Drapes remain to be the one of the most popular window treatments among homeowners and interior decorators alike, and rightfully so because of their versatility, ease of use, and wide variety of colors, patterns, and sizes to choose from. Sometimes, however, selecting the right drapery for your home can be quite a challenge, what with such a dizzying array of options available and the almost endless possibilities that can result from such a varied selection.
A good way to approach the challenge of choosing the perfect drapes for your windows is to be systematic. Among the many different elements characterizing your home or living space, focus on the most important factors that you wish to address or find a solution to. This will help keep you on the right track to finding the right quality drapes and curtains that will satisfy your needs.
Ask yourself which among these three factors are important to you in starting your search for drapes:
Function
For many homeowners, the selection of drapes starts with looking into functionality, which usually involves consideration of factors like the need to regulate daylight and the flow of air into a room or living space. Usually, drapes refer to window treatments that are made of heavy fabric that block out light. However, you may also wish to use curtains made of lighter fabrics such as sheer.
These two can be used together and combined. The first layer of window treatment can consist of heavy drapery, while the additional layer can be a sheer curtain. Dark, solid colors are a good choice for drapery to block out light, but make sure to select a curtain whose color and pattern complements that of the drapes.
Look and feel
The use of drapery is effective in achieving any particular atmosphere for your home. Traditional heavy drapery using velvet or damask creates a luxurious and elegant feel, while more traditional silk or cotton drapes in solid colors can be used for a contemporary yet classic look.
Unconventional interior designs and themes call for equally unconventional fabrics for drapery, such as those with bold prints. Imagine a whimsical circus-themed girl’s room with diamond-patterned curtains, or a boy’s room with drapery emblazoned with stars and planets. Choosing drapery to achieve a certain look and feel is truly exciting and limitless.
Cost
Sometimes, choosing drapery will be ruled more by practicality than by anything else. There are many options available to meet this need, especially online. Start by considering second-hand drapes and curtains from other homes or commercial establishments such as hotels. You’d be surprised at the astounding discounts you can enjoy if you go for these kinds of items.
You can also check out fabric suppliers for marked-down items. These can be fabrics with off-season prints or material, or irregularly sized leftover fabric. With a little imagination and creativity, you can utilize these properly to come up with impressive drapes and window treatments. Don’t be afraid to try out different types of materials such as cotton, linen, velvet, sheer, and so on.
Drapery solutions
These days, finding the right drapes is not difficult with the wealth of online resources and suppliers available. A quick check online can yield you a lot of choices, at different design and price points. These suppliers can also assist you from beginning to end—from assessing your living space and its measurements to coming up with customized designs if you wish to.
While some people may take their drapes and curtains for granted, these are actually vital elements that complete the look of any residence. When shopping for drapes, it is important to find a reputable supplier so that you don’t waste time and money on rework and unsatisfactory output. It’s a good idea to ask for referrals from friends regarding companies and suppliers they’ve worked with in the past and whether or not they achieved satisfactory results.