There’s one element of home decor that you simply can’t ignore — drapes for windows. They are one of those crucial pieces of decor that can set the tone of the room. From light and breezy to substantial and ornamental, from solid colours to prints, from sheer fabrics to heavy opaque textiles — the possibilities are endless. With the sheer variety of options for tracks, fabrics and accessories out there, making the right choice can be quite confusing. Here are a few quick tips on how to choose curtains for living room and other areas that can help you.

#1: Know the Difference Between Curtains and Drapes

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Pick curtains for privacy and drapes to block out sunlight

The first step to figuring out how to choose curtains for living and other rooms is to figure out what your room requires. Oftentimes, homeowners choose curtains, drapes, blinds and shades without knowing the difference between them. Doing so can lead to these window treatments interfering with the amount of sunlight your room should get.

Therefore, it is important to know the difference between these two soft furnishings before we understand how to choose curtains and drapes. Curtains are fabric panels made of light materials and hung from curtain rods. They are mostly used for privacy purposes, making them perfect for living rooms. Drapes for windows, on the other hand, are made of thicker materials which help to block out sunlight, making it ideal for bedrooms.

Also Read: How to Buy Curtains the Right Way

#2: Pick Out the Right Fabric

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The materials you choose for your window treatment can change the tone of the room’s design

If you are wondering how to choose curtains for your living room, the curtain fabric plays a vital role as it impacts the look of the room. From sheer lace to lightweight cotton, medium-weight brocades to heavy velvet, your options in curtain designs for windows are aplenty. The two factors that you should consider while answering the question how to pick curtains and choosing your fabric are:

  • The amount of sunlight you want streaming in
  • The mood and decor of your room. For example, heavier fabrics suit more traditional rooms while sheer fabrics work best in minimalist rooms

Each fabric falls differently from an elevation and therefore will look different when pleated and drawn back. This is an important thing to remember when choosing curtain designs for homes.

#3: How to Choose Curtain Colour

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Curtain designs for homes should complement the furnishings in the room

Wondering how to choose the curtain colour for your home? The colour of your curtain designs for windows and doors should ideally be in sync with the rest of the furnishings. You could either choose drapes for windows that harmonise with the decor or suitably contrast with it. Now how do you select the curtain colour? You can opt for a pleasing look by going for drapes in a colour that complements the shade of your walls. Alternatively, if you want the curtain design to be the focus, pick a hue that contrasts with the furniture and walls.

#4: Choose Wisely Between Prints and Solids

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Opt for patterns on curtains for windows and doors when the room is packed with solid colours

Before you decide on how to pick out curtains, you need to choose the pattern. To know what to go with—prints or solids—we need to look at the rest of the decor. If all the other soft furnishings in the room are a solid colour, going with printed curtain designs for your home can be a favourable choice. The opposite holds true as well. One thing to remember while deciding how to choose curtains for living and other rooms is that prints add visual weight to any element. Therefore, one way to work with printed curtain designs for windows is to pair them with solid-coloured furniture accessorised with printed cushions and area rugs. You could use quirky prints and geometric patterns in a contemporary space, while florals would suit modern classic and traditional decor.

#5: Select the Ideal Length of Curtains for Windows and Doors

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Floor-length curtains visually increase the height of a room

Whether you want to know how to choose curtains for living room or the bedroom, the length matters. Curtains that fall exactly to the floor are in vogue. For a more dramatic look, you can opt for a curtain size that is longer by a few inches, so that the drapes puddle on the floor. On the other hand, if you have kids, you are better off with curtains a couple of inches above the floor. Ending curtains for windows at the sill is yet another classic option, but full-length drapes could work equally well.

#6: Measure the Width of Your Curtain for Windows and Doors

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Get curtain designs for windows that are wide for a neat and gathered look

When thinking about how to select curtains for your home, know that the width also matters. The ideal width of your curtains for windows and doors depends on the width of the moulding of your window pane or door. One way to arrive at the ideal width is to measure the frame and multiply it by a factor of 2/2.5. The extra fabric helps accomplish the gathered look on the sides when the curtains are drawn back.

