As all decorators will assert, the window treatment you choose for your rooms will make or break your entire décor. There are three types of window treatments, including soft, hard, and combination treatments. Hard window treatments comprise those made using hard materials such as vinyl or wood such as shutters, blinds, and shades. Soft window treatments are those comprising soft materials like sheers, drapes, curtains, roman shades, valances, and swags. A combination of soft and hard window treatments is known as a layered treatment.
While shutters were the popular treatment choice in Fair Haven properties in the past, these have now largely been overtaken by curtains. This is mainly because of the many patterns, colors, and textures available for curtains that match several décor styles. Among the essential elements, you should pick for your curtains is the fabric. This will determine how your curtains hold up over time and their functionality. Fabrics that are too heavy might not, for example, fold crisply when drawn while very light ones might not fall well. Here are some professional tidbits that will ease your choice of curtain fabric.
Polyester
This is an affordable, sturdy, and durable choice for curtains. Polyester curtains also resist wrinkling, stretching, and shrinking and are easy to maintain. They are hence ideal for first-time homeowners. Polyester is suitable for living room and bedroom curtains where stains are minimal since stains are not as easy to remove from it. It should not be used in kitchens since it is flammable, limits air circulation, and will absorb odors.
Linen
This material tends to make billowy curtains that have a tailored look. Linen curtains are thus ideal for airy bedrooms, contemporary living rooms, and casual dining areas. They will drape nicely in these areas and allow maximum sunlight flow to open up your indoors. Linen curtains are generally only dry cleaned and should be hung straightaway to minimize wrinkling.
Cotton
Cotton curtains have a clean and crisp feel that will suit both modern and traditional décor styles. They also drape well making them the perfect pick for formal dining rooms. For those who want to block maximum sunlight, the best choice is a tightly weaved cotton curtain or one with a cotton panel lining. Cotton curtains will also cast filtered light gently into a room and are easy to clean. These qualities make them well-suited for kids’ rooms.
Silk
This is heavier compared to other fabrics and thus exudes an elegant and romantic look perfect for formal dining rooms and bedrooms. Silk is, however, only dry cleaned, and this makes its laundering time-consuming. Moreover, the fabric is prone to UV-ray damage and should be used in combination with light colored panels or window shades in rooms in direct sunlight. You can opt for faux silk curtains since these are durable and easy to launder.
When buying your curtains, hold them up to appreciate how they will filter light and pleat them along their top side to see how they drape. Your choice from the fabric alternatives above will depend on the mood you want to set for your room. Furthermore, dark curtain colors will be the ideal ones for high-traffic rooms since they hide stains.
