Have you decided to install curtains in your living room? We forget the blinds, your decision is made. But now here are other issues: what material? Plain or patterned fabric? And what mounting system? Here are some tips to help you decide which model is right for you.
Curtains for more light or more privacy in the living room?
It is important to be clear about what you want to prioritize. Do you still want clarity with your curtains drawn? Or do you want maximum privacy and too bad if your living room is no longer really bathed in light? If you are in the first case, you will be interested in a choice of light, fine and openwork fabrics, such as linen or cotton for example. On the other hand, if you are looking for a “screen” effect, opt for fabrics with a lot of density, a little heavier like velvet, thick linen or wild silk. You can combine these slightly thicker curtains with light yarn curtains, such as voile or openwork linen, which will give you a lot of possibilities, because they will let the light through and when you want more privacy, it will be enough for you. to draw the densest curtains.
Plain or patterned curtains for the living room?
This depends, among other things, on the size of your home and what effect you are looking for. In small spaces, it is recommended to opt for plain fabrics and in light colors, as they expand the space and increase the effect of clarity. If you like prints, you can opt for a design with small patterns and soft colors. Patterned curtains enliven large rooms, provided the design is proportionate to the space. A word of advice: opt for timeless patterns, such as flowers, stripes or geometric patterns, they will last longer and will not tire you over time.
A choice that depends on the shape of your window
Are you sure you’re going for curtains? Because depending on the shape of your living room window, not everything is indicated. Each window corresponds to a type of curtain. For example, if your window overlooks a balcony, it is clear that curtains rather than blinds are appropriate, if only because the latter would make it difficult to open the patio door. On the other hand, for windows that do not reach the ground, especially if you want to take advantage of their lower part, blinds are better.
What is the ideal length for your curtains?
It’s a matter of taste and fashion. The most common is to add about 15 cm to the length of the window. However, if you want your curtains to rest more loosely on the floor, for a prettier drape in particular, add an additional 10 cm. Thus the rendering is more welcoming and the space is more dressed. You don’t know how to calculate the meters of fabric you need for a curtain? Give yourself a hand: add 30 cm to the width of the window then multiply the result by 2, 2.5 or 3, depending on whether you want more or less gathers. This will be for the width and to find out the length, measure from where you want to place the curtain rod and add a few extra inches, depending on your taste.
Choose the fixing system that suits you
Modern curtains are generally easy to fix. On curtain rods that are mounted above windows, the curtain can be tied with pleated tape or loops and can then be easily opened and closed. The curtain rod measures the width of the window plus the overhang on both sides of the window and is mostly made of wood or metal. In recent years, thin steel cables have increasingly replaced the classic curtain rod. They attach to the wall or ceiling with a bracket. This is important for the choice of screws and dowels because they must be able to support the weight of the curtain in the long term and withstand all loads. Your safety is at stake. During installation, you should also ensure that the window can be “tilted” without any problems, even when your curtain is closed.
Find the right fabric for your curtains
Dense fabrics such as tightly woven cotton compete with thin, translucent textiles. Do you know if you are going to sew your curtains yourself, have them made to measure or buy them off the shelf? You must be able to find the curtains adapted to your needs. The answers to the following questions will help you make your choice: what requirements should your curtain meet? Are you mainly attached to decoration and an atmosphere or is your intimacy more important? Is the installation of these curtains, for example, a matter of sound insulation? What colors and materials do you feel comfortable with? All of this determines the type, design, opaque texture or transparency of your curtain fabric. In order to know what you like, it is also advisable to create a “moodboard” made up of inspirational images as well as color and fabric samples. If you are looking for the curtain of your dreams, maybe you can ask an interior designer or a professional interior decorator? Otherwise you can always ask friends where you have seen beautiful curtains or simply in your favorite decoration or furniture store. For more security, prefer to buy fireproof curtains.