How to Choose the Right Curtains For Your Windows
Curtains are like outfits for our windows! They help us dress up a space by bringing fabric, color, texture, dimension, and depth to a space. They soften incoming light, balancing our space with brightness when needed. There are so many different styles to choose from for both design purposes and functional purposes. Below are five curtain styles that might be perfect for the windows in your home.
DRAPES
If you have higher ceilings or want to create the illusion of an elevated ceiling, drapes are a great way to elongate a room. Use them to border a large bay window, or add them as an additional dramatic detail in a cozier space. Drapes can be found in so many materials and fabrics, but my two favorites are linen and velvet. Linen is better for bringing in and spreading the light around a room acting as a tool to create the perfect glowy space. Living in Florida, it also brings in a lightweight, summery feel that feels fitting for warmer weather and coastal homes. Velvet adds drama, dimension, and a heavier texture. Velvet curtains are great for adding a more dynamic look and feel to your space. It is also a great option for winter.
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Shades
Shades are a fabric-based option that give rooms a softer feel. A linen drape will invite light into your home, whereas a shade acts as an on or off switch. Open the shade, and you will have full sunlight pouring in. Close it and your room will button up and be private again. Shades are great above wider windows that might be off the ground a few feet. Shades are also ideal in the bathroom when you want as much privacy as possible. They are an excellent option in kitchen or dining spaces where you want sunlight all through the day, but privacy in the evening when you’re eating or finishing up the day's chores.
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Blinds
The easiest way to tell the difference between blinds and shades is by looking at the materials. Shades are usually made from wood, metal, or a composite, so they automatically bring a textural element into the room. Pending the material you choose, they will bring in a varied amount of light. Because the material is a design element in itself, it's nice to showcase blinds, and not just roll them away during the day. If you choose a more natural material shade, you might consider setting them halfway between your window. One half brings in beautiful sunlight, and the other almost works like a piece of artwork would, adding color and a shift in texture and overall dimension.
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Combination
A great way to elevate a room is by combining two different curtain styles, and layering fabric with texture. Long drapes can be combined with woven blinds This combination allows the privacy of a shade or blind, with the elegant look and feel of a draped curtain style. If sunlight comes in very strong in the mornings but you want it later on in the daytime, having a setup like this allows you to filter and control the light in your home. It allows you to heavily layer fabric elements to block out as much light as possible and transition to whatever the space calls for during the day.
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Patterned Curtains
A patterned curtain is perfect if you’re wanting to add color or artwork to a room, but don't want to fully commit by painting the walls or hanging artwork. It’s one of my favorite ways to add beautiful elements about wallpaper without having to fully commit to that very traditional and specific aesthetic. If you’re more of a maximalist, adding patterned curtains in a space that already holds a few other patterns can be a really great way to continue to personalize your house. Adding a unique touch like this is really easy to change out, and switch up, no fear here!
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