Curtains and Drapes

Have you had enough of window curtains that are a blast from the past? Modern curtains, that reflect the styles of today, may be the curtains your home needs to give it a more up to date style. With all the new and exciting styles that are offered today, modern curtains are making the home you grew up in, into the home that resembles you, fresh and modern. Take a look at what makes these modern curtains so trendy.

New Materials. There is a way that you can tell whether a curtain is an older style or a newer style. The material it is made from is how you can tell. Modern window curtains are made from newer blends like a polyester rayon or even silk. Velvet and damask are fabric that modern curtains can be found in also. These materials will add the modern touch to any room.

New Bold Colors. It's all about color, color and more color. The colors of today are bolder and brighter and add flare to any modern curtain. Choosing a solid color of today, is a great way to brighten up every room of your home. Classic colors like white, brown and cream are still considered to be modern also. Incorporating solid colored curtains, into your theme, is a great tip when trying to create a less busy and more modern room.

New Styles. The new styles of window curtains come in different materials and colors but the actual style of the curtain can make it modern. Many people are turning to hanging window toppers and not the actual curtain, that covers the whole window. Window toppers like swags and valances look great when they are the only thing decorating the window. Longer windows will be accentuated by a panel curtain on each side of the window and not actually covering the window. This is a great new modern idea that lets the light shine in and puts a new touch on the window itself.

New Prices. Modern curtains can cost a bit more than the curtains of yesterday. Actually, they can be pretty expensive because of the material or style. As we all know, being trendy can cost some money and at times it is more money than you can afford. All is not lost though, because you can find beautiful modern curtains at prices you can afford if you search for them. It will take work on your part to find inexpensive curtains that suite your needs. If you have the skill, you can always make your own trendy curtains. You will probably save a lot of money if you go this route.

With the new styles and trends of today, any home can be made to look modern. This is the look that more and more people are going for, especially the younger generation. The bright colors and hanging techniques make it easy to accomplish the modern look. Don't fear that your home will be caught up in a time warp, because you have everything available to make your home a eye pleasing home of today.

Curtains made from cotton fabric may be a choice you are considering, being that they are quite popular these days. Finding cotton curtains to match your d?cor in any room of your home, is fairly easy because they come in so many colors and designs. They are beautiful and timeless but before you spend money on them, make sure you know everything you need to know about them. Here are some important things to consider.

Easy to Wash. Cotton curtains are the easiest curtain to maintain because they can be washed easily and frequently. Unlike fabrics that needs dry cleaning, cotton curtains can be washed in a washing machine and still come out looking beautiful. Be sure to wash them according to the directions and that you wash them with like colors. This will ensure that they hold up with continuous care and keep you happy with your choice of cotton.

May Require Linings. In some cases, you may find that cotton curtains are thin and may need a lining. A lining will help protect your curtains while keeping the sunlight out when they are closed. If you choose a thin cotton curtain, make sure that you are satisfied with the amount of light that may come through and if not, look into buying a lining. This way, if the curtain is your favorite choice, you will not have to choose another because of the light factor.

Purchase Only Pre-Shrunk Curtains. Buying a pre-shrunk curtain will save you the aggravation of having your new cotton curtains shrink on you the first time you buy them. A curtain will shrink from 5-6% with their first washing which could make the curtain not fit your window anymore. To save yourself from a headache, make sure the curtains you are buying are pre-shrunk.

Great for Kitchens and Bathrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms, both, can benefit from cotton curtains. The nature of a kitchen or a bathroom will make it necessary for frequent cleaning of you curtains. Humidity in the bathroom and kitchen messes are going to affect your curtains and cotton is the choice fabric for holding up to all of that. Cotton curtains will always look great in either room because of the many choices you have for a bathroom or a kitchen.

Beautiful colors, designs and styles along with the ease of caring for them, should make cotton curtains your number one choice when choosing a fabric. Always remember to choose a pre-shrunk cotton curtain, if available to avoid an avoidable problem. Light curtains in any room of your home will have the affect of airiness and cotton is the best choice for that.

One of the most important curtain you need to choose for you home is the bathroom curtain. Privacy is the ultimate goal of the these curtains, but you will want them to look good too. Bathroom curtains come in so many different designs, colors, styles and are relatively inexpensive. Finding a favorite bathroom curtain may be challenging since there are so many choices. The following tips will help make sure you consider everything before picking out your curtains for your bathroom.

