Before you choose a curtain or drape that fits, there are a few things you should be aware of. This way, you will get the exact curtain/curtain that suits you and your room. Here you will find the three most important points that you should Buy curtains should definitely pay attention to.
1. What types of curtains are there anyway?
If you want to buy curtains, you should first know what types of curtains there are and which ones are suitable for your home. The most popular types of curtains are:
- Curtains
- Loop curtain,curtainwith sliders, curtain in wave confection andCurtain with eyelets
- Panel curtains, panel curtain or sliding curtain
- Curtains with pleated tape
Even though the words curtain and drape are used as synonyms in common parlance, they differ significantly in their functionality.Curtains are one of the most popular types of draperies, as they are relatively easy to use and are usually made of light transparent or semi-transparent fabrics, allowing a lot of daylight into the rooms. Curtains usually extend to the window sill or to the floorand can be made of different materials such as cotton, linen or plastic.
Curtains, on the other hand, usually mean velvet drapes, which are made of a heavier fabric and are best suited for rooms with a lot of natural light, as they effectively filter the light. These are often offered as drapes with pleated tape, loop curtains, curtains with sliders or curtains with eyelets. Curtains can also be made of different materials such as velvet, silk, wool or polyester.
Depending on the type and possibilities of hanging, the various curtains and drapes are suitable as:
-
Day curtain:
Day curtains are made of fine fabric. It is possible to choose the Day curtainsemi-transparentor transparent as well as the length of the day curtains short or floor length can be chosen -
Blackout curtains
This type of curtain is opaque and lightproof and provides darkened rooms and is ideal as a bedroom curtain. -
Night curtains
Have the special property of being translucent but providing privacy in the evening and at night. - Loop curtains
Loop curtains are easy to install and provide an elegant look. -
Panel curtains
On the other hand, panel curtains are ideal for rooms with high windows or ceilings, as they have more fabric and block the light better. -
Curtains with eyelets
They look good and are easy to install, but don't provide the same light protection as other types of curtains. -
Curtains with pleated tape
Offerthe best light protection, but are a little more complicated to install.
Advantages and disadvantages curtains & drapes:
To help you decide on a curtain, or drapery, below you will find the advantages and disadvantages of both types of curtains.
Advantages of curtains:
Curtains can darken a room well depending on what material they are made of and how they are hung. So you can easily get a blackout curtain that can be used as a night curtain. The light is optimally excluded.
Curtains are opaque. Even as opaque day curtains, a curtain offers the advantage of light variation.
Curtains look more elegant and can enhance a room. Whether used as a day curtain, a day curtain in a child's room, or an opaque day curtain, a long curtain looks much better than a simple curtain.
Disadvantages of curtains:
Curtains are more expensive to buy, depending on the material. A day, or night curtain or even a panel curtain requires more material. The same applies to a sliding curtain, for example, because more material is needed for suspension. These factors are then also reflected in the price.
Curtains are often somewhat less suitable for small rooms for visual reasons. However, there are short day curtains that can be an alternative.
Advantages of curtains:
Curtains allow light into the room, so there is no need to worry about them darkening. They are only for decoration and do not provide privacy.
Curtains are usually lighter and cheaper than curtains, because they usually require much less material and the suspension in the window is much easier to complete.
Curtains are ideal for small rooms as they do not make the room look as crowded.
Drawbacks of curtains:
Curtains let the light through, but consequently do not serve as a darkening option.
The same is true in terms of opacity of curtains, since, as mentioned, they serve more for decoration.
Curtains are preceded by their reputation of 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 curtain.
So, the different types of curtains can be distinguished not only in the way they are hung, but also in the material. Both components are important when it comes to deciding on a particular curtain. After all, they significantly affect the atmosphere and lighting conditions of an entire room. Likewise, the decision influences whether and how the Curtains washed will be. Which is the best curtain for you and the particular room depends on your requirements for the curtain.
2. What to look for when buying curtains - lighting conditions, space, purpose and dimensions.
When you buy curtains, you should pay attention to the lighting conditions, space, purpose and dimensions.
