There are almost too many choices when it comes to window dressings, with vast ranges of luxury curtains, blinds and drapes available to suit every room and every interior design philosophy.
However, because of this sheer amount of choice, it can be difficult sometimes to know whether a particular style or textile will fit your needs, and this decision is important given how much your curtains frame your source of light when open, and act as an accent wall when closed.
The right set of curtains can transform the feel of a room, and yet it is not usually the priority when it comes to interior design, which may be the result of the fact that if you really do not like your curtains you can easily take them down and replace them.
Given that the dominant colours of a room can affect its size, aesthetic and even the mood of people within, choosing the right curtains can be a major decision, and here are some top tips to help you decide with dressings are right for you.
Contrast The Room
A good rule of thumb when it comes to curtains and blinds is that the complexity of the pattern and boldness of the colour scheme should contrast the room around it, enhancing the look of the room as a whole.
For example, if you are working with a strong colour scheme or already have an accent wall, opting for a neutral window dressing with a more subtle texture or stripe can effectively complement the space.
By contrast, if you are working with a minimalist style or lighter colour scheme, a unique pattern can add a focal point to the space and fill it full of character.
There are levels to this of course; if you are opting for a relaxing hygge style you do not need to necessarily have bright geometric patterns adorning your wall where a simple stripe would suffice.
Consider Purpose
Ultimately, whilst the aesthetics of your curtains are important, they also need to do their job of offering privacy and filtering the light that enters the room in the way you want it.
For bedrooms and ground floor rooms with large windows or face onto main roads, blackout curtains may be the best choice, as they will shut out most if not all of the light and allow for better, more restful sleep.
As for filtering light, there are a few options available, from wooden slats and Venetian blinds to sheer drapes.
Velvet curtains are a great option as well, adding not only a bold look and think blackout properties, but also additional insulation around your window.
Mix It Up
The best part about drapery is that you do not necessarily need to choose just one piece but can pair a few styles that complement each other and be ready for all seasons.
Sheer drapes are a fantastic example of this; they are great at softening light but are more of an aesthetic choice, but they are also one that is perfect for teaming up with other styles.
Whether you fit them close to the window frame with large thick eyelet curtains behind for a mix of privacy, practicality and beauty, or even pair them with certain types of blinds, you can pair some unique styles together for some unforgettable looks.
Try teaming plain curtains together with a Roman blind with a rich pattern on it for a fantastic framing effect.
To Line Or Not To Line
Lining your curtains is not always necessary, especially if you are focusing more on filtering light or are using multiple drapes, but they do have some very distinct advantages.
They add weight and light-blocking properties, as well as protect your curtains from damage from harsh sunlight.
A lot of curtains you buy off the shelf will have lining attached by default, and it is an option that is definitely worth considering.
The Taller The Better
An increasingly popular perspective trick you see is to have curtains that are wider out and hung taller. This works to maximise the amount of natural light you allow into the room without exposing the edge of the window frame, as well as help make your room look taller.
A very popular trick that goes alongside this is to have floor to ceiling curtains that slightly pool on the floor, which also helps to cover uneven flooring.
Eyelet curtains also help with this, as it allows for a pattern to expand above the curtain rail itself in a way that other fasteners would not allow.