1. Stay away from long curtains. This is not a good choice for any bathroom. Curtains that touch the floor may look fabulous in other rooms of your home, but the bathroom is not one of them. There is a good possibility that curtains that touch the floor will get wet. Wet curtains lead to unwanted mildew and for that reason you should pick out a curtain that is shorter in length.
2. Pick colors that compliment. Take a look of the theme of your bathroom and choose colors that will compliment it. If you have a theme that may be ducks or sailboats, choose colors that will belnd in with the theme. The colors you choose do not have to match exactly to the theme color, but make sure you choose a color that will not clash either. A pretty blue, to go along with the yellow ducks, is a suggestion. A curtain with a pattern that does not match the theme will clash also.
3. Choose the right fabric. The fabric you choose is an important choice to consider. A bathroom is not the driest room in your home, so with that being the case, you should choose a curtain that will hold up to moisture. Do not choose a fabric that will need dry cleaning because of the cost of cleaning. You need to choose a curtain made from fabric that can withstand continuous moisture and will still maintain its beauty after many washings. Cotton is the best choice for bathroom curtains because they can be washed over and over and will still look great under the added moisture a bathroom has.
4. Choose a top half curtain. A regular sized bathroom is not very large and the window is probably appropriate for the size of the bathroom. Bathroom windows look great with tops half curtains like swags and cafe curtains. A valance will look great too, by adding style and flare without being too overbearing.

These tips are for your consideration when choosing bathroom curtains. If you remember these great tips, you will choose the perfect curtains to make any bathroom a room of beauty and a room that you will want to show off!

Any kitchen, large or small. can be made to look like a million dollars just by choosing the right style of curtain for it. The curtains you choose should bring out the beauty of the kitchen and at the same time, not be overwhelming. The following tips are some things you need to consider if you want to make sure you pick out the perfect kitchen curtain that fits into your d?cor, but is functional, as well.

Size of the Kitchen. Take a look at the size of your kitchen. Knowing the size of the kitchen is very important when choosing curtains. A smaller kitchen will not look pleasing to the eye if it is overdone with curtains. A kitchen can be swallowed up by curtains that are too loud or too bold. Definitely, stay away from drapes of any kind. There are times when the color you choose may be to bright for your small kitchen also. Large prints, bold patterns and bright colors will add chaos to a small kitchen so be sure to choose something appropriate that will blend in and not stand out too much.

Window Size. The window's size in your kitchen will have a lot to do with choosing the perfect curtain. If you have rather large windows in your kitchen, finding a curtain that will not overwhelm the room can be difficult. Keeping the curtain more plain and simple can help kitchen by not adding too much. If the window is large, then the curtain needs to be large. Since this is the case, large and busy curtains are not a good choice for kitchen curtains.

If you have windows that are smaller, rather than larger, then choosing a bold curtain will make the window stand out. The fact that they are small windows means you will have to dress them up quite a bit, so they don't get overlooked. A couple of suggestions other than curtains, would be to use drapes or blinds.

Amount of Light You Want. Deciding on how much light you want to shine into your kitchen is something else to consider. If you like the light to shine in, but do not want to lose your privacy, the combination of sheer curtains behind a beautiful set of drapes is a great idea. The drapes will keep you from losing your privacy when closed, but if you want the light to pour in, then the sheers will still add some privacy when the drapes are opened. Besides just having curtains on your windows, you can also hang shades or blinds to ensure total privacy.

Your decision, on which would be the perfect kitchen curtain for you, can be made easily if you consider all that's listed above. If you follow these tips, the curtains you choose will be perfect for your kitchen.

Are you looking for that specific curtain that will go with decor, but can seem to figure out what kind of curtain that might be? Well, look no further, because the curtain you want is a sheer curtain. Sheer curtains are the most diversed curtain you can find that will fit into any room that may have a theme from traditional to modern or contemporary. You will be pleasantly surprised as to how well a sheer curtain fits into any decor. Besides fitting into any decor, cheer curtains will add class and a bit of fun. You can make over a room by just adding sheer curtains to your existing theme or if you want to change your whole room, hanging sheer curtains will be a nice additon.

Understated Elegance. Sheer curains may be the most under rated curtain out there. The fact that they don't stand out and make a huge statement does not mean that they will not add a touch of elegance to your room. Homes with an older style can be dressed up by adding sheer curtains to the window curtains already hanging. Modern style homes can be made to look light and airy just by adding this simple curtain.

