How To Choose The Right Fabric And Style For Your Curtains?
Windows are an essential part of a home. They not only let in light but also affect temperature, and help improve energy efficiency. Adding curtains protects them from dust and daily spills, enhancing the window's lifespan and adding a stylish touch. In addition, curtains also help you improve the overall comfort and privacy of your living place.
Choosing the right type and style of curtains can be a daunting task because the needs of each part of the home are different. However, considering essential factors and following the expert's guidelines can help you make the right choice.
Tips for Choosing the Right Fabric and Style for Your Curtains
Know Your Needs
Always start by asking what you need the curtains to do for you. Do you need full blackout for sleep, light filtering for daytime privacy, or mainly a decorative frame for the window? For example, in living rooms, you may want light filtering fabrics that keep the room feeling bright while giving some privacy, but bedrooms often need heavier fabrics or blackout linings to block light.
Consulting with bespoke curtain makers in London and similar specialists can also help you make the right choice. They will bring out fabric samples so you can feel the weight, see how the material drapes, and test it against your room’s light at different times of the day.
Take Accurate Measurements
Getting the right size is one of the simplest ways to make curtains look intentional. Measure the width of the window plus the frame and add overlap at each side so the curtains fully close. A common rule is to add at least 15 centimetres to each side, but 20 to 30 centimetres gives better coverage and less light leak. It gives a richer, gathered look. For drop, measure from where the curtain will hang, top of the pole or face of the track, to the floor or sill.
Match Fabric Weight
Different fabric weights give different results. Sheer and lightweight fabrics let in more light and create a soft, airy feel. So, they are great where you want daylight without full visibility from outside. On the other hand, medium-weight fabrics such as cotton blends or linen offer more privacy and structure, while heavyweight fabrics like velvet or thick woven mixes provide excellent insulation and sound damping, making them ideal for bedrooms and formal living spaces.
Use Colour and Pattern
Colour and pattern are powerful tools, but they need to work with the rest of the room. If the room already has strong colours or busy patterns, choose neutral or single-colour curtains to balance the space, but for light themes, choosing patterned curtains can create a focal point.
You can also consider scale, for example, small windows suit small- or mid-scale prints, while large windows suit bigger patterns or solid colours that show texture. If you plan to reuse curtains in different rooms over time, pick a flexible palette like warm neutrals or muted tones.
Decide on Lining and Interlining
How a curtain performs mainly depends on its lining. A simple lining adds weight and helps the curtain hang better, while thermal linings add insulation and reduce heat loss. Interlining, a layer of soft fabric between the face and lining, is also a popular option as it creates a high-end look by making drapes fuller and improving acoustic and thermal performance.
Choose the Right Hardware and Accessories
Curtain hardware, such as poles, tracks and fixings, must support the curtain’s weight, especially for long or heavy drapes. So, always pick brackets rated for the fabric weight and use longer screws or wall anchors in plaster or masonry. Consider the style of the pole or finial so it complements the room’s finishes, and match metal tones to other fixtures like door handles or lighting.
Plan for Light Control and Privacy
To get the balance right between daylight and privacy, layering is a smart approach. Use a sheer inner layer to soften daylight and keep privacy in daytime. Add a heavier outer curtain or a blackout lining for sleep or screening at night. Similarly, in rooms that need extra privacy, like ground-floor bedrooms or bathrooms, pair curtains with blinds for an extra barrier.
Always consider double tracks so you can operate sheer and heavy layers independently. Make sure to choose high-quality blackout linings installed with minimal gaps at the edges and above the pole to prevent light leakage.
Consult With a Professional Designer
Getting professional help is the most effective way to choose the right fabric and style. A reliable company such as Otrt Designs can work with your layout, furniture and colour scheme to recommend fabrics, headings and hardware that match your decor theme. They can produce mood boards and place samples in the room so you can see the final look before making the final decision.
When looking for the right fabric and style for your new curtains, considering these tips can help you make the right choice.
