An integral decor element that quite often gets put away till the end is the curtains. An intriguing question for many is, how to choose curtains for living room? Since there are no set rules, and the countless choice available in the market, choosing the right curtains can indeed become an overwhelming task.
It is one element that can completely make or break the interior design. When done thoughtfully though, it can elevate the mood and vibe of the space multifold. What are the considerations you should keep in mind when you choose curtains for living room?
Featured below are the top 10 comprehensive guidelines to make your job easier when choosing curtains for living room!
Picking The Right Color
One of the most important factors when choosing curtains for living room is the choice of color. The classic off-whites can give a sophisticated flair and look of elegance to any space. They also complement any other neutral elements to seamlessly unify the design. A sure choice to go for, when in doubt. You may also consider the contrasting approach when it comes to choosing curtains with respect to the living room furniture. Vibrant colors for curtains work well with a muted neutral design palette to breathe in vibrancy and life into the room, while an engaged space calls for subtle shades to do the job.
By Playing With Prints And Patterns
Consider your options between prints, patterns and solids. And the answer to this selection lies in the rest of the decor within the living room. With a dominance of solid color for the furniture, you can opt for printed curtains, while too much vibrancy in the decor calls for a subtle solid curtain choice. You can choose between floral, botanical, geometric or quirky prints, or stripes or gingham patterns. Printed and patterned curtains add to the visual weight of the room, so it is best suited for neutral decor.
Choosing The Perfect Fabric
The choice for fabrics for curtains is quite wide and the fabric plays an important part in the look of the curtain and thereby the space. While choosing curtains for living room, consider the amount of light you want coming into the room as also the mood and decor of the design. Sheer lace, to light cotton, to brocades, to heavy velvets – the range can be broad to select from. Sheers and light weight fabrics go well with modern, contemporary and minimalist interiors, while brocades and heavier velvets suit traditional decor. Blackout curtains made of heavy polyester block all external light and outdoor noise to some extent, however, they might not be best suited for living rooms.
By Figuring Out The Appropriate Length
Deciding on the right length depends on your personal liking. Curtains upto the floor level are the most in-thing right now, while you can add to the drama by adding a couple of inches so that the drapes pool up on the floor. In case of half windows, you can choose to end the curtains at the sill level, or have them drop to the floor level for a more classy look. For a rich royal look, install floor to ceiling curtains that open up a wide French door to a beautiful view outside.
Maintenance And Washing Care Concerns
When you give in so much thought on how to choose curtains for living room, the other concern could be its maintenance and washing care. The fabric and material are the main factors that determine the washing care and frequency. All curtains should ideally washed once at least every 6 months, while some fabrics need more care and some can be conveniently washed in a washing machine. Low maintenance fabrics such as cotton can be great option for households with kids and pets, while high maintenance fabrics like the sheer and silk need to be dry cleaned or cold hand washed to maintain its color and sheen. Pleated curtains need dry cleaning irrespective of the fabric, machine wash is a strict no-no!
Accessorising The Look
Using curtain accessories can enhance the overall look of it. Curtain ties are quite popular, and decorative trims can add to the elegance and richness. Valances are also used popularly to give a royal look to the setting. Alternatively, curtains with simple pulls backs can give a rather modern look to a minimalist living room. The choice of color for the curtain rod can make it for a yet another accessory to the curtains. You can also choose from a wide range of curtain rod end caps to blend with the overall look and theme of the living room.
By Using Proportions To The Advantage
Curtains are capable to alter the visual perception of any space. Using vertical striped patterns in a low height living room will make the ceiling look seemingly higher than the actual, while a horizontal pattern used with a double height living room can essentially give a rather proportionate sense of space. Floor to ceiling curtains are the best choice for rather small and low rooms, while heavy fabrics used in a small room can make the room seem even smaller. Use these basics of designs and play with the curtain patterns and fabrics to achieve the desired outcome.
Using Lining And Layering
Although similar sounding, lining and layering are 2 different terms when used for choosing curtains. Lining curtains is essentially adding a protective fabric from the exterior exposed side. This is usually done in order to make the curtain more opaque, protect the colors from fading and to increase the curtain life. However, lining makes the curtains heavier, and so, a smarter way could be to layer your living room curtains. With this, there are 2 curtain channels that run parallel, the exterior usually houses the sheer curtain, while the inner one holds the regular curtain. Not only is controlling natural light easier with the flexibility of the 2 curtains, but it also gives a beautiful aesthetic look with the inner curtains tied over closed sheers.
