Window dressings are a stylish accent to any room and often a core element that sets the tone for the entire look of the space. There are thousands of styles, designs and colours available in curtains, and that means finding the right one sometimes gets a bit tricky. While the perfect curtains are as individual as the homeowners who select them, sometimes, taking a look at ideas that have worked for others helps to narrow down the selection and make the job a little easier.

Custom-Made vs Ready-Made

If your budget is more restricted, ready-made curtains provide an easy update with many excellent choices available online or in local retail stores. They come to you ready to hang, in a variety of sizes, colours and patterns from modern to old world chic and everywhere in between. There are a few drawbacks to consider when purchasing ready-made. For one, the size selection is much more limited than custom-made, so you need to take exact measurements and will probably have to hang your curtains so that the closest size to your windows works right. Also, watch the linings if your goal is to block out light or UV rays. Some are sub-par and won’t adequately do the job, so consider spending a little more to get something that will last and best serve your intended purposes.

For those with slightly larger budgets, custom-made curtains are ideal. When curtains are made from scratch, you get to choose the material, pattern and colour and can even get specific about linings and the actual construction of the curtains. When you order custom-made curtains, designers will typically visit your home, measure your windows and tailor the size to fit them perfectly.

Aim for Quality Construction

When ordering custom curtains, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, never compromise on the construction of your curtains. It’s better to raise your budget a bit to get quality construction or choose a slightly less expensive fabric so you can spend more to hire a professional. Also, work with a company that specifically designs and sews curtains. This type of construction is much different than garment construction, so you need someone who understands the business and will take the time to get accurate measurements in your home.

As you design your new curtains, there will be some selections to make, so it’s best to consider your specific needs and work with a knowledgeable designer who can help you throughout this process.

There are a variety of curtain liners that serve various purposes in your home. Blackout liners keep virtually all light out and are ideal for nurseries or in rooms where individuals need to sleep during daylight hours. Thermal liners reduce the amount of heat that is lost through your windows, helping to control heating and cooling costs and saving you money. Then, there are sheer curtains, these soften the look of your room and give slight privacy without completely blocking out natural light.

Function and Aesthetics

When placed in a room, curtains can function on their own, or they can be layered to provide a different look. Layer sheers with more opaque curtains or curtains with blinds giving you complete control over the amount of light entering the room while still dressing up your windows.

In choosing your curtains, it’s a good idea to think long term too. Custom-made curtains can come with a hefty price tag, so don’t go with a pattern or colour simply because it is on-trend today. It’s better to go with something more neutral or classic so that it lasts through many different design changes in your room and provides you with years of use.

Making an investment in the curtains in your home is smart. These accessories are anything but simple, and the right ones can really make your space feel more attractive, inviting and interesting.