Buying the best types of curtains for your room is a big challenge because the entire process of buying depends on multiple factors such as variance in style, quality, price, fabric, length, suitability to the space, and many more. Window treatment sometimes gets overwhelming due to the availability of options in the market. Curtains add charm and elegance to the rooms, be it a bedroom, living room, dining space, bathroom, or backyard and regulate the amount of light entering the room and help maintain privacy.
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While planning for interior decoration, our mind gets flooded with ideas from selecting the perfect color for the walls, pieces of furniture, decor items, plants, statement lighting, and curtains. So, purchase with clarity considering all the factors like quality of the fabric, length, the preferred amount of light, and many more. With clarity about the types of curtains you want to buy, implement the shopping idea and witness the beauty.
If you are searching for guidance to buy the best for your home, keep reading to select different types of curtains for your home.
Tips for selecting the best types of curtains
- Get the large samples and hold them up where the curtains will go.
- Buy a fabric that remains on the window, and don’t fly away from it.
- For expensive custom curtains, get a sample of at least 2 yards to get an idea of the flow of the material and pleat setting.
- Though silk is considered luxurious, faux silk fabrics are more durable. Considering your preference, select the fabric.
- If using original silk curtains, they must be lined up to prevent wear and tear.
- Go for velvet, tweeds, and brocades to block more light.
Curtains By Materials
Linen curtains
Curtains with a casual and soothing look made of natural fiber are suitable for all rooms because they are breathable and temperature-controlling. Though these types of curtains are also available in various colors, the light shade looks good for the space for a calm environment.
Velvet curtains
These types of curtains are used in formal spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, or offices. It looks classy and elegant and elevates the ambiance of the room. Like other curtains, these are available in many colors, from neutral to jewel tones. Velvet curtains have a noticeable impact on the room, so choose the color that goes well with other items, such as a bed, light, or sofa.
Silk curtains
These curtains look trendy and classy and come with thin cotton lining to control the flow during windy days. It is a choice for living rooms or bedrooms.
Cotton curtains
These are popular choices of many due to their versatility. It’s semi-sheer, allowing light with a moderate level of privacy commonly used in bedrooms. Cotton curtains are layered with other fabrics for complete window treatment. It’s available in various styles and designs, which is easy to clean and maintain.
Net/lace curtains
Lace, a sheer fabric, looks damn classy and stylish, allowing light and air to enter the room freely. It is commonly used in the living rooms, kitchens, or any space where a surplus amount of brightness is preferred. But, it’ll not provide privacy, so consider all your requirements before purchasing.
Synthetic
Synthetic curtains are less expensive, easy to clean, and give you the feel of any fabric (cotton, silk, linen). If you are looking for a cheap and best option, go for it.
Different Types Of Curtain Pattern
Curtain with pattern
The best way to add a bold statement and visual interest to the room is to hang patterned curtains in floral prints or geometric patterns. You will have numerous options in these types of curtains in color, style, or pattern. Depending on your choice, choose curtains that look good in the living room and bedroom.
Valance
Valance is another great option to uplift the window area. Valance usually hangs on the curtains; however, you can use it separately to add a decorative aesthetic. It is commonly used in living or dining rooms due to its uniqueness.
Roman curtains
These types of curtains are made of solid printed fabric that folds and gathers at the bottom as it rises. It extends a unique look to the living room, unlike other curtains.
Window scarf
Just like a valance, it merely serves the purpose of adding style and fashion to the bedroom, where it is mostly hung from the top of the window to create a visual impact and a romantic atmosphere for lovely memories.
Cafe curtains
These types of curtains are used at the bottom of the window rather than at the top. If you prefer enormous natural light with utmost privacy, a cafe curtain is your choice for the living room. The cartridge pleat gives it a unique look. The only con of having this curtain is that you can only use it for some windows as it is custom-made.
