The in-depth guide to buying the perfect curtains
Planning a window treatment? Looking forward to changing the curtains of your doors? It will not seem a big deal after reading this extensive guide. This guide will walk you through the different factors that must be considered when buying curtains, some tips to keep in mind, and what options are available in the market.
Important: If your main concern is reliable shops, then for the straight-to-the-point reviews, ReviewsBird is a good consideration. We all know that reviews directly affects the purchasing decision. These reviewing platforms make a huge difference in purchasing decisions. From hype around the brand to the downs in the sales, everything is reflected through honest and transparent reviews. So, online shopping reviews tell you if the brand is trustable or not.
You’ll get to read the following informative sections in the guide;
→ Difference between curtains and drapes
→ Things to consider before looking for the factors (in-depth overview)
→ How to buy the perfect curtains? Things to consider
→ Read the reviews for the best product
Let’s get started!
Difference between curtains and drapes
Curtains and drapes, both are used for window treatments but the difference is just in weight. Curtains are lighter in weight since they are made up of lightweight materials. Curtains offer low privacy and light blockage is not as good as drapes. Drapes are heavier than curtains since they are made up of heavy fabrics and offer high privacy and light blockage.
These two concepts are confused whenever buyers look for window treatments. Most of the time, drapes and curtains share similarities. Both are hung in front of the window and can be pulled at one side or both sides making an open look to the area. Moreover, when plain curtains are designed into blackout curtains, they share the same function as simple drapes.
Things to consider before looking for the factors
Before reading the factors that make a huge difference in buying the perfect curtains, there are your personal preferences that can be categorized into three parts in the form of questions i.e.
Do I want a complete or bare blackout?
The same concept falls into the category - of curtains and drapes. If you want a complete blackout for the room or your concerns are complete privacy, then drapes are the best option. On the other hand, if you want bare blackout, then you should go for the curtains.
Important: You can also consider the light levels in this section. There are four levels of lightning i.e. sheer, filtering, darkening, and blackout.
- Sheer: These types of curtains let the maximum light in by diffusing the harsh glare.
- Filtering: Filtering window treatments are made up of long threads with a slightly closer weave by leaving some structured space to let 30% - g0% light in.
- Darkening: The darkening window treatments can also be called drapes which don’t offer a complete blackout but it has good privacy.
- Blackout: These types are total blackouts by offer complete privacy.
Same light level options go for the door curtains.
Do I want to sound and heat insulation functionality in the drapes?
The sound and heat insulation process is carried out by the drapes which are made up of heavy and dense material. For sound insulation, the window treatments come with soundproof drapes that hold 70% of sound outside of the windows. These drapes are also known as blackout curtains but don’t get confused with soundproof and blackout curtains. Every blackout curtain doesn’t hold the properties of a soundproof treatment but every soundproof drape is a blackout one. Moreover, the heat insulation works best with these drapes as the AC keeps working at its best with the multiple layered curtains.
Do I need washing machine-friendly curtains or dry clean friendly?
To save your precious time and hard-earned money, you should decide between the two options i.e. washing machine-friendly or dry clean. It is a recommendation to consider the second option because washing the drapes or curtains in the machine can cause serious damage. Moreover, it also depends upon the type of material the curtains are made up of. The cotton, linen, and polyester curtains should be washed in the machine while the silk, organza, and velvet curtains should be dry cleaned.
These three questions must be considered to save your time and money!
How to buy the perfect curtains? Things to consider
The real homework starts here! This section contains some mathematical work that you’ll have to do to get the right curtains.
The prints and colors of the curtains
The interior professionals give a good focus on the prints and colors of the curtains. If you are confused with the different colors and variety of designs, Just ask yourself; How come this color seamlessly blends with my home decor? This will give you an idea of whether to go with neutrals, solids, or bold hues. Moreover, the contrasting factor also comes when selecting the colors. If your concern is making your curtain colors a centerpiece, buy the same color as your furniture, floor mats, and sofas. For the outdoor curtains, choose contrasting solids or neutrals.
The material the curtains are made up of
Materials make a huge difference in budgeting and durability when buying curtains. The most common types are polyester, cotton, silk, and velvet.
Polyester
Polyester is a manufactured (man-made) material used to make blinds. These designs are affordable, adaptable, and available in a huge variety of cotton and linen mixes, colors, and textures.
Silk
Although fairly traditional, silk curtains may complement a variety of design aesthetics, from futuristic to glitzy. If you're searching for a cost-effective solution, fake silk can offer the same shiny quality for a far lower price. For the royal look, consider the silk material for the curtains for living room.
Velvet
Do you want to express things? Think about velvet curtains. They are striking, opulent, and very soft. Leather curtains are comparable but have a more relaxed appearance. The green curtains in velvet material gives a complete royal look to the room if these curtains are matches with the beddings and sofas.
Cotton
Cotton drapes are unpretentious, easygoing, and simple to maintain. Instead, use linen curtains if you're seeking a comparable, more elegant cloth.
Curtains hanging style
Although most curtains have rod pockets or grommets, there are a few more curtain types to take into account.
Rod pockets
The horizontal pocket - typically of 3 or 4 inches - is made through which the rod is passed. The whole pole's diameter is concealed by rod compartments, preventing anyone from seeing it.
Grommet
Grommets are composed of evenly spaces meta rings that are incorporated into the top of the curtains. Through these rings, the rod slides into the curtains to make the waving pleats.
Tab top
Tab top is similar to the rod pockets but instead of a long horizontal pocket, the fabric loops are designed from which the rod simply slides.
Pleated
The pleated rod requires the separately attached rings with the curtains for the rods to slide in.
Size of the curtains
The size of the curtains completely depends upon your preferences and requirements. You can get full-size curtains that touch the floor or your can buy window-size curtains. Below are the measuring tips to order the best one!
Measuring tips (curtains mounted above)
Buying curtains that are mounted above is the best option which will give your room a dramatic look. To measure the curtains mounted above, follow these steps - for better understanding, an example is added with each step;
Step 1:
Measure the height and width of the window, preferably in inches.
Height = 40 inches , Width = 46 inches
Step 2:
Add 16 inches to the height and width to extend the four sides of the curtains to up to 8 inches.
Height = 40 inches + 16 = 56 inches, Width = 46 inches + 16 = 62 inches
Step 3:
Double the width for the nice pleats and fit the curtains amazingly in the rods.
Width = 62 inches | 2(62) = 124 inches
So, buy curtains that are 56 inches tall and 124 inches wide.
For floor-to-ceiling measurements, skip Step 2!
Measuring tips (curtains mounted below)
The mounted below steps are great for bathroom curtains.
Step 1:
Measure the height and width of the window casing, preferably in inches.
Height = 40 inches , Width = 46 inches
Step 2:
Measure how much space will be taken by the hanging essentials. Subtract those measurements from the height in length.
Height = 40 inches, Hanging essentials length = 5 inches
So, 40 - 5 = 35 inches.
Step 3:
Double the width for the nice pleats and fit the curtains amazingly in the rods.
Width = 46 inches | 2(46) = 92 inches
These measuring tips apply to all the areas you’re looking for, even for the curtains for bedroom.
Read the reviews for the best product …
As we all know that the online reviews of the furniture stores in the USA are also affecting the buying decisions of the customers. These honest and transparent opinions from experienced people will help you walk through the customer services, product quality, and pricing. With all these comments, it will be easier for you to choose the curtains and drapes according to the checklist you have created and this informative guide.