Lighting conditions:
Lighting conditions are important because they determine what type of curtain you need. In a brightly lit room, curtains or drapes made of light cotton or linen can regulate the brightness and provide more comfort. Black curtains, on the other hand, completely block out light, so they can also be ideal for brightly lit rooms. In a dark room, it may be advisable to choose curtains in bold colors to give the room more radiance. A white day curtain, on the other hand, lets in a lot of light to create a friendly, bright atmosphere. For rooms with unruly or direct sun, thicker fabrics in muted colors like brown or gray are recommended.
The room:
The room in which the curtain will be hung significantly influences the curtain purchase. Curtains for living room Are usually different from curtains for bedrooms or Kitchen curtains. So be sure to choose the right curtain for the right room. Also, the size of the room is critical in choosing the right Curtain fabrics curtain and size. In spacious rooms, larger patterns and brighter colors can be placed without detracting from the overall look of the room. Smaller rooms, on the other hand, benefit from more subtle patterns and darker colors, otherwise the room will look restless and untidy.
The purpose:
Last but not least, you should also consider the purpose of the curtain. Before you buy new curtains, you should consider what function you want the curtains to perform. Do the curtains primarily ensure that the room is darkened? Or would you rather choose a translucent fabric that still provides privacy? If the curtain has primarily a decorative purpose, it is recommended to choose a curtain that does not block too much light. However, if you want to buy a curtain to protect your room from the light, for example, in the bedroom, you should choose a curtain that blocks more light.
Tip: Should the curtain only protect the interior from the sun? Then a white day curtain will provide enough protection without immediately compromising the view. Do you want to make your room cozy and darkened? Then a Blackout curtain is ideal, it can withstand even the strongest light and is perfect for bedrooms.
Measurement:
Before you buy the curtains, you need to decide where to hang the curtain or curtain. Equally important, is to measure the appropriate areas. Only with the correct length and width specifications, you can decide whether a Ready made curtainor a Made to measure curtain curtain comes into question. If you choose a made-to-measure curtain, it will be manufactured at Vorhangschweiz in a Swiss sewing studio. Our practical Step by step guide for measuring the curtain.tool will help you to determine the correct measurements.
3.What material is best for what purpose?
Curtains are available in a wide variety of materials, from linen to cotton to synthetic fiber fabrics such as polyester. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before buying.
Linen and cotton are natural materials and therefore feel particularly soft. In addition, they are very breathable and thus regulate the temperature in the room.
Synthetic fiber fabric/polyester is a synthetic material that is usually cheaper than natural fabrics. However, it is usually not as durable as linen or a cotton curtain. It is durable and long lasting.
Curtains made of linen or wool create a dignified and classic ambiance in the room. In the bedroom, curtains made of light material, such as linen, have a pleasantly calm effect, creating the perfect atmosphere for a restful night's sleep. Curtains made of firmer material, for example, cotton or synthetic fibers, better withstand daily use and are therefore ideal for rooms such as the living room or children's room.
4. Conclusion - how to buy the right curtains.
The curtains are an essential part of the interior and can greatly affect the atmosphere of the room. Depending on what fabric you choose for thecurtains or drapes, you can give the room a very specific atmosphere. For example, light fabrics such as linen provide peace and serenity, whereas firmer fabrics make the rooms look more robust and resistant.
If you want to buy curtains and consider which type of curtain is best for your rooms, you should first ask yourself what purpose the curtains or drapes will serve. Are they primarily for decoration or do they have a practical use, such as keeping out prying eyes or the light?
If you want to use curtains only for decoration, you can choose a light and soft material that wrinkles well and shines slightly. Silk or velvet curtains are particularly suitable for this purpose. However, if you also want to use your curtains as sun or glare protection, you should choose a thick and strong material. Cotton or linen are ideal for this, as they keep out the sun and do not stick together even in high heat. When choosing the material, size and especially the design, it is also important to make sure that the curtain fits both the lighting conditions and the size of the room.
Are you still not quite sure and prefer a personal Home advice? Then our textile experts are very happy to help you and advise you in your home free of charge.
Tip: Shopping for curtains online saves a lot of time and lets you compare a wide selection at the touch of a button. For even more specific results, we recommend our curtain configurator.
