Browse Articles in Curtains and Drapes

Curtains and drapes are great window treatments, and each has its own distinctive styles and designs. The type of window treatment you choose for your home décor can transform a room from casual to formal or vice versa.
Selecting the Right Curtains and Drapes
By paying attention to design intricacies you can ensure you select the right style for each room décor. There are many things you want to consider when selecting curtains or drapes for your home décor. Things such as the type of fabric and styles can make your decorating efforts shine.
Different Types of Curtains
Some popular types of curtains include colorful kitchen curtains. You may want to explore tier curtains or simple café curtains before deciding which best fits your personal decorating style. Other styles of modern curtains, swag curtains and nostalgic retro curtains are favorite choices for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
Finding Just the Right Curtains
When you shop for curtains, you want to keep in mind the room and the function of the curtains. You need to select ones suitable for the purpose. For example, the function of patio door curtains is quite different from curtains hung over a bathroom window, since the patio door needs to be accessible for entering and leaving the house. By the same token, canopy bed curtains are quite different from shower curtains.
Draperies for Your Home
You may decide a drapery is more your style than a simple curtain. Draperies are available in various fabrics and an almost endless selection of patterns. You can go ultra-formal with a traditional pleated drapery style or a more modern informal grommet style drapery.
Specialty Draperies
There are several specialty types of draperies that answer specific needs. For example, if you live in an older home with insufficient weatherproofed windows, thermal drapes may be a good investment. These can cut down on heat loss in the winter as well as the solar gain in the summer. If you live on a busy street corner, sound reducing drapes can reduce the noise factor inside your home. You may consider these, along with other specialty drapes that can save you money, especially when you shop for discount draperies.
Window Valances
In addition to a curtain or drapery, a window valance can alter your window treatment. You can use a swag style valance to accent a formal drapery design. You may opt for a metal valance in your effort to make a personal design statement.
Drapery and Curtain Rods
Just as there are many curtain and drape styles, there are numerous curtain and drapery rod styles. These include rods that feature decorative and even glass finials on each end.
Using Curtains and Drapes in Your Home
There are many things to consider before you start hanging curtains or drapes in your home. Choose the type and style that best complements your other home furnishings, especially color, texture and pattern designs.