Window Curtains & Drapes

Curtains and Pelmets

In the home, curtains are used for a range of purposes, such as in windows to keep out light and draughts and in doorways to separate one area from another and to keep out flying insects. Most of these are made of varying types of fabric but some may be hanging threads of beads or synthetic materials.

Material and Design

Material and design are important considerations. Choose a material that is fit for purpose and look at colours and designs that suit the tone and style of your room. Make sure the curtain that you purchase has the right fixtures too and can be used with your curtain poles or rails. Net curtains, for example, may need a slot top to slide onto a curtain wire.

Measurements

Don't forget to measure the space your curtain needs to fit. Windows curtains can use extra length to improve visual aesthetics, but consider adding a little extra width too so that your curtains are not stretched tight to cover the space. This is especially pertinent for net curtains where an attractive fold is often the desired effect.

Panels

Panel curtains can be used for either windows or doors and are straight lengths of fabric with slot or ring tops, designed to hang flush. Voile curtains are often made in the panel design and are lighter than conventional curtain materials. Panels can be drawn to keep out some light but are widely considered aesthetic rather than functional.

Pelmets

Pelmets, also sometimes called cornice boards, are narrow borders of cloth or wood that fit across the top of your curtains on the inside (usually in windows) to conceal the curtain fixtures from the room. They can also help to insulate the window and prevent draughts, reducing heating bills. You can modify your pelmet to match your curtains by using the same materials, painting wooden ones or covering the wood with matching fabric.

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