Before you choose the right curtains or drapes, there are a few things you should consider. This way, you'll get exactly the curtains/drapes that suit you and your room. Here are the three most important points to keep in mind whenbuying curtains .
1. What types of curtains are there?
If you want to buy curtains, you should first know what types of curtains are available and which ones are suitable for your home. The most popular types of curtains are:
- curtains
- Loop curtain , curtain with gliders , curtain in wave style and curtain with eyelets
- Panel curtains , panel curtains or sliding curtains
- Curtains with pleating tape
Although the words curtain and drapery are generally used synonymously, they differ significantly in their functionality. Curtains are one of the most popular types of drapes because they are relatively easy to handle and are usually made of light, transparent or semi-transparent fabrics , allowing plenty of natural light into the rooms. Curtains typically reach the windowsill or floor and can be made from various materials such as cotton, linen, or plastic.
However, a curtain usually refers to a velvet curtain, which is made of a heavier fabric and is best suited for rooms with plenty of natural light, as it effectively filters the light. These are often offered as curtains with a pleated tape , tab-top curtains, curtains with gliders , or curtains with eyelets. Curtains can also be made from various materials such as velvet, silk, wool, or polyester.
Depending on the type and hanging options, the various curtains and drapes are suitable as:
-
Day curtain :
Day curtains are made of fine fabric. They can be semi-transparent or transparent, and the length can be short or floor-length. -
blackout curtains
This type of curtain is opaque and lightproof, ensuring darkened rooms and making it ideal as a bedroom curtain . -
Night curtains
They have the special property of being translucent but offering privacy in the evening and at night. - Loop curtains
Loop curtains are easy to install and offer an elegant look. -
Panel curtains
In contrast, panel curtains are ideal for rooms with high windows or ceilings, as they have more fabric and block light better. -
Curtains with eyelets
They look good and are easy to install, but do not offer the same level of light protection as other types of curtains. -
Curtains with pleating tape
They offer the best sun protection, but are somewhat more complex to install.
Advantages and disadvantages of curtains & drapes:
To make the decision for a curtain or drape easier, you will find the advantages and disadvantages of both types of curtains listed below.
Advantages of curtains:
Curtains can effectively darken a room, depending on the material and how they are hung . This way, you can easily create blackout curtains that can be used as night curtains. The light is completely blocked out.
Curtains are opaque. Even as opaque day curtains, curtains offer the advantage of varying the amount of light.
Curtains look more elegant and can enhance a room. Whether as sheer curtains, in a child's room, or as blackout curtains, a long curtain makes a much more visual impact than a simple drape.
Disadvantages of curtains:
Curtains are more expensive to buy depending on the material. A day curtain, a night curtain, or a panel curtain requires more material. The same applies to a sliding curtain, which requires more material for hanging. These factors are then reflected in the price.
For aesthetic reasons, curtains are often less suitable for small rooms. However, there are also short day curtains that can be an alternative.
Advantages of curtains:
Curtains let light into the room and are therefore unsuitable for darkening it. They serve only as decoration and offer no privacy.
Curtains are generally lighter and cheaper than drapes, as they usually require less material and are much easier to hang in the window.
Curtains are ideal for small rooms, as they serve as a decorative element and prevent the room from appearing overcrowded.
Disadvantages of curtains:
What is an advantage for some is a disadvantage for others. For example, curtains let light through, but consequently do not provide adequate blackout. The same applies to the opacity of curtains, as they, as mentioned, primarily serve a decorative purpose.
Curtains have a reputation for being rather old-fashioned, but there are now also very modern curtains that have set new trends. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making a choice and buying your curtains.
The different types of curtains can be distinguished not only by their hanging method but also by their material. Both components are important when choosing a particular curtain, as they significantly influence the atmosphere and lighting conditions of an entire room. The decision regarding whether and how the curtains are washed also plays a role. Which curtain is best for you and your specific room depends on your individual requirements.
2. Things to consider when buying curtains - lighting conditions, room, purpose and dimensions
When buying curtains, you should pay attention to the lighting conditions, the room, the purpose and the dimensions.
