A curtain is a piece of fabric or other material used to cover windows. They can be made of various materials, including wool, cotton or polyester.
They are usually hung on a track or pole and come in different widths. To get the right length, measure the length of the window frame. Typically, this is 40 inches (100 cm) for pencil pleated curtains or double the width for eyelet or tab top curtains.
Fabric
Curtains are made from a wide variety of fabric. The most popular choices include cotton, polyester, silk, and linen. Each fabric type has its own specific characteristics and benefits.
Choosing the right type of fabric can help you create a cohesive look for your home. For example, if you’re planning to use a pattern on your curtains, it’s best to stick with coordinating fabrics.
If you aren’t sure how to go about selecting the perfect fabric for your project, consider discussing it with an interior designer. They will be able to recommend fabrics that complement the rest of your decor while also being durable and easy to care for.
The fabric you choose should be versatile enough to suit any window size. It should also be able to hold up to frequent washing and cleaning.
You’ll want to make sure that your drapes are thick enough to block out sunlight and provide privacy. This means that you’ll need to choose a fabric that’s heavy-duty, such as velvet or cotton.
This type of fabric is also known for its softness and beauty. It’s a great option for homeowners looking to bring a touch of class to their homes, while still keeping their space bright and airy.
However, be aware that lace is delicate and can easily become snagged and torn. If you’re thinking of using lace for your curtains, be sure to select a fabric that is specifically designed to be used as a curtain panel.
This type of fabric is often called “outdoor” or “waterproof” fabric because it typically has special coatings to repel water, mold, and mildew. It’s also sun-resistant, so the colors will not fade over time.
Pattern
You can add a touch of elegance to a simple fabric curtain with a border or trim that extends along the upper, lower, inner or outer edge. This is an excellent way to incorporate a small amount of fabric that may otherwise be too much or too expensive. You can also use this technique to extend a curtain’s lining, or replace it with a new, larger lining panel.
Another great option for adding a splash of interest to curtains is to sew oversized stitches in a heavier than usual thread that will stand out against the curtain fabric, such as variegated metallics or textured yarns. You can use an embroidery machine to stitch a design in these oversized threads, or simply hand-stitch a few parallel rows of straight or wiggly lines on the curtain fabric.
When working with a heavier thread, keep the needle down and the fabric taut while stitching for a more streamlined finish. This is especially true when sewing curtains that are going to be hung high and wide, where the weight of the fabric may cause them to bunch up.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy project to make curtains, try a no-sew valance pattern that ties together with ribbons or coordinating fabric. These patterns are perfect for those who don’t have the time or inclination to redecorate, but still want to add some pizazz to their home.
There are a number of different patterns to consider for your DIY window curtains, including lace, embroidery, ruffles and embroidered hems. These are all easy to do with a sewing machine, and can turn a plain fabric into an eye-catching design.
Length
Measuring the right curtain length is a key element to a successful window treatment. The wrong length can make your room look cramped or out of proportion, while the correct length can help your windows appear larger than they actually are.
The right length for your window will depend on your room’s size and the style you’re going for. If you have a wide window and short ceilings, longer curtains can give your room an airy feel.
However, shorter curtains can also make your room look squished and incomplete. The best way to avoid this is to measure your windows correctly, according to professional designers.
A common rule for displaying curtains properly says that they should be at least 2 times the width of your window (if not more – sheers can be 3 times the window width). This will give you a nice, full look for a reasonable price.
Another trick to achieving the best window treatment is to hang your curtain rod high above your window. This will make your room seem taller, and it can improve the view as well.
To ensure that your drapes are the right height, measure from the top of the window sill to a spot about half an inch above the floor. This measurement is known as the rod to floor, or RTF measurement.
Next, add a few inches to the RTF measurement for pooling or puddling on the floor. This is a fancy pleading that is not always easy to do, but it can add some flair and class to your window treatment.
Width
Curtains are the largest single swathe of fabric in a room, so it’s important to know how wide they should be. Whether you’re making curtains at home, buying ready-made curtains or having them custom-made, the width of your panels is critical to ensure they fit properly and look their best.
A standard rule is that curtains should be 2 to 2.5 times as wide as the window. They should also have a fullness to them that makes them look ample and drapey when closed. Exceptions to this rule include if you’re using grommet or gathered curtains that have a fixed fullness and if you’re hanging sheers.
If you’re choosing ready-made curtains, read the package to find out what size the panels are measured as flat width or finished width. A 48 x 60-inch package will have one or two panels that are 48 inches wide and 60 inches long.
For a more accurate measurement, measure each window by the top, middle and bottom, and round up to the nearest 1/8 inch. This will help you determine if your windows are actually the same size.
You can use a handy calculator to figure out the width of your panels. Enter the type of curtain (grommet, gathered, pleated) and the window width in the fields below and click “Calculate.”
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated feel, it’s worth considering choosing grommet curtains that have built-in fullness. They’re a good choice for rooms with high ceilings or where you want to cover more of the room. However, grommet panels can be expensive and may be difficult to clean. For a more practical option, consider buying a gathered rod pocket or pleated panel that has an adjustable fullness.
Height
The height of curtains plays an important role in their application. It can make a huge difference in the overall look of the room, and it can also affect how well your window treatment functions.
If you want to create the illusion of height, hang your curtain rods as high as possible above your windows. A good rule of thumb is to raise them at least a third of the distance between the top of your window frame and the ceiling, but this can be higher or lower depending on your room’s design.
You can use this height to your advantage when hanging long window treatments that cover the entire length of a large window. These types of window treatments can help you achieve complete privacy and control the amount of light in your home.
A great way to get the right length is to pre-shrink and iron your curtain panels before you measure them. This will minimize any shrinkage when they are washed later on.
In addition, the proper length can help your window treatment look its best. For shorter panels, measure from the bottom of your window sill to a pencil mark made 4 to 6 inches above your window frame.
For longer curtains, hemming them is easy to do at a local seamster or dry cleaner. Hemming your curtain panels can help you create a clean, finished look that will complement your style and the room’s existing architectural features.