There is no better way to make a bold statement in one’s home decor than by choosing the right window treatment. If chosen correctly, one’s choice of window coverings can dramatically enhance the appearance of any room. There are dozens of different styles, colours, textures and varieties available that can either soften or add drama to the interior.
There are as many different factors to consider when choosing which style to hang.
The first determination that should be made is based on what room of the home needs the curtains. Bedrooms are often thought of as places of comfort where one may retreat for rest and relaxation. Some of the curtain options for the bedroom include soft sheers that can diffuse the light while still providing privacy, perhaps encased in solid silk tab topped or gathered opaque draperies that can be closed completely over the sheers to block out the light. Wooden blinds are also a good choice for their ability to both allow in the light or, to completely shut it out.
Some of the currently popular curtain styles for the main living areas of a home are long drapes that are hung from just below the ceiling and allowed to pool naturally on the floor below. These type of curtains work very well when framing a picture window that has a nice view, as they perform the same job as a literal picture frame. Another type of curtain that is well-suited for the living room or den is the full height curtain, the top of which hides behind a cornice or valance. These curtains have the effect of letting the people in the room only see the soft, gentle folds of the draperies without seeing any of the rod or accompanying hardware. The pencil pleat curtain is also a popular choice for the living room. Some of the new patterned vertical blinds also work, especially for the more casual living area such as a den.
Finding a good window treatment for the kitchen normally involves some way to allow maximum light into the room. Depending upon the decor of the kitchen, this can include a decorative curtain that stays open all the time, created from semi-sheer or sheer fabric. Country themed kitchens often have simple cafe curtains that are gathered onto a rod. A more contemporary kitchen might have a more sheik tab-topped curtain or some of the new styles of bamboo curtains that are made from either split bamboo, in the form of shades, or of bamboo woven fabric that is huge right now. Tie tops are a choice that informal and quite practical for the kitchen.
Bathroom window coverings, of course, tend to be centered around the amount of privacy they provide, as well as how well they can stand up to moisture. There are many cheerful and durable plastic or vinyl choices. The short, grommet top curtain also works well in this environment, provided it is constructed from fabric that is water resistant.