Curtains By Length
Window sill curtains
These short curtains hang slightly above the window sill and are best suited for small windows such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Apron curtains
Aprons or half-length curtains are the best choices if you have kids and pets at home. Long curtains in the high traffic area gather dust on the curtains, so go for shorter ones. It is best suited for the kitchen, bedroom, or any other window with radiators under the window.
Floor length curtains
One of the most stylish curtain lengths that slightly touches the floor is also known as floor kissing length. You have to consider the precision in measurement because a small error may spoil your mood, energy, and money spent.
Trouser length/Puddle length
They make at least 6 inches of puddles on the floor, adding aesthetics to any room where it is hung. Though you can use it for any window length, it looks best on a full-height window. Use soft and heavy fabric for puddle length so that it lays on the floor. Lift it carefully while opening and closing it to avoid dust sticking to it.
Pooling length
To add a luxurious statement to the room, there can’t be a better choice than pooling. Pooling length lay 6-8 inches on the floor, extending a modern, classy look. Use it in a less traffic area of your home to avoid dust sticking because it’s a bit difficult to open and hang it.
Breaking length
Looking for a perfect length for a curtain? Breaking-length curtains lay just an inch on the floor, flowing naturally. It’s easy to clean, open and hang it back. It’s a perfect piece for a conventional home for any room. Even high-traffic spaces can handle it because there’s no fear of dust accumulation.
Type Of Curtains Based On Features
Insulating curtains
It is an ideal choice, if you live in extreme weather conditions. Insulating curtains are a popular choice for bedrooms or dining rooms. These are made from heavy burlap, velvet, or synthetic fabric. Apart from the naturally insulating fabric, insulating curtains are available that use exterior fabric to cover the thermal layer to trap warmth in cold weather and vice-versa.
Noise-reducing curtains
Urban life is quite fast and chaotic. In such a condition, reducing the outside noise is an essential requirement when selecting a fabric for curtains. If your sleep is light, it’s a must for you.
Noise-reducing curtains are hung in bedrooms, theaters, libraries, or any room where complete peace is needed. These types of curtains trap the noise to ensure less noise. Many researchers are trying to engineer fabric with high noise-reducing properties.
Outdoor curtains
These curtains are the perfect addition to patio areas or areas prone to insects or bugs. Outdoor curtains are water and weather-resistant and made from heavyweight fabric. If you intend to limit the entry of bugs in the outdoor area, even sheer material will serve the purpose beautifully.
Curtains Based On Light And Noise Filtration
The fabric used in curtains is as vital as headers. The amount of light and noise you can tolerate determines what type of material shall be used. Some of the materials are:
Sheer curtains
If you want little light to peep through the windows while ensuring privacy, sheer curtains are the best choice for your rooms. It is opaque and made of light materials such as chiffon or net. It is mostly preferred for living or dining rooms.
Solid curtains
These types of curtains are the perfect choice for bedrooms or bathrooms because they provide privacy and limit the amount of light entering the room. It’s made of heavy fabric such as velvet or denim.
Light-filtering curtain
It is made of opaque fabric without lining to protect it from sun damage. Unlike the blackout curtain, it’ll not darken the room completely.
Blackout curtains
The name is self-explanatory; these types of curtains are used in bedrooms where darkness is preferred for a soothing environment while relaxing or sleeping. Blackout curtains are also considered for media rooms where a dark environment is needed. A layer of sheer panel is used for some light.
Curtain attachment styles
The attachment style of curtains varies from one room to another. If you glance at the top of the window, you will observe the variance in the attachment style. In this article, we’ll discuss the different styles of attachment.
Goblet
As the name suggests, it resembles a wine glass. Headers are pinched down a bit from the fabric and are used mostly as bathroom curtain because it allows the use of heavy and thick fabric. You can also use it in a formal room with high ceilings. Use it in a low-traffic space because the pleats are delicate.
Tab-top curtains
An affordable option that comes with a tab at the top to let the rod slide through and is preferred for bedrooms. Go for tab-top curtains if you want a farmhouse or a cottage look. Though it is available in light and heavy fabric, you may select it based on your preference. For a cozy and soothing ambiance, try linen in a light tone. One cons of these types of curtains is that they are difficult to open and close.
