Curtains Or Drapes For Window Coverings?
It's much easier to have fun with home design utilizing the decorative features of curtains than it used to be. This is simply because the role of the curtain has veered from being an actual functional tool to being merely decorative in nature.
Window Coverings And Curtains Change A Room
You can completely change the look of a room through the choice of the right curtains. In the past, curtains served very practical purposes, such as blocking the cold are from coming into a room and maintaining the heat, protecting furniture by keeping out the sunlight, and adding privacy to a room. Today, in addition performing these tasks, curtains must also add a decorative note to a room. Sometimes, curtains have been used by decorators to be the focal point of a room. New materials and technology have allowed decorators to become very imaginative when it comes to curtains.
Selecting Your Window Coverings
When redesigning a room you should always take into account the effect that the window coverings can have on your overall look. A careful choice of color and material in curtains can completely change the style and feel of your windows. The way curtains hang is another factor that can change your home design. Curtain tie backs can be a great detail, and you will probably be surprised how many different positions of tieback there are to be used in giving your curtains a completely unique look.
Interior Curtain Design
Think of drapes as the finishing touch to any room in your home. A decorated room seems incomplete without them. The right ones can bring a room together, as well as set the mood.
If you?re thinking of changing the look of your window coverings, there are a lot of things to consider. With the vast array of choices in the marketplace, it?s easy to lose sight of your goals, and become overwhelmed with all the options.
The first thing to think about when planning a change in window treatments is what you?d like them to convey. You can use them to create any mood, from casual to formal. Once you decide what you?d like the feel of the room to be, there are a few more considerations:
1) What colors do I want to use? Bright colors can really change the look and feel of a room, while light pastels can help provide a quiet, serene feel. Consider the size of the room in question. Bolder colors can make a small room appear smaller.
2) What fabrics do I like? Mixing fabrics can be a great way to add interest and depth to your windows. Layering velvet over silk can create a regal, formal look, while a lightweight cotton over gingham can lay the groundwork for a casual, carefree look. Heavier fabrics look great accented with lighter weight fabrics, such as an ornate brocade paired with a sheer taffeta.
3) What patterns do I like? With the wide variety of fabrics available, you can choose from simple, informal patterns on cotton, or intricately embroidered and beaded patterns on silk. You can create visual interest by choosing eye-catching patterns that accent the room. Sometimes patterns that don?t sound like they would complement each other work very well together. For example, you can pair stripes with checks, or even put different patterns together for a fresh look. The key is to find a common bond. For example, wide navy stripes would work well with a pattern sprinkled with smaller navy dots.
4) Will I be able to use window treatments to unify the room? Maybe your windows don?t ?match?. Perhaps they?re all different shapes and sizes. They could be at varying heights on the wall. You can use valances and drapes to visually change the heights, widths and shapes of the windows.
You don?t have to make over all the windows at once, and you certainly don?t have to have the same window treatments forever. There will come a time when you?ll feel like you?re ready for a change. You?ll get new furniture. Perhaps you?ll embark on a home repair project, and want to add new window treatments to complete the look. As you get more experience in choosing window design options, you?ll gain confidence that will help you to incorporate new ideas into your home.
Vince Paxton often writes newsletters on issues similar to drapes and curtains. You can learn about his writings over at http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/window-coverings.html and different sources for window coverings news.