You’re not just covering your windows with a large swathe of material; you’re choosing another element of the design of your space – one that must convey a certain style while serving a function. And that is why you must consider that fabric your curtains or drapes are made of.
The proverbial “really cute shoes” are not made for hiking. But that doesn’t mean you can’t hike in style. So, while unlined printed cotton curtains may look pretty in your boho bedroom, if you have a streetlight outside your window, they will do nothing to tuck you into the darkness needed for sleep and you will be too tired in the morning to appreciate them. Ask yourself: Why do I need curtains in this room? In the kitchen, you may just want to soften the look of the space and add a bit of privacy. In the aforementioned bedroom, you may want to block light and sound.
Sheer
Voile and faux linen keep you from feeling like you’re living in a fish bowl while softening the space around your windows. While whites and neutrals are the traditional, blend-into-the-surroundings choice, these fabrics also come with subtle color, texture and embellishments to make them feel more of a purposeful design element.
Light Filtering
Linen, faux linen, cotton and silk soften the light more than let it through, making them perfect for rooms that you’d like bright but still shielded from direct sunlight or glare. The greater stability of these fabrics also allows for a greater range of color and structure as well as prints. Light filtering fabrics speak of “home” and casual comfort and are go-to, all-purpose window coverings.
Room Darkening
Whether it is a dinner party, a night of studying, movie night or a good night’s sleep, room darkening curtains will help block out the outside world to give you privacy and focus. Whitin this category you will find both lined and unlined fabrics; all, however, made of heavier velvet, linen, cotton, silk or polyester. With the weight of the fabrics and the variety of colors, textures and prints, part of their function is design element.
Blackout
Maybe you are really serious about blocking out the outside world – its light but also its sound and climate. Blackout curtains are lined to create a world apart. Even in whites and neutrals, they are not exactly subtle, adding richness to a room. In deep hues of velvet or silk, they are the ultimate statement in window coverings.
But now what?
Chances are you have an idea of the color and vibe you are going for, but there are still so many choices. Linen or cotton? Velvet or silk? And even if you are set on a white or neutral, you still need to make sure you are hitting the right warm or cool tone. Half Price Drapes offers five free swatches to help you find just the right match for your room. Be sure to grab the ones you’re leaning toward, but we suggest throwing in a wild card because you may be surprised by the magic a little taffeta or Babylonian Blue can do for a room.