There are many advantages of curtains for your home. They give you privacy, light control, insulation and sound dampening, enhance aesthetics andambiance, and also demarcate spaces. For instance, blackout curtains in bedrooms keep out the light completely and let one have a good sleep. Sheer curtains let in natural light and at the same time provide privacy to the rooms. Thoughtfully chosen curtains that fit your windows properly make a noticeable difference in the comfort and functionality of a room.

While purchasing curtains, start by properly measuring your windows so that you are sure about their height and width. Consider the room's purpose and the kind of light that it needs. For example, in living rooms, use lighter, sheer curtains that help soften the light that comes through, and in bedrooms, blackout lined curtains to keep the light out. Decide if you want curtains or drapes, which puddle on the floor, café styles landing at the window sill or another length. Curtains are made up of various chosen materials like linen curtains that give a breezy casual appearance; cotton curtains, are versatile and easy to manage, while silk curtains are luxury stuff with an elegant feel. Add all the necessary finishing details- trim and bands- to achieve a polished look.

Although the terms are used almost synonymously, the terms as historically used refer to the simpler window treatments hung straight near the window as curtains, while the more formal, floor-length treatments were called drapes. After all, drapes have more fabric and fullness so they create beautiful folds. Gathered on top and falling down in smooth folds to reach the floor, they add a touch of luxury to any window. Curtain panels, on the other hand, like sheer curtains or cotton curtain, have less fabric and their arrangement is plainer.

The best fabric for curtains would depend on taste, room function, control needed over sunlight, and of course, budget. While cotton curtains yield a natural casual appearance with easy care, velvet drapes refract the light beautifully, thus providing a very formal rich look. When one is trying to create darkness as well as insulation in bedrooms, one has to opt for lined curtains or blackout curtains that have light-blocking properties. Linen curtains create a light and airy feel, which will be ideal for the summer months. Silk curtains are luxurious and elegant. Look to see what the content is to determine the durability, feel, and opacity. Sheer curtains filter the light beautifully but do not offer much privacy.

Good rule of thumb: The combined width of your curtain panels should be two times the width of your actual window frame, and your curtain rod should be wide enough to accommodate this width. But on larger windows that are more than six feet in width, extensions of as much as thrice the window frame has better functional aspects of controlling light and look more astounding. Once you begin planning for the curtains and curtain rods, measure your windows carefully. On super-wide treatments, go for wider extended styles or curtains having more panels, especially when projecting the use of very lightweight materials such as sheer curtains or linen curtains which will ensure that they cover and appear full.