The choice of materials available for blinds and curtains can be overwhelming. If you're struggling to decide what to use, here are a few tips to help you make a decision.
Location, location
The location of the window will have a big influence on the type of fabric you choose. If the window is exposed to bright sunlight for much of the day, you might want to choose a thick fabric, like damask for instance, that will block out the sun and protect your furniture and carpets from fading.
Alternatively, you may prefer a lighter-weight material that will give you privacy but still allow the light in. Be careful if you decide to use silk, as prolonged exposure to sunlight could cause this natural material to rot over time. You can protect silk curtains and blinds from sun damage by lining them with cotton which is more robust.
If the window is situated in an exposed position, where it's prone to letting in draughts, choose a heavy-weight fabric. Draught-excluding materials are available for both blinds and curtains, or alternatively, use heavy-weight cotton to line a light-weight fabric.
Lastly, give consideration to the style and look of the room. Plain, block colours will look better against contemporary décor and furnishings, whereas cheerful chintz would complement a country-style room.
A good tip is to obtain samples of potential fabrics. Hold the sample up to the window to see just how much light it lets through. See how the material's colour and texture works against the other elements of décor in the room before you make a final decision.
Curtains, blinds or a combination of both
Whether you choose curtains or blinds is partly a matter of taste and partly down to practicality. For example, blinds work better in kitchens and bathrooms because you can choose special water-resistant materials that won't bubble, fade or shrink in steamy conditions.
Some fabrics work better for blinds than for curtains. For example, heavy cotton material will stay in shape perfectly in a Roman blind, but a lighter fabric will lose its form over time and won't hang straight.
Another consideration when choosing fabric is whether to go for a plain or a patterned look. If you have a small window, don't choose a large pattern. You won't be able to see enough of it, and consequently, the window dressing might look too small and out of place. A good look for large windows is a combination of patterned curtains with a colour-coordinated, plain Roman blind placed behind them.
How much you have to spend
Your choice of fabric for your window dressings will depend, to an extent, on the budget you have available. There's no doubt that blinds are the cheaper option, as less material is needed to make them.
The cost of curtains can be reduced by using a cheaper fabric but lining it with good quality cotton or silk to give the finished item a more luxurious feel. Buy a small amount of expensive fabric in coordinating colours and use it to make accessories like cushion covers or bolsters instead.
There are many things to take into consideration when choosing fabric for your blinds or curtains. Think about the purpose of the window dressing, the style that you'd like to use and how much you have in your budget. If you have specific questions about different types of window coverings, contact a business like Creative Sunshades to learn more.
Share7 July 2015
Yo! My name is Lisa and I would like to welcome all you guys to my new blog. I was inspired to start this blog because I am tired of visiting people's homes and seeing the same old furniture and the same old designs in use. I used to have boring designs in my home and garden. However, all that changed when my friend Simon came to visit. Simon is a designer and property developer so he has a real eye for bringing out the best in any space. He gave me some top tips and helped me to transform my home and garden.
