Curtains and draperies in home décor

One cannot deny the importance of curtains in a room décor. Curtains are one of the basic necessities as well as an accessory that completes the total look of any space. Sometimes we ask ourselves “Are curtains out of style?” the answer is no because curtains are versatile, they add up personality, controls light and most importantly provides privacy.

Curtains are considered to be a functional accessory that carries out the overall theme of the room very well.

Curtain can use as a focal point or can remain subdued in interior décor. Why curtains are important or will curtains reduce noise when hung?

We should know all these facts because throughout history of interior design there are many types and styles of curtains depends on how they are placed and hung. They are used to reduce noise and obscure any unpleasant views. Curtains also add color to a room and can be used to draw attention to the beautiful view outside.

Draperies are just like curtains but made out of heavy fabric that hung along the window,

Curtain on the other side are made of light fabrics like sheer, net, cotton or any lightweight fabric. Curtains are considered to be more casual and are used mostly in kitchens, living rooms and bedroom areas. Whereas drapes are more formal window treatments mostly used in formal living spaces.

Traditionally, the question that pops up in one’s mind is which curtain looks best? To answer that query let’s have a look at three main kinds of curtains: 

A draw curtains are used to simply block out light where as a sash curtain is used to filter the light as required. A drapery on the other hand is used purely for decorative purpose.

In the past curtains were hung under a board like frame which is called cornice or a top draped frill called valance. These decorative elements were used to hide the hardware and to give more formal touch.

Another option is swag curtains in which the unstitched fabric is draped loosely around the rod and hung in different lengths. Often, they are of sheer or light weight fabrics which add flair and dramatic effect to the whole room.

Types of curtains

There are different types of curtains according to the way they are stitched

1. Eyelet curtains
2. Box pleated curtains
3. Cased heading curtains
4. Pinched pleated curtains
5. Goblet pleat curtain
6. Tailored pleat curtains
7. Sheer curtains

Eyelet curtains:

They are also called grommet curtains. These types of curtains are made of light to medium weight fabric. At the header they have rings, usually metal or silver from where a rod passes through. They are easy to draw and maintain. Eyelets curtains are ideal for busy rooms. As there is no fussy design and the style is very modern and contemporary.

Box pleated curtains:

A very tailored look curtain. It gives deep folds throughout the whole length creating a formal and neat pleated look. Mostly used for formal rooms like drawing and dining area.

Cased heading curtains:

Also known as rod pockets. Now the question is “How curtains are made?” For instance, cased heading curtains are mainly made of sheer and light weight fabrics like nets. This type of curtains is used as permanent curtains which are not to be open and closed frequently. There curtains are hung on a slender curtain rod on which a casing is sewn across the top and is left opened at both ends. They act as lining curtains and in used in less busy rooms.

Pinch pleated:

A very decorative curtain type which gives a formal finish than other types. For this type of curtain any fabric is suitable there are two styles of pinch pleated curtains two finger pinch pleat, three finger pinch pleats or more. For more pleats more amount of fabric is required and so does the cost.

Goblet:

A very formal curtain style for formal areas like drawing and dining areas. Goblet pleat curtains are an ideal choice for any room. It’s called goblet pleat because the pleat at the top resembles a goblet (wine glass). Goblet pleat curtains are used ideally for high ceilings.

Tailored pinch peat:

This style is similar to pinch pleat, but the pleats starts at the top and falls from there. People often call this style of pleat a euro pleat. This is more stylish and less fussy then pinch pleat, heavy weight fabrics works wonder for tailored pleat curtains but light weight fabrics will need the lining underneath.

Sheer curtains:

Sheer curtains are considered as secondary curtains and mostly hung-over blinds. Areas where less privacy is required sheer fabrics are ideally used because these curtains filter in light and brighten up the designated space. The main issue with sheer curtains is “Will sheer curtains protect furniture?” and that issue can be resolve by using lining underneath for most cases. Sheer curtains are used for maximum visibility into a room, for sheer curtains any curtain style will work. For a more formal look the curtain top is enclosed in a pelmet to conceal the curtain rod and wall joints.