Curtains and Accessories

By definition, a drapery or curtain is material that hangs in a window or other opening, serving as a shade or screen, as well as decoration. The word ‘curtain’ has a less formal and fresher connotation than ‘drapery’. Draperies first surfaced in interior decorating in the 1600’s in Europe, with the most inspiration coming from France and Italy.

 

Curtain styles often mirror interior design and furniture trends. For example the 1980’s saw a heavy layered look, with lots of tassels, fringes, braids, cord and rosettes. These days interior designers refer to curtains as the all encompassing term, window dressing.

 

If you have standard size windows then ready-to-hang curtains are available in most home retail stores in any colour, fabric and style you require, at an affordable price compared to custom made curtains. The header, i.e. where the curtain is hung from, may be box-pleated, shirred, tab-topped, hand-tucked and may even be embellished with buttons. Even if you have odd sized windows, the search for perfect curtains is not impossible. Most fabric outlets make up curtains to your requirements, that won’t break the bank.

Building and renovating trends have seen more and larger windows being put in homes. Curtains are being used to frame the view instead of covering it up and can be used to alter the proportions of a room. Hung above the window trim, curtains can give a low ceiling the illusion of height. Moving curtain panels outside of the window frame will make narrow windows look wider.

The colour you select for your curtains will impact on your overall décor. Therefore, sticking to a tonal approach, where the curtains bend in with the wall, will give your room a refined, seamless finish. If your room is neutral, a spot of colour could awaken the room. Curtains with a patterned fabric could either make or break a room. A French blue and sage alternating stripe, for example, could be an interesting focal point in a formal lounge. Floral patterns can suggest the ambience of a sunroom, allowing the outdoor in. Lush striped and patterned organzas, as well as silks that are embroidered, beaded or trimmed with ribbon, give a room an utterly romantic feel.

 

Once you’ve settled on window dressings for your living, dinning, and bedrooms, don’t forget about other interesting places to feature a curtain, like the stairway, where you could add impact by hanging a stand alone curtain. 

 

Another consideration is to hang a curtain in a doorway or as a room divider for added privacy. Also contemplate curtains instead of doors for a closet.

 

Outdoors, curtains can hide unattractive views, but remember to use fabrics that have been treated for outdoor use and are resistant to Mildew and fading.

 

With the wide range of ready-made curtains at affordable prices, it has become a trend to change curtains with the change of seasons and styles. Along with changing rugs an cushions, replacing curtains in summer or winter will keep the room fresh and versatile.

 

Curtain poles can make a significant difference to the style of the window treatment. Large diameter wooden poles with decorative finials are perfect for the traditionalist, whereas simple geometric metal poles appeal to the more contemporary minded.

 

Tiebacks, tassels and trimmings add style, colour, individuality and quality to the window dressings in your home. From simple braids to intricate fringes; from plain tassels to ornate tie backs, no interior is complete without an accessory or two…