The Sunday News

Delightful Decor: Choosing curtains for your living room

CHOOSING curtains for your living room tends to be a bit overwhelming at times as there are many decisions to make, from the type of fabric and colour to length and lining. Curtains play a pivotal role as they make or destroy your room. The interior of the living room should reflect the character and personality of the homeowners. Besides being comfortable and welcoming it has to look equally good in daylight and at night.

Type of fabric is the first thing that should be taken into consideration. Fabric is an essential part of choosing curtains, since the material will dictate how well your curtains function.

When choosing fabric, it is important to consider the durability, for example there are materials such as suede, linen, silk and velvets which are strong. These materials can also help in warming your room since they are thick.

If you prefer a particular fabric, consider whether the material is suitable for curtains and how it will fall. It is always good to select a pattern first to make sure that the colours and the fabric match to the design and furnishings of the living room.

Also when choosing a fabric for your curtains it’s important to avoid bright colours since they tend to fade fast especially when the room gets more lighting. Sunlight will fade fabrics over time as well as constantly washing them. Neutral colours such as cream, beige and champagne are a way to go since they are less likely to fade and more likely to blend into the room’s deco like a printed couch or any other material.

If you want the curtains to stand out as a decorative element in the living room, choose a fabric with bright colours and striking patterns. However, if you prefer a simpler design, choose curtains made of transparent fabric with neutral colours. It is especially important to know the exact dimensions of the living room window.

The next phase is to decide how high above the window you want your curtain to begin. Some people prefer to hand their panels higher above the window so that it clarifies the height of the room as well as to give the room a dramatic look. If you want to achieve a dramatic look your curtains can be hanged from the ceiling to the floor. For a traditional look, with the curtain slightly puddled on the floor, you’ll want to add another two or three inches to the length. For a modern, crisp look, have the panel fall flush with the floor.