#7: Buy Matching Trims and Accessories for Your Curtains

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Curtain tie-backs are a great way to spruce up the design

Wondering how to select curtains for your home and decorate them? You can either dress them up or tone them down. Trims and accessories for curtains range from pull-backs and valances to ornamental curtain tracks fixed on the wall above the curtains. Trims and accessories can be cleverly accompanied with light drapes to add richness and grandeur. Valance, the decorative frilled fabric placed at the top of the curtain for windows, is an excellent way to add embellishment to your room. On the other hand, simple pull-backs and absence of decorative trims will make fabrics like velvet or satin look chic and sleek. This again will depend on the effect you want to achieve.

#8: Pick Between Lined and Unlined Curtains for Windows

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Drapes with a curtain lining give you privacy and allow sufficient sunlight to enter the room

This is where you weigh the functionality of the curtains or drapes that you have chosen. If the curtain hangs on a window that receives direct sunlight, a protective lining can make it more opaque, fade slower and last longer. Also, two layers — one sheer, one opaque — can give you the flexibility to choose the amount of privacy and light that you want. The fact remains that a lining makes drapes heavier — so choose wisely.

#9: Select Fabrics Based on the Maintenance Required

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Drapes with stitched pleats and swags must be dry-cleaned

The fabric and material of a curtain determines how it should be cleaned and how often you need to clean it. While all curtains and drapes should be washed every three to six months, there are some fabrics that require more care and some that can be machine-washed. 

  • Low-maintenance fabrics: If you are looking for curtains that need to be washed twice a year, opt for cotton or synthetic fabrics. These can be machine-washed if they are unlined or else, give your lined curtains a quick hand wash. These are a great option for those with dust allergies or kids and pets at home
  • High-maintenance fabrics: Any curtain that has pleats or swags must be dry-cleaned regardless of the fabric. However, wool, silk and sheer curtains must be dry-cleaned or hand-washed in cold water to retain their colour and shape

You can also choose to vacuum your drapes and curtains on a weekly basis if you are prone to dust allergies. 

#10: How Do You Hang Your Curtains?

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Curtain styling will depend upon the aesthetics of the room

Once you know how to choose curtains for living and other rooms, it’s time to style them. There are multiple ways in which you can style your curtains like curtain track, curtain rings, eyelet, tab top, pencil pleat and more. The style you select will depend upon the aesthetics of the room.

#11: Curtains Designs to Take Inspiration From

A) Industrial Chic

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Grey industrial chic curtains look great in modern homes

Curtains should match the aesthetics of your room. Since most homeowners prefer a contemporary look, grey industrial chic curtains are a great option.

B) Monochrome Beauty

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Light monochromes can make a compact space look larger

If you have a small room, light monochromes are a good option. Go for similar shades of neutrals like white and beige to create a light and airy look.

C) Floor-to-Ceiling Sheers

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Sheer curtains can make your room look open and airy

Another trick for compact spaces is to opt for sheer, floor-length curtains. This creates the illusion of space and will make your room look airy.

D) Curtains With Unique Designs

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Opt for valance curtains for a royal look

Wondering how to choose curtains for living room, including the ideal style? You can opt for valance curtains for plush and royal aesthetics. Valance is a cloth that hides the curtain rails, most often seen in royal homes.

Here are some living room designs to consider for more inspiration:

E) Blend In With the Wall

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Opt for roll-up curtains to let in the sunlight

If you want your curtains to blend in with the room, creating a minimal look, opt for a shade that is the same or similar colour as your walls. Roll-up curtains are a good option as they can easily blend in with the walls while letting in ample light.

F) A Pop of Colourful Drama

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Perfect for your kid’s room

If you are looking for curtain designs for your kid’s bedroom, choose colours that pop, like blue. Colourful curtains can help in creating a playful and fun vibe in a child’s room.

It’s always best to factor in the curtains while you’re deciding the rest of the decor of your room. Consequently, your decor will be much more coordinated and harmonious.

Also Read: 25+ Trendy & Stunning Curtain and Blind Designs for Your Windows

How Can Livspace Help You?

We hope you found our ideas useful! If you want your home to be just as beautiful, then look no further. Book an online consultation with Livspace today.

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