Curtains are a popular way to add color, soften a room, and create privacy. They can be hung in any room of the house, including bathrooms and kitchens.
They come in a wide variety of widths, lengths, fabrics, colors, and patterns. Depending on the use, they can soften or block out light and heat.
Fabric
Curtain application involves choosing the right fabric to fit a specific space. Your interior designer will help you decide which curtain fabric works best based on your design needs and lifestyle.
There are many different types of fabric used for curtains and drapery, including cotton, linen, silk, velvet, acrylic, rayon, brocade, lace and voile. Each type has its own unique benefits and can work well in a variety of spaces and design styles.
If you are looking for a lightweight fabric, look at options like net and poplin. They are inexpensive and a great choice for draping.
Another option is muslin, which is made from cotton. It is a light gauze-type material and comes in various colors and designs.
For a more traditional curtain, consider using brocade, which is a heavy, dense fabric that displays a raised pattern. This type of fabric is ideal for living rooms or bedrooms.
Depending on your budget, you can also choose to purchase synthetic fabrics. Polyester is a very affordable fabric that withstands wrinkles and fading. It is also very easy to wash and re-dye.
However, synthetic fabric can be difficult to remove stains from so it may not be a good choice for high-traffic areas or rooms with young children.
You can also find blended fabrics that are a combination of cotton and synthetic fibers, such as linen/cotton and rayon/cotton. This is a popular alternative to traditional fabrics that is easy to clean and maintain, but it can be expensive.
The most common blends are linen/cotton and cotton/synthetic, but any type of cotton can be mixed with other fabrics to create a blend.
Linen is a strong and versatile fabric that is often paired with cotton to make it more durable and able to withstand creasing. It can also be layered with other fabrics to create a unique texture and style.
It is also possible to blend it with cotton to add a touch of softness, which is a popular choice for a variety of home furnishings.
Lace can also be a great option for sheer curtains. Although lace is usually considered expensive, it can be found in many different styles and patterns.
Lining
Curtain linings add fullness to curtains and protect their main fabric from dirt, sunlight, and moisture. They also reduce the amount of noise that enters a room and act as an insulator to prevent heat loss.
A lining can be made from a variety of fabrics, including cotton and polyester blends. Most are available in white or ivory and can be flame retardant if used in commercial settings to meet fire codes.
The lining is generally used in conjunction with the drapery fabric to enhance the look and feel of your window treatments. It can also help keep your windows clean and dry, which is important in keeping your home looking great.
Choosing the right type of lining is crucial to the overall success of your project. You’ll want to choose a lining that’s lightweight, easy to care for, and suitable for your drapery fabrics.
You can buy a variety of linings online from different sources, but you’ll need to decide on the type that best suits your needs. You’ll also need to consider the fabric’s sheen and weight.
For example, you might choose a lining that’s lighter than the face fabric to create a more airy look. On the other hand, you could opt for a heavier lining that’s more durable.
There are many types of lining, but the most common are standard lining and blackout lining. These linings are usually made from a polyester and cotton blend to provide durability and a beautiful appearance.
When choosing a lining, make sure that it’s lightweight, easy to care for, able to handle any wrinkles or creases that may occur, and suitable for your drapery fabrics. You can also select a lining with a sheen to enhance your window treatments’ appearance.
Alternatively, you can choose a lining with thermal properties to decrease heat loss and help keep your window surfaces comfortable. Some linings also have noise absorbing properties, which is great for blocking out sound and making it easier to sleep.
If you’re making a ruffled curtain, use header tape to attach the lining to the front of the curtain. This is an inexpensive option that helps reduce the amount of pinning you need to do to get the curtains lined.
Heading
Headings are the way the top of your curtains attach to the curtain pole or track. The type of heading you choose can affect the look and feel of your curtains (for instance, a contemporary style or a traditional one), as well as cost.
There are several different heading styles available, with pencil pleats being the most common and cost-effective. Pencil pleats are a popular choice for homes with modern or period interiors, and can be hung onto both tracks and pole systems. The header is usually 3″ deep and comes in a range of sizes, so it’s easy to get the right length for your windows.
Another popular curtain heading is pinch pleats. These are also known as ‘triple pleat’ or ‘French pleat’ headings and create a classic finish to your curtains. The organised pleats allow the curtains to stack neatly, rather than falling randomly like pencil pleats.
Pinch pleats are a traditional header that have been used for centuries in high traffic rooms, but they can also be created to suit more informal rooms. They’re a great choice for full bodied fabrics and those that have an elegant sheen.
The gathered heading has an informal, casual style, and is often suitable for short-drop curtains. It’s a great choice for patterned or plain fabrics, and can be matched with any type of window treatment hardware.
Wave headings are another option and are a more fluid, curving style that can be used with patterned or plain fabrics. These are often chosen for a more modern look in a living room or dining room, and can be paired with a range of curtain rods.
Finally, tab top headings are a very contemporary looking option that can be paired with a wide variety of curtain rods and fabric types. These have large metal rings sewn into the header and are threaded straight onto a curtain pole. They form soft folds in the fabric, and are a good choice for living and dining rooms, but they can be less suitable for bedrooms as they let in light.
Rods
Adding curtains or drapes to your windows is a great way to update the appearance of any room. To get the job done right, you’ll need to choose the best rods for your space. At Lowe’s, we have a wide selection of curtain rods in a variety of styles and finishes to suit your decor needs.
When you’re choosing a rod, consider the color and design of your window. You can choose from a range of colors and styles to suit your needs, including metal finishes such as brass, wrought iron or brushed nickel for a more traditional look. Alternatively, you can opt for wood options such as solid and fluted styles in a variety of stain and paint options.
The type of material your curtain rod is made from is also an important factor. For example, if you’re hanging your drapes in a bathroom, you may prefer a more moisture-resistant option like stainless steel or plastic.
Other factors to consider include the size of the window and how you plan to use the space. For example, if you want to hang long, floor-length drapes, install the rod closer to the ceiling to give the illusion of height.
Once you’ve chosen your style and material, measure the area where you’ll be installing your rod. This will allow you to know how large a curtain rod you need.
When measuring, be sure to account for the length of the curtain and any ruffles or pleats that are sewn into the top. This will ensure that the rod fits the window perfectly and is not too long or short for the window.
You’ll also need to calculate the diameter of the rod. A smaller rod will support a single layer of drapes, while a larger rod can hold two layers.
Lastly, you’ll need to decide if you plan to use curtain rings or not. Rings provide a more decorative look, while they’re also less visible than curtain rods.
For a simpler solution, you can also use curtain wires instead of a rod. These are more discreet, and they come in a variety of sizes to fit most windows. They’re a great choice if you have a small space or if you want to emphasize your gorgeous drapery.