| If you've got windows, you need curtains. | | | | that fits without them. |
| Well, okay, you might prefer blinds, but without | | | | Decide on color, or pattern: For smaller windows, |
| splitting hairs too much you're certainly going to | | | | you'll want to choose small patterns. As with your |
| want some kind of window dressing. You can get | | | | own clothes, the pattern needs to be in |
| all types of curtains to suit all sorts of mood and | | | | proportion to the area it covers. Big patterns may |
| style and, let's be honest, sometimes it seems | | | | swamp a small window. If possible take a swatch |
| there's too much choice and you reach the point | | | | of the color you intend to match or contrast. It's |
| where you're sick of the sight and sound of them. | | | | next to impossible to recall exact shades from |
| Except you've just got to have them. | | | | memory. |
| Believe it or not, curtains can be fun and finding | | | | Match form to function: All types of drapes 'say' |
| out what types of will best match your lifestyle | | | | something. Make sure yours are saying the same |
| and go with the rest of your stuff needn't be a | | | | things as the rest of your room. For example, |
| chore. | | | | you won't want paisley or floral on your windows |
| Here are some tips on deciding which types are | | | | if you've soft black leather fabric on your steel |
| for you: | | | | furniture. |
| Decide on size: Be sure to take length and width | | | | Some types of curtains are designed to do |
| both into account. For all types of, measure your | | | | specialist window jobs. Here are a few of those: |
| window width and at least double it to get the | | | | Thermal - These are such useful and practical |
| actual width of fabric you need. Now go for | | | | types. Like a double-edged sword they cut both |
| length, which is called 'drop' in the language of | | | | ways, keeping warmth in during winter and heat |
| curtains. Measure from the pole or runner down | | | | out during summer. These can even act as |
| to wherever you want your fabric to finish. Take | | | | blackout drapes as an added feature, cutting |
| these two measurements with you when you go | | | | down on light pollution and helping keep your |
| shopping. They're key. You'll never get a curtain | | | | bedroom dark and snug. |