Curtains are pivotal pieces of home decor that can elevate the look of any space they are mindfully added to. They are purposeful and versatile, not only bringing color and fluidity to the overall aesthetic but also allowing for light and air to permeate in or stay blocked out of the house when needed. A comprehensive guide like this helps understand essential features that can be explored to identify the right fit for any space.
Decoding Curtains
Terms like ‘Drapes’, ‘Curtains’ and ‘Blinds’ are often used interchangeably but all curtains and blinds are essentially drapes. Curtains and blinds are simply two different styles of drapes offering the same functions. While blinds can either be made in a variety of materials ranging from wood and plastic to fabric, curtains are largely made using a variety of fabrics.
Light Management:
Curtains come in two varieties, namely sheer and blackout curtains. The best practice is to identify the amount of natural light a space gets before opting for any particular style of curtains. For example, homes in or around polar regions opt for blackout curtains to suit their lifestyle as they receive ‘midnight sun’ or more than 20 hours of sunlight in the summer.
Some curtains may also feature another layer in the form of lining, which prevents color fading that may occur from exposure to sunlight for extended periods of time. Polyester curtains and polyester linings for curtains are popular as they have good resistance to fading and are easy to maintain.
| Types of Drapes | Curtains, Blinds |
| Types of Curtains | Sheers, Blackouts |
| Hardware for hanging Curtains | Curtain Tracks, Curtain Rods |
| Hanging styles for Curtains | Eyelets, Rings, Rod Pockets, Curtain Loops |
| Accessories for Curtains | Tie Backs, Valances, Curtain Rod Finials |
Hanging Styles
Two types of hardwares, namely rods or tracks may be used to hang curtains. Further, curtains can feature various hanging styles ranging from eyelets and hanging rings to loops and rod pockets.
- Eyelet Curtain
- Looped Curtain
Eyelet Curtain (L) and Looped Curtain (R) by V Living
Eyelet and ring curtains can slide seamlessly on a track or a curtain rod and are by far the most popular hanging styles for curtains. On the other hand, curtains featuring loops or rod pockets are not as easy to slide over the curtain rod due to the friction between fabric and the rod.
Accessories and Finishing Touches
A tie back may be used in combination with rod pocket or loop curtains, to avoid sliding them over the pole frequently. Tie backs may come in a variety of materials ranging from fabric and wood to metal and more.
Curtain Rod Finials (L), Curtain Tie Backs (R)
Window treatment also includes Valances or Pelmets which are used to cover the uppermost part of the window, thus effectively concealing any curtain tracks or rods too. Valances can be minimal or decorative, depending on the overall window treatment and are usually made with fabric. Hardware may also be added to create more shapely or structured valances.
Range of Curtain rods with a variety of finials are also available which act as a great decorative accessory to the curtains of your living spaces.
Your curtains may be larger than life but your search for the perfect ones doesn’t have to be. V Living’s extensive selection includes something for every lifestyle, ranging from modern and quaint to rustic and maximalist.