Window Curtains : 8 Great Looks
Windows look cold and hard without the softening effect of curtains so, unless you are going for a minimalist, contemporary look (when blinds may be a better option), great curtains are a must. Here are some ideas to help you frame your windows beautifully.
1. Curtain Headings
Don’t make do with standard headings on your curtains. Pinch pleat or goblet headings give a feeling of opulence using the fullness of the fabric for a classic or formal room while curtains for a more contemporary room would look good with tabbed or grommet headings. Alternatively a simply heading on the curtain topped with a valence would also look good.
2. Another Layer?
A sheer voile under curtain can be hung at the top of the window on a rod to give a little more privacy during daylight hours if required. Choose voile to go with your look - colored voiles are great in an ethnic inspired room, embroidered voiles in a romantic bedroom retreat and plain white or cream voiles are best suited to a formal look.
3. Decorate with Trimming
Some patterned fabrics can be expensive yet plain curtains can sometimes seem too austere. Trimming plain curtains with beading or fringing can give them a designer look without breaking the bank. You could trim tie-backs to match too.
4. A Ribbon Border
Colored ribbon can be used to update a plain curtain too. You can either add a single row of wide ribbon or choose a number of ribbons of different colors and widths to create a beautiful border.
5. Get the Volume Right
If you don’t have a big budget buy cheap fabric and be generous with it. This means floor length curtains for formal rooms and plenty of fullness in the curtains. If you have fallen in love with an expensive material which you can’t afford to have made into generous curtains consider using it in a roman shade as the amount of fabric required for these is much less.
6. Think About the Lining
Standard linings are generally plain white or cream but you may want to consider a colored or patterned lining which can be seen from the outside and looks great if you tie your curtains back at the side of the windows.
7. An Easy Swag Valance
If you have a narrow window, you can add a simple swag with a length of hemmed fabric looped over a curtain rod and loosely stitched into place. Hang the curtains themselves on a separate rod so that the swag does not get in the way of operating the curtains.
8. Curtains Rods, Hold Backs and Finials
If you have chosen not to use a valance which covers the whole rod ensure that your curtain rods do not let your design down. Ugly plastic rods or track do not have that wonderful designer look you want to achieve. You can get some beautiful rods these days which come with stylish finials in various shapes and materials. They often have matching hold backs too.