Curtains as window coverings can add a special touch to a room and can also add a measure of privacy. Whatever you end up choosing, a window treatment of curtains can not only add some color or texture to a room, but can sometimes solve problems you may have with a window as well.
There are many types of curtains to choose from. One of the most popular types is the box pleated curtain. These curtains are pre-gathered into pleats at the top of the curtain so that they always have that neat, tailored look. These can be a little more expensive than just a plain curtain, but their extra fullness can add a nice touch to your window treatment.
Another popular type of curtain is a valance. It is a short piece of fabric that only decorates the top fourth of the window. They can come in many colors and patterns, and are usually used along with blinds so that there is still a way to close the window off and still get some privacy.
Of course, curtains also play a more functional role in our home.
Curtains can also be used to completely block out light for those who want their room very dark or for those who sleep during the day. These are known as blackout curtains and they have a special liner that does not allow any light to penetrate through the curtain itself. The only light you may need to worry about may just come around the edge or top of the curtain.
Thermal curtains are a good option for saving energy. These window treatments keep the temperature more constant in the house, whether you want it warm or cool. This can save on energy costs since warm or cool air is not lost through the windows.
Thermal curtains and blackout curtains as window coverings can also make good sources for noise blockage. If you live on a noisy street, or have to sleep during the day, sometimes outside noise can be pretty disturbing. These types of curtains can be really helpful to reduce the noise level as well as the light level.
A simpler type of curtain is a cafe curtain, which you can usually find in a kitchen. These curtains are made of light material and often have decorative designs. These are the kinds of curtains you often imagine blowing in the wind in a kitchen.
Whatever type of curtains as window coverings you need, finding one that you like and that goes with your decor can sometimes be a challenge. In addition, curtains for a larger window can cost quite a bit. However, curtains are often a longer term investment since you don't usually change them every year, so find the ones that you like, and hopefully you will soon have a lovely window area to enjoy.
So remember not to base your buying decision strictly on the price. Curtains play not only an important part of your home decor but also say a lot about you. So what do your curtains say about you.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
QUESTION:
What do I use for a curtain rod in front of vertical blinds?
My husband and I have a townhouse that we rented. It has sliding doors in the living room to get to the back 'yard', and they put vertical blinds in front of the sliding doors. We do not have a place to store them (our bed is a platform style, so there is no under the bed, and none of our closets are big enough to fit the blinds in there), so we want to leave them up, but cover it with curtains.I'd like to put the curtains in front of the blinds, but the rod would have to extend a good 5 or so inches from the wall. Is there any hardware I can use that would extend the rod connection pieces so I can hang the curtains in front? I'm going to hang the curtains above the blinds and in front, to completely hide them (we don't use that door much, so the curtains won't be fully opened, and I have a design in mind that will let light in, but hide the top of the vertical blinds).
But I need to get the curtains in front. Any suggestions?
That's what I meant by rod connection pieces...brackets. I just couldn't think of the word.-
ANSWER:
You can purchase extenders at decorating stores, but here is what we used. We got those hooks that you can hang bikes up in the garage and I covered them in the fabric that I was making the curtains out of... they stick out at least 6 inches (see example in the pic below) you just twist them into the wall... cover.. and place the curtain rod on that...
-
-
QUESTION:
How to hang curtains over vertical blinds?
My boyfriend and I live in an apartment, so we really can't drill or do anything drastic to the walls to hang a curtain rod. Are there any other options to hanging curtains over a set of vertical blinds?-
ANSWER:
In my rented house, we have awful vertical blinds and aren't allowed to put a curtain rod into the wall. So, I bought two of those large-sized Command brand adhesive hooks (you can find them pretty much anywhere) and stuck them where the ends of a curtain rod would've been drilled into the wall. You can buy long dowel rods/similar things to lay across and set into the hooks. I then hung a (lightweight) length of fabric instead of curtains, and it looks really nice! If you hate the way the plastic hooks look, try placing some kind of decor over them to make it seem chic.
-
-
QUESTION:
What would be a good alternative to vertical blinds and curtains for a large sliding-glass door?
I have a very big sliding-glass door in the breakfast-nook/kitchen/great-room concept area of my home.I really dislike the look of vertical blinds and am bored with curtains. I currently have plantation shutters on my windows and really enjoy the clean look it creates.
Any ideas for a nice privacy/sun screening type of covering?
-
ANSWER:
Roman Blinds look great on glass doors.
You can buy them ready made or make them yourself.Below sites shows you some pictures
http://homeoutlet.com.au/portal/products/roman-blinds.html
http://www.cheapa-blinds.com.au/blind.aspx?id=39&CatID=75&type=2&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
-
-
QUESTION:
Any ideas on how to keep my kitten from playing with the curtains and vertical blinds?
This is especially tricky as I also have the pull cords to contend with... currently the curtains are up over the rod so she won't get to them at all (the curtains are almost floor-length when they are down). She constantly plays with the vertical blinds (and I rent so I worry about damages!). This is a 3-month old kitten so nothing is boring!-
ANSWER:
We had an especially frustrating kitten a while back. He did everything we did not want him to do, clawed curtains, walked on countertops, pulled toilet tissue, you name it. Here is what worked for us. We got a squirt gun. Most cats hate water. Everytime he did something we did not want him to do he got squirted. He did not associate the water with us, as we were accross the room. It did not hurt him, it was just unpleasent. He learned pretty quickly that when he climbed the back of the couch he got wet. That was 12 years ago and I am happy to say he turned out to be a wonderful cat. Enjoy your kitten.
-
-
QUESTION:
What kind of curtain rods should I get if I have vertical blinds? (For valances)?
I want to get some valances for my kitchen. I have vertical blinds, so do I need a "special" type of rod or can I just get any curtain rod I want?Thanks!
-
ANSWER:
if your blinds are hung inside the sill, you can use any rod. if they are mounted outside of the sill you will just need one that will fit over the blinds.
good luck
-
