How To Dress A Window

Dressing a window is often the finishing touch when a room has been redecorated, with curtains chosen to match the rest of the decor. How your window looks however is very important - often windows are large and can be the focus of a room, so even if you want them to blend in you have to get the style right. There are so many options nowadays, not just curtains, and this article offers some advice on which to choose.

Curtains are of course the traditional window dressing, and these come in three different types. Tape top curtains have a tape running along the top with several rows of string through it. You pull the string to gather the curtain and then push curtain hooks through the tape. These hooks hang from a curtain track above the window. The curtain falls in pleats that are as big or as small as you make them. Pelmets can be used with this type of curtain and these are also tape top. If you want a traditional look then these are right for you.

For a more modern effect, eyelet top and tab top curtains are more suitable. These are hung from a curtain pole, so firstly allow you to choose a decorative pole for above your window. Instead of a tape running the length of the curtain, eyelet and tab top have holes every so often which thread over the curtain pole. This allows the pole to remain visible. The curtain will hang in waves, but the pleats won't be tight. You can't use a pelmet with these curtains but a pelmet isn't contemporary anyway. The modern look cuts down on fuss and these curtains are simple but effective.

Net curtains used to be the solution to overlooking neighbors - they allow privacy by masking the room but still let light through. They're seen as outdated by many people now, but privacy is still an issue. Sheer curtains are the modern solution - they're opaque and hang on an expandable track inside the window space, but have a far more modern look than nets. Sheers look great when they trail the floor, and long curtains in general are more modern than shorter lengths.

The best way to achieve a really modern look is by using blinds in materials like aluminum or PVC. Blinds used to be used in the office, but they're so practical and useful they've made the move into the home. You can tilt them at an angle so they afford privacy, or you can open them all the way up to let in light. Vertical blinds can cover a very large window space so are good if you have big windows, and blinds are easy to clean so ideal for rooms like the kitchen or bathroom which are subject to more mess!

Don't think that your curtains or blinds always have to match your decor. If you have a neutral room then your soft furnishings can add a little interest, so don't be afraid to make a statement with bold colors. Blinds especially are available in strong colors and look absolutely great.