Selecting the Right Window Curtains for Your Home
If you are thinking about giving your home a new look, one of the easiest ways to do it is to buy modern window curtains. You have many different styles to choose from. The right window treatments can really bring your decorating scheme to a whole new level. Watch this video to get some ideas for your home (note: “pelmet” is synonymous with “cornice” or “valance”).
Tab top curtains are made with tabs of material that are sewn in at the top which create the loop necessary for hanging the curtain on the rod. Tab tops create a more casual look and have become very popular, especially among those who like the country style of decorating. You can use tab top curtains in just about any room. These modern window curtains also work great as a decorative shower curtain or as a closet covering in lieu of a door. You can make them fairly easily as well just by taking inexpensive already made panels, choosing a coordinating material, creating strips of material in the same width and length and attaching them in even intervals along the panel.
Rod pocket curtains are the most common style of modern window curtains. They have a casing along the top of the panel where the rod is inserted and do not need any kind of hooks or rings to hang them. You can find them in many different patterns and colors. Rod pocket curtains are also very easy to make. Just take the correct size piece of fabric, fold over the top and create a seam about 3 – 5 inches down. The size of the pocket will depend on the size of the rod you wish to use.
Pinch pleated drapes are more of a classic style of curtain. They use hooks that are inserted at the pleats of the drape and are hung on a track with loops which allows you to open and close the drapes with a cord. Many people who want a very formal look will also get a matching valance to hang with these drapes. Although pinch pleated drapes are one of the easiest types to operate, the hardware is more expensive as are the drapes. You also would need to be a very experienced seamstress to be able to make them yourself because they require much detail.
Door panel curtains are also available if you want to cover up the glass panels in your doors to gain a bit more privacy. These are specially made so that they have rods on both the top and bottom to keep them in place. You can choose an informal sheer curtain or something a bit thicker depending on the amount of privacy and light control you are looking for.
Grommet curtains have tops with metal, plastic or rubber rings punched into the curtain, usually within an inch of the top edge. The curtain rod slides through the rings and is visible between the drapery folds. These modern window curtains are available in dry-cleanable and washable fabrics and are easy to open and slide on and off for easy cleaning.
Whatever style of curtain you choose, you may want to enhance its look with a decorative curtain rod, or you may want energy-saving or room darkening options. Blackout thermal drapes are lined with heavy material that adds extra insulation, blocking out heat in the summer and cold in the winter. They also block out most light which is great for privacy; they also create a perfect sleeping environment. Although they are more expensive due to the added fabric to create insulation and room darkening, they can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills.