The lighting conditions:
Lighting conditions are important because they determine what kind of curtains you need. In a brightly lit room, curtains or drapes made of light cotton or linen can regulate the brightness and create a more comfortable atmosphere. Black curtains, on the other hand, absorb all the light and can therefore also be ideal for brightly lit rooms. In a dark room, it can be advisable to choose curtains in vibrant colors to give the room more character. A white sheer curtain, however, lets in plenty of light, creating a friendly, bright atmosphere. For rooms with uneven or direct sunlight, heavier fabrics in muted colors like brown or gray are recommended.
The space:
The room where the curtains will be hung significantly influences the choice of curtains. Curtains for living rooms are generally different from those for bedrooms or kitchens . Therefore, be sure to select the right curtains for the right room. The size of the room is also crucial for choosing the right curtain fabric and size. In spacious rooms, larger patterns and lighter colors can be used without detracting from the overall impression of the room. Smaller rooms, on the other hand, benefit from more subtle patterns and darker colors, as otherwise the room can appear cluttered and chaotic.
The purpose:
Before buying new curtains, you should consider their purpose and function. Are they primarily intended to darken the room? Or would you prefer a light-filtering fabric that still provides privacy? If the curtains are primarily decorative, it's advisable to choose a fabric that doesn't block too much light. However, if you want to buy curtains to protect your room from light, for example, in the bedroom, you should choose a fabric that blocks more light.
Tip : If you only want the curtain to protect your interior furnishings from the sun, then a white sheer curtain offers sufficient protection without obstructing the view. Do you want to make your room cozy and dark? Then a blackout curtain is ideal; it blocks even the strongest sunlight and is perfect for bedrooms.
The measurement:
Before you buy curtains, you need to decide where they will be hung. Equally important is measuring the relevant area. Only with the correct length and width measurements can you determine whether a ready-made curtain is suitable. Or perhaps a custom-made curtain is the right choice. If you opt for a custom-made curtain, it will be manufactured in a Swiss sewing workshop at Vorhangschweiz . Our practicalstep-by-step guide for measuring the curtain will help you determine the correct dimensions.
3. Which material is best suited for which purpose?
Curtains are available in a wide variety of materials, from linen and cotton to synthetic fabrics like polyester. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, which you should consider before buying.
Linen and cotton are natural materials and therefore feel particularly soft. They are also very breathable, thus regulating the room temperature. Furthermore, curtains made of linen or wool create a sophisticated and classic ambiance. In the bedroom, curtains made of lightweight materials like linen create a pleasantly calming atmosphere, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Curtains made of heavier fabrics, such as cotton, withstand daily use better and are therefore ideal for rooms like the living room or children's room.
Synthetic fabric/polyester is a synthetic material that is generally cheaper than natural fabrics. It is also durable, but can become electrostatically charged.
4. Conclusion – how to buy the right curtains
Curtains are an essential part of interior design and can greatly influence the atmosphere of a room, which is why buying curtains should be a well-considered decision. Depending on the fabric chosen for the Choosing curtains or drapes can give a room a very specific atmosphere. Light fabrics like linen, for example, create a sense of calm and serenity, while heavier fabrics make rooms appear more robust and resilient.
If you're looking to buy curtains and wondering which type is best for your rooms, you should first ask yourself what purpose the curtains or drapes should serve. Are they primarily for decoration, or do they have a practical use, such as blocking prying eyes or controlling light?
If you only want to use curtains for decoration, you can opt for a light and soft material that folds easily and has a slight sheen. Silk or velvet curtains are particularly suitable for this purpose. However, if you want to use your curtains as sun or glare protection, you should choose a thick and sturdy material. Cotton or linen are ideal here, as they block the sun and don't stick together even in intense heat. When choosing the material, size, and especially the design, it's also important to make sure the curtains are appropriate for both the lighting conditions and the size of the room.
Are you not yet fully convinced and prefer a personal consultation at home ? Then our textile experts will be happy to assist you and advise you free of charge in your home.
Tip : Buying curtains online at Vorhangschweiz saves a lot of time and allows you to compare a large selection at the touch of a button. For even more specific results, we recommend our curtain configurator .
