Window treatments can dramatically affect the look and feel of a space. They can
be as bold or as understated as you'd like. Ultimately, most people are looking
for curtains to provide more privacy and the ability to control the amount of light
that comes into a space; other considerations include the control of temperature
and sound. There are several factors to consider when purchasing curtains including
the type of curtain and fabric and the length and width of the curtain panel. Read
below to educate yourself on the variety of curtains available, considerations to
make, and what you can get for your budget.
Types of Curtains
There are several types of curtains and they are typically defined by their heading.
Some of the more common types are described in detail below. In addition to those
listed below, there is the box pleated heading, which provides a formal look with
the folds spanning the full length of the curtain panel; and eyelet headings, which
are simple and more modern--eyelets or grommets are at the top of the curtain for
the curtain rod to feed through--the rod is exposed, creating an industrial look.
Despite the heading, the fabric of the curtain panel can dramatically affect the
look. For example, a cased heading 100% polyester curtain panel that drops to the
sill has a much different feel than a cased heading 100% cotton ceiling-to-floor
length curtain panel. When looking at fabrics, you want to pay attention to care.
Likely, a polyester curtain is machine-washable and completely practical for a child’s
bedroom, while a cotton curtain is probably dry-clean only, which is perfectly fine
for a formal living or dining space that is not used daily.
Cased Heading
Cased heading curtain panels have an opening sewn at the top (open on both ends)
where the curtain rod can be fed through. The curtain is then gathered across the
top. Keep in mind that it is time intensive to maintain the look of the gathers
in a cased heading curtain after they are drawn; therefore this look might be better
for a space where the curtains are most often kept open.
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Pencil Pleated
Pencil pleated curtains are one of the most common looks, are very traditional and
can provide an informal or formal feel, dependent on the curtain length and type
of fabric. The pencil pleat is usually a triple folded header as pictured here.
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Tab Top
Tab top curtains are informal, but have a more modern appeal and are often found
in family rooms and casual kitchen dining spaces. There are loops of fabric on the
top edge of the curtain that the curtain rod is fed through. The fabric may be the
same as the curtain panel or it might be a different texture or pattern.
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Valances and Scarves
Valances and scarves can be used in both informal and formal spaces as well. A valance
often has a cased or pencil pleated heading. You will see stand-alone valances
in kitchen sink or cafe style windows, or in a more formal space layered over a
rich floor-to-ceiling fabric curtain. It all depends on the look you’re trying to
achieve. Scarves tend to be a bit more sophisticated and are popular in adult bedrooms
to add a touch of romance to the window treatments. Again, they are also seen quite
often as an additional layer in a formal living or dining space.
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Considerations
There are several considerations to make: functionally, what are your needs for
the space – is it a bedroom and you want to use the curtains to block out light?
Or is it a family room exposed to a lot of windows and you want the curtains to
help keep heat in the space during winter months? Form wise – do you want to add
a punch of color to an otherwise neutral space or do you want the curtains to just
“blend in?” And budget plays a role, too. You can find practical, everyday polyester
curtain panels in the $25 – $50 range or you can find heavier-weight fabric for
$100. Typically a window will require at least 2 panels, if not more. Make sure
you measure your window correctly before going to buy your curtains--curtains that
are too short or do not fully cover the width of the window when they are drawn
will appear awkward.
Measuring for Curtains
To ensure a clean look, you want to make sure you get the right size curtain for
your window—you want to be precise in your measurements. Using a steel measuring
tape will be more accurate than cloth. It is usually recommended that you round
down to the nearest quarter of an inch. Use a pad of paper and a pen to write down
your measurements, carefully marking the width and the length.
When measuring the width of the window, you have a couple of options: wall to wall
or one side of the window frame to the other. Cased heading and pencil pleated curtains
that are gathered at the top should be 1 and ½ to 2 times the window width (this
is a matter of preference.) Tab topped curtains lay flat and only have to be as
wide as the window width.
You have about three measuring options for the length of a window panel: to the
floor, to the sill, or to the bottom of the apron. To measure for the curtain length,
measure from the pole down to the preferred length (i.e. sill or floor). To create
a traditional or formal look, the curtains should be just to the floor; you also
have the option of the curtains spilling onto the floor, which creates a more elegant
look. A curtain to the sill or to the bottom of the apron (this is really a matter
of preference) is a more informal look and is popular in children’s bedrooms and
kitchens.
Price Ranges
Buying curtains can become costly, so you definitely want to have done your measurements
and know what size and type of curtain you want before you go shopping. Remember
you do have flexibility with pre-made curtains--curtains that are a bit too long
can be adjusted simply by moving the curtain rod up and down, or if you’re handy
with a needle and thread, a simple sewing job might do the trick.
In the $25 to $50 dollar range, you will start seeing window panels at around the
$25 dollar range. The fabric is often 100% polyester and several sizes are available.
For example, you can find 84 x 54 inch panels for just under $40.
You have even more variety in the $50 to $100 dollar range. You will see more interesting
fabrics, like a tailored chiffon panel for around $60 dollars. For right around
$100, you will find heavier-weight fabrics, like the rayon and linen blend panels
by Bradley.
If you’re on a budget, remember that most curtains come one panel per package, but
if you’re in the $100 to $250 price range, you might find some dual panel packages
or a set like the “window in a box” by Whole Home for just under $150. If your budget
can afford it and keeping cold weather out is a requirement, check out the heavyweight
100% cotton, 7 ounce duck cloth Fireside Drapes with insulated foam back lining
for just under $200.00.
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