Curtains and Drapes are types of soft window treatments that are made of a piece of fabric/cloth to block or obscure light and maintain privacy. They are usually hung on a rod inside of a window/door opening and are available in a variety of materials, sizes, colors, textures, and patterns.
Advantages
- Adjust privacy needs.
- Control various lighting levels and adjust brightness.
- Absorb sound and provide thermal insulation.
- Create a luxury/classic/elegant/sophisticated feel as per the hanging style and blends with interior décor.
Curtains differ in cleanability, UV light damage, oil and dust clinging, sound absorption, fire resistance, and length of use.
Points to Consider while Choosing Curtains
- Design
- Style
- Color and shades
- Types of Fabric
- Sizes and Lengths
Types of Curtains
The different types of curtains based on how much light they let through are :
Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtain or net curtain is made from translucent fabric such as cotton lace or loosely woven polyester.
These curtains allow a majority of light to be transmitted through the fabric and offer very little in a way of heat insulation. Filters the view and provides daytime privacy.
Light Filtering Curtains
Light filtering curtains allow light into the room. When fully closed the light diffuses evenly with allowing soft light inside. They prevent direct light illuminating the room with natural warm light.
Prevent direct views into the room from outside.
They provide a reasonable amount of heat insulation, a next level to sheer curtains.
Room Darkening Curtains
Room darkening curtains will block most of the light coming into the room above 90 per cent but not fully dark/pitch black.
Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains sufficiently block out 100 percent of a direct light source.
Ideal where total darkness is desired.
Types of Fabric Material Used For Curtains and Draperies
Fabrics can be Natural /Synthetic or a mix of Natural and Synthetic.
Cotton
Cotton is often blended with other fabrics such as wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics.
Useful for sheer and light-filtering curtains as cotton allows light to let in moderately. It is easy to clean and maintain.
Lenin
Linen is made from natural fibers and wrinkles easily. Let’s light allow in moderately similar to cotton.
Creates a luxurious feel and varieties of textures create interesting parts in contemporary design.
Silk
Silk is the strongest natural fiber and creates a beautiful, luxurious, and grand feel with a smooth and shining fabric.
Faux Material
Faux materials are based on polymers that resemble that particular type of fabric. For example, faux silk fabric is an even woven fabric that resembles silk.
Faux Lenin, faux suede, faux silk, faux velvet -different faux fabrics create different appearances and are cost-effective.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is made from the pulp of bamboo grass and has insulating properties and is ideal in hot weather conditions.
Curtain Hanging Styles
There are different types of curtain hanging styles that add beauty and depth to the interiors. In this article, a brief of 5 types are discussed.
The top of curtains, called “curtain headings” is a way of styling curtains that add beauty, aesthetics, and style, and adjusting the mood. The hanging style also can act as a focal point of the room.
1. Grommet/Eyelet
Grommets include silvers rings (eyelets) at the header and inserted into the rods creating deep folds. The curtains hang freely and are ideal for contemporary, modern, and minimalistic styles.
This is suitable for light to medium weight fabrics such as cotton, linen, etc. and are easy to open, close and maintain.
2. Rod Pocket
A pocket is sewn across the top of the curtain panel through which the curtain rod is inserted. These are preferable for lightweight fabrics and used in rooms that are used less frequently.
3. Pleated Drapes
Pleated drapes are formed with a header tape that is sewn at the panel’s back, the tape forms pleats when pulled together. The hanging hooks are then inserted into the tape, and the panels hung on rings use a cord and pulling system for opening and closing the curtains.
There are several styles of pleats that create elegant feel and enhance any type of room.
Pinch Pleat: they are a series of equally spaced single, double, triple, four-finger pleat, five finger pleats
Single pinch pleat: pleats are 4 ” deep and creates a simple and casual feel.
Double pinch pleat: pleats are 4″ deep and created a simple and requires 2 times the fabric to form pleats.
Triple pinch pleat: the fabric required is 2.5 times of fabric sewn and adds fullness than single and double pinch pleats
Goblet Pleat: goblet pleats make an elegant header for longer lengths and creates formal and luxurious feel. The header of the curtain is with a series of goblet shapes (look like a glass bottle) at regular intervals
they are stuffed with a lining or tissue paper or cotton wool to retain their shape.
Pencil Pleat: pencil pleats are thin folds which continue throughout the length creating a simple, casual and classic feel.
Box Pleat: box pleated curtains give a very tailored look and drape into deep folds down the full length of the curtains. The pleats butt into each other with no overlap between them.
4. Tab Top
Tab top curtains are made with narrow straps, that loop or tie at the edge and hung from the curtain rod. This creates a simple and informal style.
5. Back Tab
The back tab is similar to tab top, the difference is that the loops of the curtains are not visible thus providing better light absorption and heat insulation.
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