The days of the plain and functional white rods are over, and now we have many options available to compliment our window treatments and add dramatic flair to our drapes and curtains.

Many window treatments now include decorative curtain rods as a part of their overall design, and the rods are intentionally exposed to highlight their visual appeal.

Consider the following tips and tricks when selecting and installing drapery rods in your home.

Curtain Rod Basics

Curtain rods and hardware will help add style to your window curtains and shades.

When it comes to selecting the right curtain rods, you have a few factors to consider. You want a material and style that are attractive and hold up well under the weight of your window treatment, you want decorative elements that enhance the overall effect, and you want to hang the rod in a way that will attractively showcase your windows.

Silver eyelets and matching curtain rod give these curtains a modern look.

Make sure that the material you select will hold up well under the weight of your curtains, particularly if you plan to hang floor length panels or heavier weight fabrics. The last thing you want is a sagging window treatment.

You can slightly compensate for weight problems by buying a larger diameter rod, but really, you should consider a heavier rod made with a strong supporting material like graphite, and then add supporting brackets to help hold the weight.

Once you have a basic rod, you can select decorative elements to give it the right look and feel. Many wooden rods don’t need a lot of embellishment, since you can get carved versions that look attractive all on their own.

But for plain metal versions, look at decorative finials to adorn the exposed ends, or hang the rod in a decorative wall sconce to add formal drama.

Elements like these can help to make your window treatments look finished.

Curtain rods and enhancements like these buff leather on Milan aubergine curtains and modern finials are sure to make your window treatments unique and stylish!

Where and how you hang your drapery rods can make all of the difference. Follow these steps to get the best result possible:

1. Decide where you want to hang your curtains. Generally, you want to attach the rod slightly above and beyond the sides of the casing. Another possibility is to install a rod for long panels right above the ceiling. Again, the rod should extend slightly beyond the edges of the windows to insure full coverage and a balanced look.
2. Measure the height of the window or the height to the floor to insure that your curtains will fall slightly below the casing or pool on the floor as desired.
3. Whenever possible, attach support brackets to the wall studs. If your home doesn’t have studs in the right positions, you’ll need to use toggle bolts for extra support. Use a level to install the other bracket even with the first.
4. If your rod requires a little extra support, use your level to install a center bracket to help support the weight. The easiest way to determine where it should be installed is to clip the rod into the brackets you’ve already installed, and then attach the center support to the rod. Slide it to the middle of the rod, mark off its position, and attach it there. It’s probably easier to get the rod out of the way first.
5. Slide the curtains or drapery onto the rod, and clip it back onto the brackets.

If you’re looking for a functional window treatment that will block strong morning sun or keep your neighbors from watching you walk around in your bathrobe each morning, then most people will say you need a “curtain.”

If style is more important than function and you’re seeking a more formal look, then most people will use the term “drape” to describe your desired window treatment. Some people also use the terms interchangeably.

In this article, we’ll look at formal, decorative window treatments.

Clean and simple, these sheer white drapes add to the design of the room without detracting from other elements like a crystal chandelier.

While drapes tend to be decorative, they can also serve a purpose. Most drapes are made out of heavier fabrics which help to alleviate problems associated with drafty windows.

You can up the insulation quotient by purchasing lined drapes and save money on your heating bills.

Most people use drapes as a stationary window treatment rather than one that can be opened and closed with a pull cord, so if you want to be able to close off a window due to strong sunlight, you may need to pair them with another treatment like a roller blind or sheer curtains to get the function you want.

Window drapes can be purchased at the store if you’ve got a basic style and fabric in mind, but more specialized looks may require custom or homemade drapes.

Custom looks can be rather expensive, but you may be able to get a custom look for less if you’re willing to put a little work into it.

Consider purchasing a set of mass-produced drapes and customizing them with accessories.

By layering drapes in complimentary colors, picking decorative tiebacks such as tasseled or ornate ironwork versions, and using decorative finials or wall sconces to dress up the curtain rod, you can often come up with a beautiful, custom-look window treatment. You might also try searching for vintage drapes, which are often more affordable than custom drapes.

Embroidered silk window drapes give this dining room decor a rich and very tasteful touch.

