Curtains are the inseparable part of our homes as we know of. Can you imagine a home without window curtains or drapes? I am sure you cannot. There are different types of curtains available in the market to choose from. However, you need to research a bit about different types of curtains and fabrics used to make curtains. In this post, we will discuss almost everything about the curtains that you need to know. Stay tuned!
What are the curtains?
Curtains are usually used to obscure or block light that passes through our home or office’s windows and sometimes, doors. The main reason to hang curtains on windows or doors is to keep the home cool and comfortable in the summer days or warm in winter days. Curtains that are used on doorways are known as portieres. In the US, curtains are also known as drapes. There are different types of curtains available in the market from ready made curtains, and made to measure curtains chosen from.
Why do we need curtains at homes?
There are some incredible advantages these curtains offer to the home. The first and foremost benefit of curtains is to block the sunlight. Sometimes, direct sunlight in the home is so irritating and might cause discomfort to us. Curtains help to keep the home environment comfortable and they also regulate the amount of sunlight getting into the home.
In addition to that, curtains also enhance the beauty of your home. Interior designers come up with different types of curtains for your home with different styles, sizes, colours and shapes to make the home beautiful and appealing.
Also, in hot summers, modern curtains can keep your home cool and comfortable, especially linen curtains that keep the home warm during winters and cool in summers. Furthermore, when your doors and windows are open, they invite dust and other types of debris into your home. With curtain installation, you can keep the home dust-free and keep the home hygiene intact. However, you need to wash your curtains on regular internals as dust particles deposit on curtains.
Also, if you are a privacy lover, curtains can keep your home regular affairs private and confidential. People cannot peep through your home to know what is happening in your home.
Types of fabrics used for curtains
There are various types of fabrics used in the making of curtains and you need to ensure that you are choosing the right one for your home. Some of them are:
1. Cotton Curtains
Being a semi-sheer material, cotton curtains are mostly preferred by homeowners and interior designers as it allows lots of light while still offering privacy to you. Most of the time, cotton curtains are layered with other fabrics to offer a complete window treatment. You can use cotton curtains for any room of your home and they are available in different sizes and colours and shapes. Also, they are easy to clean and maintain, thus it is the first choice amongst homeowners.
2. Linen Curtains
They are a bit heavier than cotton and still have a cool and easy vibe that you will surely love. It offers an additional level of privacy and at the same time, allows a moderate amount of light into the home. If you are living in a dusty environment, choosing linen curtains is not a great idea as they are not easy to clean.
3. Velvet Curtains
If you are looking for sheer privacy, velvet is the best choice for you. Also, they are heavy and keep outside noises away. Velvet curtains are mostly used in bedroom windows and can offer a dramatic effect on windows. However, they are not easy to clean and maintain and hence, mostly used in professional work environments.
4. Silk Curtains
Silk curtains are beautiful, luxurious and have a wider range of styles and shapes than other curtains. The silk material is also semi-sheer and allows a moderate amount of light into the room. You will need professional help to clean silk curtains as they are difficult to clean at home.
5. Lace Curtains
It is a sheer fabric and if you are looking for a bright, sunny and airy window treatment, you can choose lace curtains online. However, they don’t offer more privacy and allow more light to enter the home. Mostly used in kitchens, living rooms and other spaces where you want a more light and sunny environment. It can be used with other heavy fabrics to give a versatile window treatment.
6. Burlap Curtains
It is similar to linen but heavier than them. It is a casual and plain fabric which offers great privacy and does not allow more light to enter the home. Most of the interior designers use these curtains when clients ask for complete privacy. They are also easy to clean and maintain.
7. Synthetic Curtains
Synthetic curtains have been popular in recent years due to their cheaper prices and easy to clean characteristics. They are easier to produce than natural fibres and look similar to natural fabrics when it comes to class and effect. If you are having budget constraints, choosing synthetic curtains can be an option for you.
Which is the best fabric for curtains?
It depends on your requirements and preferences and budget. Though most interior designers prefer cotton curtains for home as they are cost-effective, easy to clean and maintain and serve the core purpose nicely and beautifully. However, you can go for some other fabrics too such as linen, synthetic and silk as per your preferences and choices. Some homeowners also go for ready to hang curtains too.
Choosing the right curtains
When it comes to choosing the right curtains for you, there are many things you need to consider. First of all, you need to list your requirements for light and privacy. Ask specifically about these two parameters to the interior designer you have hired. Keep the budget also in your mind and ensure that your curtain purchase does not go beyond your specified budget. Check out different types of curtain types, shapes, patterns and designs before making the final decision.
Things to remember before selecting curtains
There are many important considerations you need to make before choosing curtains such as privacy, cost, the amount of light you want in your home and upkeep requirements. Also, you need to choose a brand that offers high-quality, durable and reliable modern curtains with finest detailing. You can compare the costs of different brands to get a fair and cost-effective deal.
Conclusion
The most important thing while choosing curtains is fabrics used in the making of curtains. Learn all the advantages and disadvantages of all types of fabrics available in the market and then make a choice. Apart from cost and lighting, also, keep in mind about the ambience and appeal of your home while choosing the right curtains for your home.
Author Bio
Amelia Johnson is an interior design consultant at Metablinds. She is an avid reader of home interior and home decor. She loves to write on home interior, home decor, home renovations. Her ultimate objective while writing these topics is to help her clients to increase the beauty of their homes. You can follow her on Twitter.
