Oct 18, 2023 | Flooring Canada
Anytime is the right time for a style upgrade! Most of us don't think too much about our window treatments, however these materials are not just stylish, but practical too! Installing curtains or drapes in your windows is one of the fastest, easiest, and most affordable ways to radically transform your space. Not only do curtains provide privacy, but they also offer a pop of colour and add interest to the room thanks to rich or airy fabrics and beautiful, well-chosen styling. Plus, window treatments can protect your floors from sun damage.
Light filtering cellular shades by Hunter Douglas
But how do you choose the right kind of curtains for different rooms in your home? This article will teach you everything you need to know about how to choose the right curtains, including tips on how to pick curtain colour, how to choose the right size curtains, and how to match curtains and rugs.
Cellular Shades by Hunter Douglas
“Do curtains and rugs have to match?” That’s probably one of our most frequently asked questions, so if you’ve been wondering, you aren’t alone!
You don’t need to stress over matching your curtains exactly to your walls, sofa, or carpet. In fact, using a different colour can actually add visual interest to the room, breaking up the walls so that the curtains don’t “disappear.”
That being said, it’s a good idea to choose curtains that match your other accent colours — for instance, a jewel toned living room with velvet accents would pair nicely with a rich green velvet curtain. It's also important to remember to avoid colours that clash too strongly —like green and red.
Woven woods roman shades by Hunter Douglas
So, if you don’t need to match your curtains to your sofa or walls, what colour should you choose? In general, it’s a good idea to build rooms around one neutral colour, a handful of base colours, and one or two accents for contrast. As long as you pick a hue you like and stay within your chosen colour palette, you’ll have the “right” colour. Just keep in mind that some fabrics are sheerer than others, which can cause them to look lighter or more transparent than they do in the packaging.
Choosing window treatments for the bedroom, however, is a different story. Since this is a place where you'll be sleeping, it's recommended that you choose thicker curtains or drapes in darker colours to block out sunlight. Opt for room darkening shades and blackout curtains over sheer curtains in the bedroom to ensure that you can minimize light filtration from street lamps and the natural light of early sunrises.
Roller Shades by Graber
Now that you have some ideas about how to choose the right curtain colour, it’s time for the second step: learning how to pick the right size curtains. For this step, you’ll need a tape measure (and possibly a step-stool).
There are two dimensions you need to measure for curtains: height and width. To get the correct height measurement, measure the distance from the floor to the curtain rods. Keep in mind that hanging equipment can eat up a few inches, so double-check your dimensions before making any purchases.
Also, think about how long you want the curtains to be. Are you picturing something short and cute, like a gauzy half-curtain, or draped and elegant, like a stage curtain? Depending on the look you want, you don’t necessarily need to use every inch of space you have available.
Once you’ve got the length, you’ll need to measure the width. If you want a folded, flowy look, you’ll want to choose curtains that are about three times wider than your actual measurement. If you want curtains that look trim and neatly fitted, you’ll only need about two extra inches of width.
Now let's take a look at a few frequently asked questions regarding window coverings and specific window sizes.
Curtain and Blinds by Graber
Absolutely, it's not only okay but also a popular and stylish choice to put curtains over blinds or shades. The combination of curtains and shades offers a versatile and functional window treatment solution. Curtains add a touch of elegance and softness to the space, while blinds provide practical light control and privacy. This dynamic duo allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds —the aesthetic appeal of curtains and the functionality of blinds or shades.
Light filtering side panels and drapery by Hunter Douglas
When determining the ideal width for curtains on a double window, precise measurements are key to achieving a polished and balanced look. For optimal coverage and aesthetics, it's generally recommended that the combined width of both curtain panels should be at least double the width of the double window. This ensures that when the curtains are drawn open, they elegantly frame the entire window, allowing for maximum natural light and a seamless appearance.
Pro Tip: If you're looking to create a lush and luxurious look with the fullness of curtains, aim for 1.5 to two times the width of the window.
Pleated shades by Graber
A half window curtain (also known as a café curtain) is a charming and versatile window treatment that covers only the lower half of a window while leaving the upper portion exposed. This style of window treatment is a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or any space where privacy is desired without sacrificing natural light. Half window curtains typically feature a horizontal division at the center of the window, allowing for a balance between openness and privacy.
To find more inspiration, check out My Design Finder, which has thousands of decor ideas personalized to match your taste.
Looking for the perfect carpet to go with your new curtains? Visit your local Flooring America store to see our products in person. Many of our showrooms offer a diverse collection of window treatments, wall-to-wall carpets, and area rugs, available in every type of texture, pattern, colour, and material. Use our online room visualizer to check them out today!