Choosing the Right Drapery Fabric

You have a lot of options when it comes to drapery fabric, and each will impart a different look to your rooms as well as having different maintenance requirements.

Consider the following options when selecting the right fabric for your new drapes:

• Cotton – Cotton has the advantages of being easy to care for, sturdy, and available in patterns and colors to suit any room. However, wrinkling may be a problem, and cotton doesn’t hold up well in a lot of sunlight.
• Silk – Silk is shiny and opulent-looking, but it doesn’t hold up very well. It’s prone to water spotting and fading, and it’s also relatively expensive.
• Linen – Like cotton, linen is known for its sturdiness. But it’s also comparatively stiff and prone to shrinking.
• Rayon – Rayon hangs well, but it doesn’t handle well. It will crease and shrink unless it’s treated.
• Synthetics – Synthetics like acrylic and polyester blends are generally affordable and wear well, but most are prone to pilling.

By layering your drapes with another element like these shoji screens, you can create depth and visual impact to your window treatment.

Choosing the Right Type of Drapes for your Windows

When it comes to selecting drapes, your choice can make all the difference between a drapery treatment that works and one that doesn’t.

Consider the following choices and tips when you’re choosing window drapes:

• Lined Drapes – Lined or insulated drapes have an extra layer of fabric on the inside. If left closed, they let lined drapes let in very little light and help insulate against drafts. Unlined drapes, on the other hand, may be somewhat sheer depending on the fabric you choose, so you should still see a little light when they are closed. Choose insulated drapes if your windows are particularly drafty, if you have a home theater that requires complete darkness, or if you like the look. Lined drapes hang differently and keep their shape better than most unlined versions.
• Pleated Drapes – Most drapes are pleated, although it’s possible to find unpleated versions if you look hard enough. Your job is to select the style of pleats that you like the best. Drapes can be pleated by tying them together with a sash, creating a more casual look, but most will have a more formal vibe. Box pleats, for example, are created when vertical stripes are sewn into the top of the fabric. Pencil pleats are smaller and more subtle. And French pleats are formed when groups of three pleats are made close together.
• Drapery Length - Most drapes are long, accentuating the height of the windows and the room for a more dramatic look. Consider hanging drapes up near the ceiling to create a formal sitting room vibe, or allow them to puddle on the floor for a feeling of opulence.

This formal bedroom decor matches window drapery with drapes around the bed, putting the drapes front and center as interior design elements.

Characterized by ruffles and white or off-white neutral fabric, Priscilla curtains are often made with a sheer or semi-sheer fabric, but can also be found in heavier, more opaque fabrics and many other colors and floral printed fabrics as well.

Widely available in home decorating stores and through online window fashions retailers, Priscilla curtains are inexpensive and easy to install and look especially nice as either a kitchen or bathroom window treatment. They will also add style and comfort to your guest bedroom.

Whether you use them alone or with blinds or shades underneath, Priscilla curtains are a wonderful way to decorate your windows with a feminine, soft feeling.

The Priscilla curtains are normally hung on double rods, allowing one to overlap the other. Oftentimes, the front layer is tied back. Top treatments can include using a balloon valance in matching fabric.

Priscilla window curtains can have wide ruffles adorning the inside and bottom edges of the panels. The ruffled Priscilla curtains are often pulled back to the sides of a window with a pair of matching tie backs.

Some styles of Priscilla curtains will have a ruffle that is stitched to the top of the panels, eliminating the need for a separate top treatment such as a valance.

Tiebacks add to the nostalgic look of Priscilla curtains, which have been popular in many decorating styles, from Colonial revival to 1950s Retro decor themes.

For the more contemporary look, use Priscilla curtains with straight edges decorated with a contrasting ribbon of accent color, forgoing the wide ruffles of more traditional country style Priscilla curtains.

Since they leave the rods and hardware more exposed than some window treatments, you can add decorative style by using brass, wrought iron or other decorative rods and hardware.

One of the main attractions of Priscilla curtains is how cheap they are to purchase. Shop online at discount prices and you can find a complete set, with sewn in ruffled valance, matching panels and privacy tiers for under £40.

Hanging your Priscilla curtains typically involves mounting hardware and shirring them over the rod according to your manufacturer’s instructions but should typically take less than an hour and require only a few tools such as a cordless drill and screwdriver.

For easy care and washing, choose curtains made with easy care machine wash and dry polyester that requires little or no ironing. Cotton and other fabrics will be easy to clean and maintain also, but may require pressing the panels before you re-hang them.

Classic and timeless, Priscilla curtains are an affordable window treatment option always worth considering!

They may take any form but rarely would you find a home without window coverings.

Not only do they help in protecting the residents from heat and light, they also make sure that your prying neighbors are kept at bay as far as possible.

Curtains are one of the finest and oldest modes of covering the windows.

Cheap, versatile and stylish, curtains are available in different varieties. But the trick is to choose best curtains for your purposes.

A modern home interior lends itself well to curtains in neutral tones with sleek, clean lines.

Read these great tips on how to choose curtains for your home windows:

• The purpose of curtains is paramount consideration in choosing the curtains. If privacy is what you are looking for, then buy a heavier curtain with opaque style and a lining to boot. Heavier curtains will also keep maximum sunlight out of reach from the room.
• You can also ornate the heavier curtain from inside with different add-ons. However, if you just want the curtains to show your stylish streak, then silky and satin fabric with carefully done decorative work should be your choice. You can use either tieback option or just let loose the curtains.
• 
  Elegant draperies and curtains can incorporate tie backs like these do to give your room an open, airy feeling. Colors and patterns should match throughout your room decor.
  The length of curtains is also a mighty decision. There can be varied length of curtains used under different circumstances.
• For instance, sill-length curtains are ideal in cottage-style rooms with recessed windows, or with horizontal windows. Similarly, floor-length curtains are just about perfect on sash windows, on bays and bows, and on French or picture windows.
• Curtain rods should be ideal and match with the overall style of your room as well as the curtains. Nothing looks as bad in a room as negligently selected curtain rods that look out-of-place in the otherwise well-decorated room.
• The rods with a brass or metallic look gives out a formal finishing. Similarly, wooden or plastic rods give out an informal finishing.
• Hanging of curtains on rods can also make a big difference to the overall look and feel of the room. They should be hung in such a way as to just about touching the floor – the height should neither be too high nor too low.
• Tacks, headings, valances, swags, tails, linings, and other accessories all play an important role in enhancing the looks of curtains. You can experiment with the style or follow some fixed designs from a good guidebook or Internet.

Perfect for making in any weight of fabric from the finest sheers to heavyweights such as velvet and brocade.

Tab Top Curtains

are basically straight curtains that are more casual in their effect; they are fitted onto the rod with tabs.

Café Curtains

are a very inexpensive way of creating privacy in the room by screening off the lower portion of the window.

Café Curtains

Rods, decorative poles or curtain wires can be used to hang cafe curtains and they are positioned inside the window recess halfway down the window.

Tiers

Straight curtains, usually with a high header that ruffles, they are perfect for any room in the house.

Priscilla Curtains

Priscilla Curtains

Drawn back at the center of the curtain to make a draping effect, they are essentially floor length tier curtains.

Valances

Curtains which cover only the upper portion of the window, are usually used with blinds or tiers beneath them of fabric.

HourGlass Curtains

Are a straight curtain fitted onto a rod at both top and bottom, then tied in the center.

Window Scarf

A very long strip of fabric that usually does not have rod pockets but instead is wound on the rod and draped for effect.

And a country style room deserves well matched curtains or other window coverings in keeping with the simple and more casual tone and natural wood, fabric and stone found in country style furnishings, flooring and room decor.

And since country curtains and window coverings are usually simple, they are the perfect do-it-yourself creative home decorating project. In other words, if you’re looking for a cheap solution to cover your windows, then country style curtains are a great alternative!

Add a Little Country Charm

Plain off white curtains are a common country home window covering choice.

The simple nature of handcrafts and natural materials is what gives a country home so much warmth and charm. And when it comes to country curtains, charm is a matter of keeping things simple and functional.

Country curtains don’t often involve intricate toppers such as an ornate cornice or valence with tassels and fancy fringe. White lace, checked patterns or plain ruffles are characteristic features of many country home window coverings.

A classic Tuscan Italian arched doorway and balcony with shimmering off white drapes.

With so many country styles, you’ll want to choose a specific flavour of country you want to give your room decor and matching window treatments.

If your home or the room you have in mind for new curtains is already decorated English country, then stick with that for the window covering. If you are considering the right country style for your room, here are a few to consider:

English Country – Cosy and natural, the English country style can vary from rustic to somewhat formal, so you have plenty of latitude with your window coverings. Choose something that goes well with your English country antique furnishings, wood flooring or other distinguishing decor elements. Floral patterns in the pinks and yellow of an English garden can make for a nice curtain fabric.

Tuscan – Italian county style tends to rustic wood finishes and natural stone or terracotta. Blue tones of the sea, green and earthy brown or burnt orange of the field are often used in Tuscan color schemes. Patterns will often include a rooster, wild flowers, sunflowers or birds. Curtains should be simple, either picking up the accent colors and patterns used elsewhere in the room or simple white cotton fabric perhaps with some texture.

Floral patterns in colors of the countryside or garden are a favourite for country curtains.

Swedish Country – Scandinavian design is all the rage with interior designers these days, with sleek lines and natural wood finishes. Swedish country is characterized by the warmth and grain of hardwoods polished smooth. Wooden venetian blinds will complement the Scandinavian style decor nicely.

American Colonial – The hardy colonial settlers often liked to decorate in traditional styles of their homeland, whether they emigrated from Britain, Germany, the Netherlands or other European nations. Traditional colonial style shutters are native to the New England states. Wood or faux wood blinds will also go well with the Colonial home decor.

American Country – The cattle ranchers, farmers, traders and trappers who settled the American west had few possessions and relied heavily on the animals and natural materials of the landscape to create their homesteads. Sheer white or checkered red and white curtains with ruffles can create a cosy American country feel.

Open cabinet doors with chicken wire and a nice window seat give this country kitchen an authentic country feel.

Country Curtain Rods and Accessories

Since the inhabitants of most country homes would not have been able to afford expensive furnishings, the hardware used to hang curtains and other country window coverings should be simple.

You can use a plain wood curtain rod and rings or get more creative with something that is representative of the country style decor you are trying to create. Wrought iron hardware would be appropriate for a continental country decor, while wood is more typical in the American country home.

Toppers, if used, should be plain, without a lot of fringe or tassels, which would generally not be typical of country home decor. A simple swag in the same or contrasting color fabric as your curtains would be sufficient to decorate the country window coverings.

In the old days, you could get away with plain white rods, mostly because that was all that was available.

But those days are long gone.

Now, you have many hardware options to complement your window treatments.

By selecting tasteful, coordinating hardware, you can make the difference between a simple window covering and a true design statement.

Custom curtain hardware will finish your window treatement in a unique, matching style.

Drapery Hardware Types

• Curtain Rods – As noted above, the days of the plain white curtain rod are over. Now, you have a variety of functional and decorative rods to choose from. If you like the look of sheer curtains but are uncomfortable with the fact that your neighbors can see inside your home, consider layering sheers with a heavier fabric and hang them from a combination rod, which is built to handle multiple curtains. Or if you’re working in a small space and want your curtains to sit neatly within the window frame, consider a tension rod that fits inside the frame. And if you have floor-length curtains that you’d like to open and close frequently, consider a traverse rod, which opens and closes by pull cord.
• Finials – If the ends of your drapery rods are visible, consider adding finials or purchasing a rod with built in finials. Finials are decorative pieces that fit on the end of the rods. Often, you can purchase coordinating finials and tiebacks for a more cohesive window treatment.
• Tiebacks – The tieback, unsurprisingly, is used to tie or fasten the curtains open. Tiebacks can be literal ties, like ribbons or cloth strips, or they may be metal or wood pieces that attach to the wall. To open the curtain, you’d pull it to the side and drape them over the tieback.
• Rings – Depending on the type of drapery you select, you may or may not need rings or fasteners to attach it to the rod. Fasteners are available in styles to suit any room, from plain wooden clothespins to ornately detailed ironwork.
• Sconces – If you select a plain rod, you can still up the design interest by hanging it in a sconce. The sconce is essentially a decorative curtain rod holder, although they can also be used to support some of the fabric from the window treatment itself.
• Curtain Jewelry – Curtain or drapery jewelry can be attached to the drapery fabric or dangled from the rods as an accent. You can buy “curtain jewelry” or reuse old pieces like strands of pearls or antique broaches. Jewelry can also be used in lieu of tiebacks for a pretty statement.

Hardware Selection Tips

• While you’re no longer limited to the plain white curtain rod, more ornate window treatments could be pushed over the top if you add too many accessories. Make sure that the hardware you selects compliments, not overpowers, your treatments and the overall décor.
• Make sure that the drapery hardware you select will work well with the curtains. For example, heavy fabrics require the use of sturdier rods. You would also want to avoid fancy finials with sharp edges in combination with a delicate, easily-snagged lace panel. Make sure that the drapery and the hardware are complimentary in both form and function.
• Ornate finials take up more space than you might realize. Before purchasing, make sure that there is sufficient space for them. This is particularly important if the window is located near a corner of the room.
• Once you’ve selected a finial, make sure that you have the correct size rod to accommodate it.
• If you plan to cover a long series of windows in a continuous line, make sure to purchase enough support brackets to install them between the windows. This ensures that the curtains have sufficient support while maintaining an unbroken line around the room.

Hung from the center of a window, cafe curtains cover only the lower half of the window, which means they still let a lot of light into your room.

In terms of hardware, the most convenient way to hang a cafe curtain is to use a spring-loaded curtain rod that fits inside the window frame and is hardly visible, since it runs through a pocket sewn into the curtain.

Whether you want to dress up your kitchen or eating nook window or you need a bit of privacy in a sitting room or enclosed porch like this one, cafe curtains make an affordable window covering you can make yourself!

Alternatively, you can also use a rod attached by small brackets on either side of the window frame, although in this case the brackets and rod will be somewhat more visible, so you’ll want to pick something decorative. You can also make your cafe curtains with tab tops and scallops with fringe or lace at the bottom to give them a more decorative look.

While traditional cafe curtains are simply panels of fabric covering the lower portion of a window, you can create a more modern look and enhanced privacy by hanging the rod at the top of the window.

For added privacy, you can also hang full length curtain panels over the traditional half-length cafe curtains, which can be closed or left open as required. If desired, you can also complete your window treatment with a matching valance, cornice or topper at the top of your window opening, leaving just enough room to peak out the window.

As an alternative to sewing a pocket to run the rod through your cafe curtain, you can instead insert grommets along the top and use a long metal bead chain to attach it to the rod or use S-hooks. Or, you can sew fabric loops to hang your curtain by as described in our directions below.

While you can purchase cafe curtains from your local retailer or online window fashion dealer, if you are handy with a sewing machine it’s more fun to make your own with our simple instructions below.

So called for their original use in European cafes, cafe curtains are easy to make yourself with the fabric color and design of your choosing.

What you will need:

• Curtain rod
• Curtain fabric and matching thread
• Ironing board and iron
• Sewing machine
• Measuring tape and scissors

Cafe curtain instructions:

1. Height – Measure the height of your window opening from the bottom casing to the point you want your Cafe curtain to reach; typically this would be anywhere from one third to one half of the window height, but optionally you could even cover the entire opening for a contemporary look. Include the height of your window casing if you want to cover that as well. Also add six inches for the bottom hem and another four inches for the heading. Now you have the height measurement for your curtain panel.
2. Width – Measure the width of your window opening. The fullness should be between two and three times the width of the window, depending on the weight of your fabric; for something sheer and lightweight, you want to make them fuller, whereas for heavier you would want them to have less fullness. Also add four inches for the side hems. Now you have the width measurement for your curtain panel.
3. Cutting – Once you have selected your fabric and have enough to fit the measurements as described in steps one and two, you are ready to cut your curtain panel. You will also need to allow for two additional strips of fabric to make the heading and loops to hang your Cafe curtain. Cut the strip for your heading to be four inches high and the same width as your curtain panel. Cut the strip for your loops to be three inches high and the same width as your curtain panel.
4. Loops – To make the loops, use the three inch strip you have cut and press one long edge under one-quarter inch. Then fold the edge you have pressed over the opposite edge and stitch along the entire length. Center the seam in the middle of your strip, press it well, and then cut it into six inch pieces.
5. Side Hems – To sew your side hems, press under one inch on both sides of the curtain panel. Turn and press another one inch. Then, press and stitch along the length of the fabric to complete the side hem. Do this for both sides of your curtain panel.
6. Heading – To make your curtain heading, follow the same process as in step five, using the four inch strip of fabric.
7. Attach Heading and Loops – To make your curtain loops and heading, fold the six inch strips in half widthwise, keeping the seam on the underside. Position a loop at each of the top edge of your curtain panel. Determine how you want to space the loops between the two ends. Place the rough edges of the loops even with the rough edge of the curtain panel and pin the loops into place. With the right sides together, pin the heading on top of the panel and loops. Then, sew across the heading strip and loops with a one-half inch seam allowance. Flip the heading to back side of the panel and stitch down both sides and along the bottom edge.
8. Bottom Hem – Turn up bottom hem three inches and press, keeping the hemline as straight as possible. Turn again the same width as the first turn and then stitch down to complete the bottom hem.

You are ready to hang your Cafe curtain in place! This is a simple project for anyone with basic sewing skills and one that can be completed quickly and will liven up your kitchen or breakfast nook window!

If you want your room to exude these qualities, then white curtains will complement your decor, leaving other decorative elements, shapes and form take the center stage.

White curtains are often found in a country home interior, either plain or with decorative lace. White curtain panels with clean, sleek lines also work quite well in a modern home interior. They even work well in a Victorian decor, often with more ornate draperies or swags in patterns and colors to complement the room.

Whether you are decorating a room with white furniture for a monotone or just looking for a window covering that doesn’t compete with the rest of the interior, you can put up white curtains in many styles and textures; sheer and luminous, opaque and rich, or shiny and bright.

Dark draperies keep out the light, but white lets the light in, making your space bright, open and airy. White curtains truly open up a space, making a small room feel much larger and less crowded.

Soft and romantic, layered white curtains and sheer fabric canopy work nicely together in this bedroom decor.

Sheer white curtains are a good choice in rooms where privacy is not a concern. For bedrooms and bathrooms, where privacy is paramount, an opaque white fabric is desirable or you can use layers of sheer white fabric and lace to add depth and flexible control over privacy and light entering the room.

You can also use white lace or sheer curtains under fabric panels that can be closed at night for additional privacy.

For an informal room, use white curtains that are about the same length and width as your window opening. For a more formal room, hang full length white curtains, letting the fabric gather a little on the floor, with tie-backs to keep them open.

Fabric choice should match your room decor as well, with heavier fabric or layers of sheer white fabric giving a formal look, while a single white curtain makes for an informal window covering. White linen curtains will give your room a very clean look, perhaps with embroidery to give a bit of added texture.

If you prefer to add color to your window treatment, you can add a swag or valance in a fabric color that matches your wall color, furniture or other decorative elements. Beads, lace, embroidery, piping, curtain tie backs with decorative tassels, curtain rods and finials and scallops or other design patterns can also add interest to your white curtains.

Whenever the weather allows, open your windows and let the breeze billow your white curtains, transforming your room into a romantic scene from the movies. And in winter, when sunlight is sparse, your white curtains will keep your home feeling bright, with a fire in the fireplace to add some warmth.

Traditional and classic, white curtains remain an excellent alternative to the hard lines and surfaces of most window blinds. Whether you use them alone or to enhance your blinds, white curtains will surely complete your window treatment and make your space feel clean, simple and inviting.

In a modern home interior, white curtains offer clean lines and do not distract from other visual elements.

Most energy efficient ideas sound great in theory, but most of us can’t afford to pull out all of our windows and replace them with more efficient models or replace our electrical appliances with Energy Star models.

When these things are due to be replaced, it’s a good idea to consider those options, but what about in the meantime?

Windows are one of your prime heating loss locations. Rather than replacing the panes, you can help to minimize heat loss by installing insulated drapes.

Is there anything that you can do to lower your heating costs without making major replacements or home improvements? There is; read on to learn more.

Embroidered silk drapes with linings give this room decor a very stylish window treatment.

How Insulated and Lined Drapes Work

Insulated curtains and drapes are made from fabric that is insulated, treated, and/or lined to make it less heat permeable and sometimes even resistant to UV light. By closing them and completely covering the window, you can block out drafts and reduce heat loss through the glass.

The level of insulation that you’ll get is determined by the R-value of your lined curtain. If you’ve done work on your home before, you’ll probably remember the term: an item’s R-value shows how much it resists heat flow. R-value is determined by the basic characteristics of the material being used, its thickness, and its density.

Generally, an untreated, single pane window has an R-value of around R1, assuming that it’s properly installed. An insulated curtain will add its R-value to the value of your window when the curtain is closed.

You can find recommended R-values for insulation depending on where you live, but you’ll have a tough time finding them for windows.

Just use common sense: if you live in a region where insulation R-values are high, you’ll also want to make sure that your window R-values are high. You can even layer window treatments to increase the R-value without sacrificing style.

And if you live in a region particularly known for its bitter winters, or if you just can’t afford to replace those old drafty windows even though you can feel the air flow from across the room, consider layering some insulated drapes with an insulated shade that attaches all around the window to reduce gaps. This will result in a definite decrease in your heating bills. Or consider attaching your drapes to the wall using hook and loop tape to reduce gaps.

Choosing Insulated and Lined Drapes

You can choose to go with insulated drapes, which are made with fabric which is treated to retain heat, or lined drapes, which rely on layers of fabric or foam to trap air and provide comfort. You can go with either depending on your desired R-value and look. Or, if you’re absolutely in love with your existing window treatments, consider adding a lining.

If you use an insulated fabric, you can more than double the R-value of your drapes. You can sew a lining on, or select one of the options that fuses to your existing treatment. All you need to do is cut it properly and iron it on.

We’ve been told, after all, that using too many patterns will overwhelm a room and make it look too busy.

So if you have an upholstered plaid sofa or a pair of flowered armchairs, curtain patterns are a no-no, correct?

Not necessarily.

The keys to making curtain patterns work are right at your fingertips.

Read on to learn more about choosing curtain patterns.

Curtain Design Tips

In order to create a cohesive room, you need each element to tie into the overall theme. Every piece of furniture, fabric, and accessory should fit in with the color and/or style of the room.

So if your room is done in blue and white French country, then every element should have blue or white in it OR should be French country.

For example, you might find a set of red plates in the French country style. Hanging them on one wall as a decorative statement would really make them pop against the blue and white room. Of course, every rule is meant to be broken, but this is a good starting point design-wise.

When it comes to making custom curtains, the idea is the same. Your curtains should tie into the overall scheme but not necessarily duplicate it. Actually, a room with a sofa, armchairs, and curtains all in the same fabric pattern would either be boring or overwhelming depending on the pattern.

What you want is to pick up one or two of the colors found throughout the room and make sure that they are a part of your curtain pattern.

One of the most attractive window treatments out there, which really makes for cohesive rooms, is to use exactly the same colors in the window treatments and upholstery fabrics.

For example, the upholstery could be white, turquoise, and coral plaid, whereas the curtain fabrics could pick up the same colors in a floral print. This ties them together and adds visual interest.

Curtain Pattern Options

So once you’ve decided that patterned curtains are the way to go, how do you decide what fabrics to use? Fabric patterns generally lend themselves to various styles like formal or modern rooms. Consider the following options:

• Brocade – Brocade is often found in formal dining rooms or living areas. It has a raised design woven into cotton, silk, or wool. Depending on the base material, the brocade will be either medium or heavy weight. Most brocades are floral-patterned, although other options such as fleur de lis do exist.
• Calico – If you’re looking for a more inexpensive and casual curtain pattern, calico might be the right choice for you. Calico is characterized by a small pattern of printed florals on cotton, and it makes a great choice for café style curtains.
• Chintz – If you’re looking for a patterned fabric for a formal room that isn’t as heavy as brocade or damask, try chintz. Chintz is a smooth, shiny fabric printed with multicolored patterns on a lighter background.
• Damask – Damask is one of the most popular curtain fabrics, with a raised pattern like brocade. However, it’s a little thinner. It comes in a variety of patterns including floral and fleur de lis.
• Gingham – Gingham is another casual fabric pattern and is often found in kitchens. It’s characterized by a check pattern, usually light in color, and made out of cotton or synthetics.
• Matelasse – Another heavy fabric with a raised design like brocade and damask, matelasse is generally less formal than the other two. Because of the weaving process, the design of matelasse is less even and more unfinished looking than in the other two fabric types.
• Natural Weaves – In a natural weave, the fibers themselves are rough and uneven, resulting in a bumpy, textured fabric that may have some small gaps. Fabrics may be stiff like canvas or may be even more textured and almost nubby. Natural weaves look great in rooms with wilderness themes or pared-down modern vibes.
• Tapestry – Tapestries depict very deeply textured designs or scenes and usually work best in formal rooms. They also tend to be expensive.
• Ticking – One additional casual option is ticking, a pattern of alternating dark and light vertical strips. Ticking is a vertically striped fabric incorporating a pattern of darker stripes on a light background. Ticking is named after the printed fabric traditionally used to cover mattresses.

Since you have hundreds of different fabric blends to choose from, this process can be overwhelming. Choosing a fabric for your window drapes or curtains is a very personal matter, but it helps to understand the basics.

Rich silk fabrics, layered and adorned with complementary patterns and tassles create a unique and elegant window treatment.

The first step is to consider your room and your windows. You may have an intense love for delicate lace, but so will your toddler.

If you consider who uses the room, their tastes, and their behaviors, you’ll come up with window treatment that suits the entire family.

Then, it’s time to consider the windows.

You want to make sure that your draperies and their fabric suit the windows. You may love velvet, but it will look incongruous when used in short curtains.

If your windows are small, then you may want to steer away from velvet, or consider making the drapes out of another fabric and trim them in velvet.

Next, consider the color, pattern, sheen, and texture of your drapery fabric.

For a child's room, you can select something fun in bright colors to match the theme of a boy or girl room decor.

Generally, you want to make a statement with one or two of these elements. For example, you might choose a retro fabric pattern in bright colors, or an unpatterned silk with a lustrous sheen.

The key is to concentrate on a few elements. Layering a shiny African styling fabric with a nubby lining in a jewel tone would be overkill.

If you plan to make custom curtains or have them made for you, make sure that the curtain fabric you select works well with the drapery style you intend to use.

You don’t want to select a dramatic and elegant fabric like silk and then use it to make casual café curtains.

The fabric and the style should work together to provide an overall vibe for the window treatment.

Drapery Fabric Types

The various drapery fabric options each have their own characteristics when it comes to both appearance and upkeep, so they’re good for particular styles of drapery.

Texture, pattern and color in the fabrics you choose will combine to give your window drapes a distinctive look.
• Cotton – Cotton offers ease of maintenance and a great variety of patterns and colors. It’s a versatile fabric that can work well in French country rooms (think toile prints) or to cover the French doors in a family living room. However, cotton doesn’t hold up well in a lot of direct light; it’s prone to fading. You may also have problems with wrinkling.
• Linen – Linen is sturdy and wears well. Many styles offer subtle, nubby texture that looks great in neutral colors. If your room is awash in prints and you need something in a neutral color that isn’t boring, linen can be a terrific option. Linen can shrink, so you’ll need to account for that when it comes to cleaning the drapes. Many linens are also stiff, so if you’re looking for something that will puddle naturally on the floor, this might not be the best fabric option for you.
• Rayon – Rayon offers a pleasing sheen and drapes well, but it doesn’t hold up under a lot of manipulation. Consider using it in stationary drapes and in formal rooms; you don’t want to be opening and closing it on a repeated basis. Make sure to get a treated fabric that is less prone to creasing and shrinking, two common problems with rayon.
• Silk – When it comes to formal draperies with luster and opulence, silk takes the cake. Make sure to use it in formal rooms where it won’t be trampled on or handled a lot, since it doesn’t hold up very well. And never use it in bathrooms, kitchens, or places where it will receive a lot of direct sunlight; it’s prone to water spotting and fading.
• Synthetics – Acrylic and polyester blends are some of the most affordable fabrics for drapery, and they wear well, making them good choices for casual, high traffic areas. However, they will pill.