With the large selection of fabrics available by the meter, it is difficult to choose the right curtain fabric. In addition to the look and feel - how the fabric looks and feels, curtains and drapes must harmonize with the rest of the furnishings in terms of design. Since these cover a relatively large area, it is advisable to view them as a connecting element and as a dominant one. Of course, colors and patterns have to appeal to you, but they also have to complement the room design. We offer some design tips to help you with this not an easy undertaking.
No matter if youmanufactured curtains and curtainsor have to choose the material for it, they should not only please you visually, but should also give you joy and serve you for a long time later. Purely practical things such as cleaning and the properties of the material must be taken into account so that the investment is worth it even after years. Not all textiles are colorfast and lightfast. Patterns and structures appear completely different in artificial and natural light, as well as when the fabric is lit from behind.
First and foremost, you should consider what purpose the curtain fabric is used for. Is there a need for privacy protection in the room? To what extent is the influence of sunlight desired in the room? Is a darkening effect intended? Is there a thermal effect desired? The length and color of the curtains should relate to the size of the room. Curtain fabrics for children's rooms meet other criteria that have more to do with visual perception.
However, transparent curtains are not completely transparent. In certain lighting conditions - when the outside of the house is brighter than the inside of the house - they have the ability to avert disturbing glances into the room. At the same time you can look outside yourself. Opaque curtain fabric is usually heavy and thick, blocks the light in and darkens intensely. This type of fabric is usually preferred for sleeping areas because well-darkened rooms promote better sleep. Thermal fabrics are made of last-generation fibers that have an insulating effect but also shield solar energy. This property is highly valued in winter but also in summer, especially when it comes to energy costs.
Before you buy, seek advice from a specialist or check for yourself which curtain fabrics are colorfast and lightfast. Direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade significantly, for example in silk fabric. In this case, an intermediate lining is advisable so that the color intensity is retained for longer. Other natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, can shrink when washed and lose up to 20% of their length. In this case, pre-washing should be avoided and a 'washing fold' is often sewn under the curtain tape.
Due to cleaning and care, it is particularly important when choosing curtain fabric whether it can be washed in the washing machine or not. The first variant will make the housewife's work much easier, as washing a few meters of fabric by hand is, to be honest, difficult. On the other hand, if the curtains are very long or wide, the total amount wiped may exceed the maximum load of the washing machine. In such cases, professional cleaning is an option. For curtains that consist of outer and lining fabric, it is advisable to get them so that they can be washed separately.
Choosing the right curtains or curtains is mostly related to the final appearance. The selected curtain fabric varies in its effect depending on the light intensity. The color also appears differently in natural or artificial light. Unfortunately, it may happen that the curtain fabric you choose doesn't appeal to you when you later put it on the windows in your own apartment, which is why it's worth taking a piece of the same fabric home and testing how it appears in place.
Patterns run either horizontally or vertically and repeat on the fabric panel. This special feature is crucial so that there are no unpleasant surprises when hanging. The size and density of the pattern is also particularly important for the desired, harmonious appearance. Large shapes and figures are more suitable for large window areas. For small windows, small ornaments are more effective, but they should not be printed very close together. Plain curtain fabrics are always a good choice and suitable for any window size.
Colors play a major role in the design and furnishing of the home. You can choose between cool, warm and neutral colors. Cool nuances such as blue, violet, blue-green have a fresh and stimulating effect. They are perfect for the bathroom, but the soft pastel tones of these would also be perfect for bedrooms. Warm colors such as ocher yellow, terracotta, red and olive green create a cozy, inviting atmosphere and can be used wonderfully in common areas such as the living room or kitchen. The neutral colors include the non-colors black, white and gray, as well as light brown, beige and cream. They harmonize next to warm and cold ones and soften the strong effect of intense colors. In this sense, they would fit well into any living space and ambience.
The material selected for curtains and drapes has a strong influence on the final visual effect. In this context, a distinction is made between light and heavy materials. The heavy ones generally include cotton, velvet, linen and damask and are primarily used for opaque curtains. A floor length is recommended and also deep, attractive folds on the top edge. Light curtain fabrics are voile and chintz, which are loosely and simply gathered and shaped with lining or lining where necessary.
Although choosing curtain fabric is difficult, curtains and drapes fulfill a decorative and practical function. If you want to darken the room and provide privacy, heavy fabrics are an option. If you are looking for a visually attractive effect, light transparent or semi-transparent curtains with stylish patterns are perfect. When caring for the curtain fabric, it is always recommended to first study the care label and, if missing, to always set the washing machine to 'cold'.
