Choosing Curtains

Curtains can make a room, but only when chosen carefully. Consider colour, fabric, length, linings, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Colour and Fabric
Fabric IS the essential part of choosing curtains, since the material will dictate how well your curtains function and hold up over time. If they’re too heavy, they may not fold crisply when drawn, particularly over a small window; too light and they will not fall well. 

Sunlight will fade fabrics over time. If the room gets a lot of light, it's a good idea to add a sheer curtain which will also help to protect your decor.  Sheer curtains help with privacy, as well as filtering bright light.  They come in lots of colours as well as basic white or natural.   A dark sheer will also help you to see an exterior view. 

What kind of fabric?  Wool and linen fabrics are very durable, and hang well.  Real silk looks good but is rather delicate for normal use. 

To keep out the cold, curtains can be interlined, and this will also  help prolong the life of the curtains.  All curtains, apart from sheers need a lining, and it is false economy trying to avoid using one. 

Length and Lining
Before you take out the tape measure, decide how high above the window you'd like the curtains to begin. Curtains higher than the window will give a sense of height to the room, higher still for more drama. 

The track or pole should extend beyond the window to let the curtains be drawn back, at least 15cm each side from a small window, and add an extra 5cm for every 60-80cm above that, to give as much light form the window as possible, and it should be fitted at least 7-10cm above the window, and well secured.  If you plan to use the curtains to shut out the sun, those extra centimetres around the perimeter of your window frame will also help block out any creeping light.

For basic curtains, from the track measure to the floor in three places.  Some floors are not level and if this measurement differs go for a longer length and let the curtain slightly puddle on the floor (add an extra 7-10 cm for this).  For a modern, crisp look, have the curtain to the floor.  Then, measure the width of your track, or if you have a pole the distance between the finials (ie the decorative fixings at each end).