Guide Décoration

The Importance of Curtains in Interior Design

This article is also available in French: L'Importance des Rideaux dans la Décoration Intérieure

19/04/2024 · 4 min read · By the Designix team

Curtains bring warmth, comfort, privacy, and elegance to our home. Whether they are blackout, insulating, sheer, or have tiebacks, there is an endless variety of curtains to dress our windows. Follow our practical guide to choosing the curtains best suited to your space.

The various categories of curtains

Blackout curtains: the choice for heavy sleepers

Blackout curtains have a simple function: to block out light. Perfect for those who need total darkness to sleep well. Moreover, they offer complete privacy by preventing any visibility from the outside. Their greatest advantage is that they are both aesthetic and practical. However, they can be more difficult to install due to their weight. These curtains are ideal for the bedroom.

Insulating curtains: warmth and comfort in your home

Insulating curtains with thermal linings are designed to provide you with warmth and comfort in your home. Their main goal is to strengthen the thermal insulation of your space thanks to an aluminum lining. In addition to protecting you against the cold of winter and the heat of summer, these curtains are also aesthetic and practical. However, their installation can be a bit more complex due to their weight. These curtains are particularly suitable for the bedroom, but they are also perfect for studios with large windows.

The classic curtain: a versatile choice

The classic curtain is often the first choice for dressing our windows. Mainly decorative, its price depends on the type of fabric used. Although they add an aesthetic touch to the room, they offer little protection against heat and sunlight. They are particularly suitable for the living room, the kitchen, the entryway, and the bedroom.

Sheers: Simple and Effective

Sheers fulfill a simple but crucial role: filtering light. Perfect for those who seek total darkness to sleep well, they also preserve privacy by blocking any visibility from the outside. Their main advantage lies in their aesthetic appearance and practicality. However, their installation can be trickier due to their weight. These sheers are particularly suitable for the bedroom.

The different curtain headers

curtain

Grommets

Very common and practical, grommet curtains glide easily on the rod thanks to their large metal rings. They are often used with heavy fabrics.

Advantage: Grommets ensure beautiful, regular waves and provide a lovely drape for the fabric.

Tabs

Tabs, which can match or contrast with the color of the curtain, slide onto the rod. They are best suited for lightweight curtains or sheers.

Advantage: Best for windows that are not opened or closed daily.

Tie-tops

Tie-tops form small bows at the top of the curtain to be tied along the rod. Although their installation requires patience, they add a feminine, decorative touch to the room.

Advantage: Adds a feminine touch to the room.

Pleats or wavy tape

More complex to install but offering a guaranteed aesthetic effect, pleats create waves that are ideal for fabrics that ripple regularly. These curtains can be hung on tracks or curtain rods.

Advantage: Ideal for sheers.

The different types of rods

curtain

Flat rod or sash rod

Ultra-thin, this rod attaches directly to the top part of the window frame. Made of iron or PVC, it adapts to all types of windows thanks to its extendable design. It is particularly suitable for lightweight curtains or simple sheers.

Disadvantage: Installation sometimes requires the use of adhesive mounts that can come off over time.

Railway rod or track rod

This rod consists of a metal bar equipped with a track. Small gliders are installed on this track to hold the hooks that support the curtain. Made of metal or PVC, this rod is generally used for lightweight fabric curtains.

Advantage: Specific brackets allow for two rods to be mounted in parallel, offering the possibility of having a sheer on one track and a blackout curtain on another.

Round rod

This small decorative element attaches above the window or to the ceiling. When purchasing, it is important to choose a rod slightly longer than the width of the window, with about 10 cm more on each side. Available in wood, PVC, or wrought iron, it offers a wide variety of choices.

Advantage: The round rod is ideal for supporting heavy curtains such as blackout or insulating curtains.

Some important steps to choose your curtain well

I take the measurements

The first step is to measure the window where you want to install your curtain. Length and width depend on personal preference: some prefer the curtain to brush the floor, while others prefer it shorter.

It is essential to place the curtain rod 15 cm above the window to prevent the curtains from getting stuck. You should therefore add this distance to your measurements.

Regarding the width, you must choose the desired type of pleats. For this measurement, easily add 30 cm to the length of the rod. If you are afraid of making a mistake in your measurements, add an extra 10 cm for possible hems.

I observe my room

It is important that your new curtain harmonizes perfectly with your room. Each room has its own style of curtain, and it is crucial to consider the overall ambiance of the room.

Make sure the colors of the curtains match those of the walls and floor.
Consider the materials and colors of the sofa as well as other surrounding furniture.

If you opt for custom-made curtains, ask for a fabric sample to see if it fits well with the overall ambiance of the room.

I choose a material for my curtain

Depending on the style of your room and your budget, you will need to choose the material for your curtain, whether it is custom-made or store-bought.

Here are some tips to avoid mistakes: