Curtain and Drape Design Ideas

Did you know that in the nineteenth century, it was a sign of respectability to have not only curtains, but over curtains, under curtains, shades, and shutters? While today curtains and draperies may not be as elaborate, they are still an important decision to make when it comes to home decor. In any household, when it comes to redecoration and interior designing, one of the first furnishings that are bought are curtains and draperies. Not only are curtains integral to the look of a room, but they also provide a sense of security and prevent occurrences of people peeking in. The sheer options available to us today when it comes to curtains and draperies, can be mind-boggling. With people's sense of style and their spending power increasing, people are becoming more creative and using different curtains and drape designs for their houses. In this article, we tell you how to choose curtain designs and what are the different ideas for curtains and drapes that you can use.

Hanging Curtains and Drapes: Design Ideas

Proper curtains can completely change the way a room looks and if they are tastefully put up, then you hardly need any other decor in the room. From options in fabrics to patterns to even styles of hanging these curtains, there are many decisions to make and this can often become slightly difficult. We give you some tips that will hopefully lessen the confusion in your mind. But before that let us clear the difference between drapes and curtains. In earlier times, windows were covered with sash curtains, draw curtains, and an over drapery. The first curtain was used to filter light, the second to block light, and the third was a decorative element. Today of course, we restrict the use of curtains to just the sash or draw curtains and draperies.

One of the most important decisions to make is to choose the kind of curtain design that you want? Are you looking for something that is simple or do you prefer for the more elaborate treatments? Modern designs tend to be simplistic with plain, sheer curtains and hardly any draperies, while traditional curtain hanging ideas tend to play around with the ideas of intertwined curtains, fringes, with draperies and valances. The type of curtain design you choose will of course to a huge degree depend on the theme of the room in question. A contemporary room can be decorated using a minimalist and modern curtain draping look but with a Victorian room, you will need something more traditional. Let us look at some of the ideas that you can definitely use for your house.

A great idea for a house that has a lot of sunlight streaming in would be team sheer curtains or drapes with blinds. In the mornings the blinds could be rolled up and the sheer curtains would allow for a slightly colored light to stream in. When the heat is unbearable, you can of course roll down the blinds. Blinds and sheer draperies can be a great combination to try out. Of course, ensure that the blinds are not the usual ones used in offices. Instead opt for blinds made of cane for a more rustic look. For the sheer curtains use lace fabric or fabric with embroidery on it for a more beautiful effect.

If you are looking for a more traditional look, then opt to use drapes and valances together. Use heavy silk drapes with grand valances in the same color tone or a contrasting shade. This is an idea that works very well on large French windows. You can opt to use either sheer curtains or opaque curtains that block out the light. The valances should be of a solid fabric. You could double it up with a sheer fabric if you please. This will add a texture and different pattern to the style that you are using.

Another option that you can opt for is to team sheer curtains with opaque curtains, alternating the two. The sheer curtains can be in the same color or at least the same family of colors as the opaque curtains. Have the sheer curtains in the center caressed by the opaque drapes at the side. It can be a beautiful look for a room that combines the traditional and the modern.

There are many other such interesting curtains and drapes design ideas that you can opt for when you are looking for designs that can help you decide how to hang the curtains in your house. Hopefully these ideas have been of assistance to you.