It might come as a shock to you (or not!) that choosing curtains can actually be a much bigger task than just picking a few out at a store. Knowing the length, width, and how to hang them is just as important as the material it is made out of and the color. Curtain shopping can be a pretty daunting task. Let’s take a look at some of the key items to consider when it comes time to shop for your curtains.
#1: Material
Not all materials are created equally. Some materials can help reduce the amount of light coming into your space, block out light entirely, or even help to insulate your space if you have drafty windows or doors. Consider where you will be placing your curtains. If they are just for show and may also be accompanied by blinds or roman shades, then you may not need to consider the material too heavily.
#2: Color
Placing curtains that are too bright can overwhelm your space, and curtains that are too dark can make your space look dreary. You will want to make sure while you are selecting a curtain color you select a color that works well with the “theme” or color palette of your room. If you are getting custom curtains, you may want to ask for a swatch of your favorite fabrics so you can better visualize how they will look in your space.
#3: Size
Buying curtains that are too long or too short can really mess up the flow of your space. It can make windows look smaller than they really area. Curtains should always be at least double the width of the window. Some people like the elegant look of curtains puddling on the floor, but you may want to avoid this if you have children or pets for obvious reasons. Instead aim to just skim the floor with your curtains, so make sure you measure, measure, measure.
#4: Hanging
How will your curtains hang? Will they hang with built in metal grommets, and if so, what color are those grommets? Will you use fabric curtain clips to hang your curtains instead, and if so, what color works best? Will you feed the curtain directly onto the rod? Consider your curtain hanging options and what you think will look best as well as be most functional for your needs and your space, for example curtains with grommets built in would be helpful for someone who is constantly opening and closing a curtain, versus being fed directly onto the curtain rod, which can be more difficult to open and close.
#5: Details
The details can really make or break a space. Make sure you have curtain rods that applicably match your space, and you consider things such as finials and tiebacks, and how they will look in your room. Tassels, fringe, and lace might be some other details you may want to consider.
Have you purchased curtains lately? How hard or easy was your shopping process? Let us know in the comments below!
