep their length just to the size of the window sill.
1. Standard Curtain Length
The standard length of most curtain fabrics is 84, 96, and 108 inches. While the common lengths for curtains are 63″, 84″, 96″, 108″, and 120″. The length can be selected according to the size of your room window.
2. Custom Length Of Curtains
The longer lengths for curtains are for puddling while the shorter ones are for apron curtains. As curtains can be hung above the window, the lengths can be customized. For mounting curtains from floor to ceiling, you can select the length or curtains in between the standard lengths.
Styles of Curtains
Curtains heading styles can add visual interest even to the simpler curtains of your rooms. Different decorative heading styles are there to transform the look of your windows from casual to contemporary.
1. Pencil Pleat
To elevate your window style, the most unique and simple header style is pencil pleat. These thin pleats can work well with different types of curtain rods and hooks. As these curtains don’t require much hassle for handling, they are perfect for bedrooms and living rooms.
2. Pinch Pleat
Pinch pleat is the best bet for traditional style decor. In this header style, pleats are pinched or stitched at the top while allowing the whole fabric to go down smoothly to create a formal or elegant look. They range from 2-5 fingers per pleat for a fuller appearance. You can use this style in the sitting rooms, entertainment rooms, and bedrooms.
3. Rod Pocket
Rod or pole pocket curtains style is better suited with lightweight fabrics like sheer or cotton. These curtains are easy to assemble and a lot more casual in style. A casing is sewn at the back of the fabric that allows the rod to slip through the unseen.
4. Grommet
Grommet-style curtains have rings at the top that are punched into the fabric. These rings allow the fabric to slide through the curtain rod easily. You can open and close these curtains easily and can install them in bedrooms or living rooms.
5. Box Pleat
In this style, the fabric folds run deep in the overall length of the curtains. Box pleat style gives full coverage with a tailored appearance. This style works best for dining rooms, lounges, and formal bedrooms like in five-star hotels.
6. Single-Pair Panel
Single-panel curtains are designed to give full coverage to a widow. The single panel slides completely to one side when opened. To slide them to the side, you can use tiebacks. While pair panel curtains enable you to pull the panel in the middle for privacy and to each side for letting in the light.
7. Goblet Pleat
It is a detailed heading style that resembles the look of the goblet glass. It is a sleek and delicate style that is best for lightweight curtain fabrics. However, this style is not suggested for places that get lots of use.
8. Tab-Top And Tie-Top
Tab top in another attractive curtain heading style that is best for a casual look. These curtains have prominent loops and are easy to thread over a curtain rod. While the tie-top style exposes the wall behind along with the curtain rod. It is best for hanging sheer window drapes.
Fabric Materials For Curtains
1. Polyester
Polyester is a widely used fabric and is a synthetic material. It is also used as a combination material in the construction of various drapes. It is a durable, affordable, and mold-resistant fabric that doesn’t shrink, stretch, or wrinkle.
2. Cotton
Cotton is used in the making of different types of curtains. Various fabrics have blends of cotton as well. With its soft and attractive weave, this fabric is best for styling your windows. It allows the circulation of air in your rooms.
3. Linen
Linen is the environment-friendly choice for curtains fabrics that is divided into three types, i.e. light, medium, and heavy. It is best for light control and creating privacy in a space.
4. Viscose And Wool
Viscose is a rayon fabric that is the best alternative for silk. It is a highly useful fabric that can be dyed as well. Wool is another option for curtains that is super soft and features a textured appearance.
5. Velvet And Silk
Velvet is the most heavyweight and luxurious fiber that you will ever encounter. With a rich texture and feel, velvet curtains are highly energy-efficient and the best choice for light control and privacy protection. Silk, on the other hand, is the royal fabric choice that is widely used for making curtains and is made from natural materials. Silk curtains, with their sumptuous appearance, will add a sense of depth and style to your rooms while blocking light and providing needed privacy.
Conclusion
Curtains are the timeless choice to bring style, comfort, and elegance to rooms. When selecting a size, standard drapes come in three to five sizes depending on the fabric type. Extensive style options are also there for curtains including box pleat, single-pair panel, goblet pleat, tab-top, tie-top, pencil pleat, pinch pleat, rod pocket, and grommet.
As far as the fabric materials for curtains are concerned, you can pick the options of Linen, viscose, wool, velvet, silk, sheer, polyester, cotton, and lace. You can choose any size, style, and textile material for your window drapes to match perfectly with the window size and style and the rest of the interior decor as well.
