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Brighten Up Your Dull Room With Vibrant Curtains
No home is complete without curtains
It is hard to imagine a home without a curtain. Whether you are redecorating your space or moving into a new home, curtains are likely to be among the first few things you would consider purchasing. While custom-made curtains are always desirable, budget and time are some factors that often prompt most of us to go for off-the-shelf options.
Choosing the right size
Always measure the size of the window and the wall where you plan to hang the curtain. “Hanging panels higher than the window will give a sense of height to the room,” designer Suysel DePedro Cunningham of New York-based boutique interior design firm Tilton Fenwick tells Elle Decor. Similarly, whatever the width of your window, add a few more inches while choosing curtains for a fuller look.
Fabric and colour
If you expect long, hot days all year long, darker drapes can block the light and keep your room cool. However, if you want more sunlight, go for neutral shades, which can make your room look spacious. The other advantage with neutral shades is that they usually go well with all kinds of decor.
Fabrics like cotton and linen blend nicely with modern and minimalist decor. Heavy fabrics like velvet and brocade are a better fit in homes with traditional decor. Materials like velvet, suede and tweed can insulate the room by retaining the heat—the reason why, on colder days, they are a good option.
Go for a fabric with a higher thread count as it will likely last longer. An ideal curtain should be neither too heavy, nor too light. “If they’re too heavy, they may not fold crisply when drawn; too light and they may not fall well,” says Cunningham.
Pro-tip: If you are keen to find a curtain that can be washed in a machine, check the label for washing instructions. Some warn against tumble-drying and only suggest a cold wash.