Window tiers
These curtains are commonly hung where you need complete privacy with little natural light. It is mostly used in the kitchen. They cover the window’s lower part, leaving the top part uncovered to allow some light.
Rod pocket curtains
It is one of the most affordable types of curtains with a pocket sewn at the top to thread through the rod; however, it doesn’t give a high-end look like other curtains, and at times it can be not easy to open and close it because the fabric slides slowly without rings. It is recommended if you plan to leave the panel for a longer period, mostly in the bedrooms. Consider all the pros and cons before concluding the purchase.
Pinch pleat curtains
If you want a traditional way to make your room beautiful, go for pinch-pleated curtains made from heavy and thicker material. With the stitched and pinched pleats, the fold of the fabric flows, creating a classy look. You can use it in bedrooms or living rooms. Though pinch pleat curtains are available from two to five-pleat options, three pleats are most preferred.
Pencil pleat curtain
These types of curtains are most suitable for bedrooms or living rooms which don’t demand a formal look. Pencil pleats have thinner pleats that resemble a pencil.
Grommet
Best suited for bedrooms, living rooms, or any room where frequent opening and closing of curtains is needed. Eyelets or grommet curtains look modern, with open rings supporting the panels, providing an easy opening and closing.
Single panel curtain
As the name suggests, it has a single panel to cover the window. When opening, you have to pull it to one side where you can tie it for a symmetrical look or keep it open. It suits classic as well as contemporary looks.
Curtain with pair panel
These types of curtains are bought in pairs. You must bring them together to close the curtains to control the light. When open, either leave it in a single panel on either side of the window or tie them for a symmetrical look. Whether you like classic or modern style, it proves to be a clever choice.
Tie-top curtains
It is a better option for a kid’s or informal room. It is hung below the rod, exposing the curtain rod and the wall behind it. Make sure you use an attractive rod because the rod is visible through the curtain.
Ripple fold
This style makes it easy to open and close the curtain, and the smooth flow of the fold elevates the look of the room. It is used for any room.
Curtains with tiebacks
It is a functional and decorative addition to the windows, best suited for bedrooms and living rooms. It comes with curtains made of the same material as curtains, woven cords, or tassels. There are two loops on either end and a hook on the walls to secure it tightly.
Some online options to hop for curtains
You can visit the store, get the feel of the fabric and buy it. If you run short of time, read the article, get an idea of the different types of curtains, match your preference and requirement, and scroll a few online options to conclude. Here are some online options to buy your favorite curtains.
- Wayfair
- World Market
- 3 Day Blinds
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Overstock
- Amazon
- Marburn
- Bed Bath and Beyond
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a professional interior designer or a homeowner, you will agree that types of curtains can make or destroy the room’s ambiance. For this reason, you have to select the best possible curtain and make the overwhelming journey of curtain selection easy.
FAQs
What’s the difference between curtains and drapes?
Curtains and drapes are two interchangeable terms used in home decor. Curtains are made using thinner fabric and are casual, washable, and less expensive. Drapes are made from heavy fabrics and are available in a formal and traditional color schemes.
What Color Curtains Make A Room Look Bigger?
To make the room look large, use neutral and light colors such as white, beige, or gray.
Are curtains supposed to touch the floor?
There’s no fixed rule regarding the length of the curtain. The length depends on factors like color, drapery pattern, fabric, and panel width. The window does not always determine the length of curtains but by aesthetics. The length varies depending on if the curtains are selected for the bedroom, living room, or bathroom because all these rooms have different lengths due to functionality.
Can curtains reduce noise?
Yes, some types of curtains help reduce the noise completely or minimize it, depending on the material used. For example, thermal curtains help reduce noise and simultaneously control the temperature by trapping heat or cold. It proves to be an energy-efficient product that helps preserve energy.
