Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  Your window treatments can not only serve an important function, but they also make a statement about your personal style.  How to choose curtains that best suit your needs, your budget, and your home’s aesthetic, can be a tough choice.  Forbes also put upgrading your window treatments as one of the ways to increase the value of your home.  From drapery ideas to deciding whether or not you need the floor to ceiling curtains, we’ve rounded up some helpful considerations for how to choose the best curtains for your home.

Custom or off the Shelf

One of the biggest dilemmas when it comes to how to choose curtains is deciding where to buy them. While some window treatments might be fine purchasing off the shelf or online, many require a more custom look.

Window Treatments NYC, for example, offers a completely custom experience from measurement to design and installation.

Whichever way you go, consider the type of windows you have, what type of coverings you are looking for and how handy you are in terms of measuring and installation. This might be one of those projects that are best left to the pros.

Professional window designers can also help you with your budget and a large-scale project with multiple rooms and windows.

Neutral Curtain or Bold Color?

Your next big decision is what color drape you should go with. Are you into bold colors, just a hint of color, patterns, or a more neutral curtain?

This is also one of the most fun parts of a window project. Here, you really get to set the tone and the design of your window treatment.

Think of the color of your curtains as like earrings on an outfit. Window drapes can either frame a window and highlight a space, or be a main focal point of interest.

If your furniture and wall paint is neutral, you can go for a tonal look with a neutral curtain or choose a pop of color and go with something bold to stand out against the rest.

Light colors and darker neutrals can also work to create some visual interest without being overpowering.

Curtain Fabric and Material

Your next big decision comes down to the curtain fabric and material. Think about how thick you’d like your curtains if you’d like a lighter look that shows more sunlight through or heavier, textured fabric, that can cozy up or darken a room when they are closed.

Your curtain fabric and material should highlight and embrace what is happening with your furniture, bedding, pillows, and any other fabric in your space. They can all work together in harmony to provide a nice array of textures and light.

The amount of light and privacy you’re looking for should also be taken into consideration. If the room is a bedroom, you may want something thicker. In a living room with a view, you can go lighter to let the sun and picture-perfect view be the standout.

Your curtain fabric can also make a window become a focal point with a bold pattern or texture. Choose something a little more fun for a wall or window you are trying to accent.

Choose Your Length

The length of your curtain is your next consideration. Floor to ceiling curtains are beautiful and can add a lot of drama to a room. Curtains that go all the way to the floor also provide privacy and shade the whole length of the wall.

There are some rooms and spaces where a shorter curtain may work well or be more functional. Think about each window and room and what function and look you are going for.

Also, remember that even if you have a short window on one wall and a longer window on another, you can still use the longer length curtain for symmetry.

Decide on a Lining

Your curtain lining will make a big difference when it comes to the amount of privacy and light that shines through in your home. You’ll need to consider where the curtains are going and what you need out of them before you choose a lining.

Let’s say the curtains are going in a child’s bedroom, for example. You probably want to choose a curtain with a room-darkening lining so that you can control how much light is coming in.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, for example, a darker room for a baby or child can help with naps and bedtimes.

If the curtains are going in your kitchen, maybe you don’t want a liner at all so you can keep the room bright and you don’t need any privacy in a window facing your backyard.

The amount of privacy, sunlight, and any outdoor elements that you want to block or let in should all be factors in your lining decision.

Care Considerations

Your next consideration is what care and maintenance your curtains will need. While some curtains are dry-cleaned only, there are some curtains you can spot clean, or even wash in the washing machine.

When it comes to the care and cleaning of your curtains, think about the room the curtains are going in, the traffic the room sees, and their potential for getting dirty.

In a house with small children, a lot of cooking, people, or pets, go with something that is easy to clean.

How to Choose Curtains

When you’re deciding how to choose curtains for your home, there are a few main considerations to keep in mind. From design decisions regarding the color and the material to light and privacy concerns, give a little thought to your window project to help ensure the best fit.

By enlisting the help of a professional, you’ll be able to make sure your project is on budget, on time, and also expertly designed, and installed.

For more home and design tips, visit the decorating section for resources, guides, and design inspiration.