When it comes to interiors, curtains are the finishing touch that brings everything together and makes the room feel complete. There are so many choices to consider, which is likely why you’ve landed on this article seeking guidance. So, let’s simplify it and delve into the different types.
Curtain Types
- Ready Made Curtains
- Made to Measure Curtains
- Eyelet Curtains
- Pencil Pleat Curtains
- Pinch Pleat Curtains
- Wave Curtains
- Tab Top Curtains
- Back Tab Curtains
- Voile Curtains
- Net Curtains
- Light Filtering Curtains
- Blackout Curtains
- Thermal Curtains
- Curtains with Pelmets
Ready Made Curtains
When choosing curtains for the home, most people initially opt for ready-made curtains, selecting a pair they like in a size that is as close as possible to fit their windows and desired drop.
The primary benefit is their immediate availability: as a ready-made product, you can often pick them up directly from a shop, or if ordering online, they typically arrive quickly.
A potential downside is that sometimes, the specific design, fabric, or heading style you prefer may not be available in the exact size you require. This can lead to settling for a pair of curtains that might not be precisely what you envisioned but were chosen simply because they fit your windows.
Made to Measure Curtains
Made-to-measure curtains are an excellent option if you desire something unique or highly specific. With a vast array of choices and customisation options, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice any of your preferences.
You gain the freedom to choose from various colours, fabrics, patterns, and textures. You can fully customise the heading style, lining, and exact sizing needed for your windows, whether you have standard windows and doors, extra-wide windows, or exceptionally high ceilings.
Made-to-measure curtains may historically take longer to arrive than ready-made ones, as they are often hand-made with meticulous care to your exact requirements. However, lead times can vary significantly between retailers. For instance, some retailers offer a next-day dispatch option at no extra charge, which means made-to-measure curtains can sometimes arrive within as little as 48 hours.
Eyelet Curtains
Eyelet curtains are a fantastic way to introduce modern style into any room. These curtains possess a unique look that makes them stand out from other types. Both stylish and simplistic, they fall into even, graceful folds that hang beautifully. The eyelets loop directly through the curtain pole, making them one of the easiest types of curtains to install.
Pencil Pleat Curtains
With their timeless style and generously gathered look, pencil pleat curtains are an excellent choice for more traditional interiors. The delicate drop and smoothly rippled folds lend themselves to an elegant interior setting. Pencil pleat curtains are typically installed on a track or curtain pole via hooks.
Pinch Pleat Curtains
Pinch pleat curtains are widely considered one of the most decorative options on the market and are regarded as a premium style. The hand-sewn pleats create elegant, distinctive folds which flow gracefully from top to bottom, providing a tailored, luxurious look. Pinch pleat curtains are available in single, double, and triple pleat styles, allowing for variation depending on aesthetic preference, and can be installed on either a pole or a track.
Wave Curtains
Wave curtains offer a neat and highly stylish finish, perfectly suiting contemporary spaces. These curtains are designed to fit a slim, discreet track system suitable for all window types. The track can even be innovatively installed directly on the ceiling to create the illusion of a taller and grander space, enhancing verticality.
Tab Top Curtains
Tab top curtains represent a simple and straightforward style of curtain. The header features prominent loops of fabric that easily slide onto the curtain pole. They possess a casual feel and are well-suited to more minimal and laid-back interior styles, contributing to an relaxed ambiance.
Back Tab Curtains
Similar in concept to tab top curtains, back tab curtains feature a loop sewn at the back of the fabric’s header, which is then fed onto the curtain pole. This style is often considered a more basic and casual type of curtain, providing a clean, hidden-rod look.
Voile Curtains
Sometimes known as privacy curtains, voile curtains are crafted from a sheer, delicate fabric that allows you to see through the material while effectively maintaining your privacy during the day. Delicately woven to create a stunning, smooth fabric, voile curtains create a beautiful, soft transfusion of natural light, subtly brightening the room.
Net Curtains
Traditional net curtains have a coarser and thicker look and feel compared to voile curtains, though they serve a similar purpose in that they provide privacy, maintain an outward view, and let light filter through. However, net curtains are generally considered more basic than elegant, fine voile curtains and usually come with a more budget-friendly price point.
Light Filtering Curtains
Light filtering curtains are made with a soft, open weave which allows for the gentle diffusion of natural light. They are excellent for living spaces and areas where you want light to flow freely, such as living rooms and dining rooms, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtain fabrics are tightly woven and incorporate a thick blackout lining, which effectively blocks all light from transferring through the material. They are often chosen for bedrooms to create the perfect setting for a great night’s rest and in areas where you would like to avoid screen glare, such as home cinema rooms.
Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains are made with a performance lining that is high quality, thick, and possesses excellent energy efficiency capabilities. The thermal lining acts as a barrier to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering in winter. Conversely, it works in precisely the opposite way in summer, helping to keep the home cool and thereby reducing the need for excessive air conditioning and energy use.
Curtains with Pelmets
Curtains with pelmets are often considered old-fashioned but retain their distinctive place in various interior schemes, typically those with a greater sense of grandeur or older architectural styles. Think traditional settings such as stately houses and historic hotels, where they add a layer of formal elegance and complete a sophisticated window treatment.
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There’s plenty to consider when selecting the right curtain style, and we sincerely hope this guide has made your decision a little easier. If you’ve found this guide helpful, why not share it with your friends?