With all the different types of curtains and drapes that are available these days, it can be hard to figure out just what type of window treatments you should get for your home. Moreover, since drapery comes in different materials and different colors, there are a lot of decisions involved in the process of finding the perfect window coverings for each room in your home.
As a general rule, you should aim to complement your room colors. You don't want drapery that will clash with your walls or furniture. Solid colors are a safer choice than patterns. Go with beige, cream or similar neutral colors if you're not sure about what color to get. In terms of style, you want your drapes to blend in with your furniture. Country curtains, for example, would not complement a room with contemporary furniture.
Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be a bit more informal, so people are likely to choose curtains such as country kitchen or tab top for these rooms. Living rooms can be more formal, so people may decide to use either pinch pleated or rod pocket drapes. Blackout drapery is a good choice for bedrooms if privacy is a concern.
Country kitchen curtains tend to be a bit old-fashioned looking. They typically are made out of lace, gingham or a checked material and are meant to evoke the past. Usually they are available in colors such as reds, blues and browns, or with designs like stars or roosters on them.
Tab top curtains can be either formal or informal, depending on the type of material that is used to make them. Tabs are used to form loops at the top of the panel for the rod to go through. The front of the tabs may be decorated or plain. These drapes can be used in any room and allow you to show off decorative rods.
Pinch pleated drapes are one of the more formal options for window treatments. Because they do not have a pocket or loops for the rod to go through, you need to use hooks to attach them. Heavier materials and added valances tend to give a more formal look, while lighter materials give a more casual look. You can even get insulated versions to help with your energy bills or blackout versions to keep the light out of rooms you wish to remain dark during the day.
Rod pocket drapes have a pocket for the rod to go through, so they are a bit easier to hang than pinch pleated. You can get them in many different styles, lengths, and materials, so they can be as formal or informal as you like, and can be used in most any room of the house.
Pat Michael writes about home improvement and interior design topics. Learn more about curtains for windows at BetterCurtainsOnline.com.