Great with Draperies. Drapes can be made to absolutely stunning if you add some sheer curtains to them. Besides bringing the style of the drapes out by accentuating them, you can add some privacy by not closing your drapes and letting the sheer curtain shield your home from the outside, while letting the precious light in. Once the sun goes down, closing the drapes over the sheers may be the thing to do if you enjoy your privacy.

Variety of Fabrics and Designs. Many people think of sheer curtains as plain and simple curtains, but that is not the case at all. You can find these curtains made out of many different material with beautiful designs also. Embroidered designs on a sheer curtain is a great way to make a plain curtain stand out. You can even find textured sheers too. With the added touch of a design embroidered on the sheer, your sheer curtains will be so much more than plain.

For an inexpensive way to dress up any window, that may or may not have curtains already, sheer curtains are for doing just that. They will change the look to a whole room without costing a whole lot of money. Sheer curtains are always in style, so if you are into trendy fashion, you can't go wrong with sheer curtains. Their beauty never goes out of style.

Are you looking for a way to add some pizazz to your decor? What about hanging some beaded window curtains? Beaded curtains are a great way to add something different, rather than the norm, to your interior decorating. If you are wanting something less traditional and more exotic, then beaded curtains may just be the type of curtain you are looking for. A look that was found in the Sixties is, once again, back in style in today's homes.

What is a Beaded Window Curtain?
Have you ever thought about what a beaded curtain is? It is, more or less, exactly what the name implies, a curtain made from beads. Instead of traditional material, beaded curtains are made out of large beads or very small beads. Since there are thousands of different style of beads, there are probably thousands of different styles of curtains that can be made out of them. You should be able to find a beaded curtain to fit any decor you may have.

Exquisite Designs
For a special touch, intricate designs can be incorporated into the beaded curtain. If you stand too close you may not see it but stand back a little bit and the design will be clear as day. The art work that is available in these types of curtains can either be pictures or even geometrical shapes. Any room will be spiced up with beaded curtains and may even be a conversation starter.

Types of Beads Used
Beaded window curtains are made from various types of  beads. So you can pick out the curtains that will best fit your d?cor, you should check out all the materials that beads are made of. Different types of beads will make entirely different types of curtains.

1. Glass Beads - You can find beaded curtains made from glass beads. The beauty that glows from these curtains is due to sunlight shining through the glass. The effect will add a special touch to any room the curtains may be in.

2. Acrylic Beads - Glass beads can chip so to overcome this, try finding a curtain made from acrylic beads. They have less tendency to break, but may not be as fancy as glass beads.

3. Bamboo Beads – Bamboo beaded curtains will be less noisy than glass or acrylic beaded curtains because they are made of a lighter material. The look you will get from bamboo beads will be exotic, which can be the perfect touch to any exotic style d?cor.

4. Wooden Beads -  You can find many beaded curtains made from wooden beads. Whether the beads are finished or not, they will have a stunning affect on a window that they cover. The wooden beads are  very sturdy and will not easily break or chip.

Bay windows have a design all their own which makes finding curtains difficult. With the choices available, the chore of finding the perfect curtain that will accentuate your bay window, will be just as difficult as finding the curtains themselves. Bay windows are designed so you have a scenic view. With this being the case,  you want to be sure not to interfere with the view by choosing the wrong curtain. Having a curtain that adds to the beauty of the window and the room too, is what the ultimate goal is. If you use the following guidelines, you will have a great view with great curtains to match.

1. Blinds and Valances - Even though a bay window is designed for a scenic view, you will want your privacy at night. A great suggestion is to use blinds combined with complimenting valances on your bay window. Whether you choose to have your blinds open or closed, the valance will always add to the d?cor of the window besides to the beauty of the room.

2. Rod Pocket Curtains – Choosing rod pocket curtains is a wonderful way that you cam dress up any bay window. A special made hinged rod will be necessary to hang your curtains with to ensure the curtains you choose, fit your bay window exactly.  After you see all the patterns and prints and colors available to you, getting a hinged rod will not be a problem. You'll want to get the rod just so you can get your lovely curtains hung.

3. Valances and Drapes – Valances and drapes used together make a wonderful combination that will add an element of elegance to your room. From the outside, looking in, the drapes will look wonderful. You can then place valances between the drapes that will give your bay window and the room it is in, a very upscale look. Drapes can be found easily in any print and color you desire.

Finding curtains for your bay window, really, is quite simple and quite affordable. If you have an open mind and a great imagination, many ideas you may have just might be the best idea for your window. Colors and patterns are available in so many different shades and designs, making finding curtains hassle free, as long as you know what you want. If you have a modern theme, a country theme or Victoria theme, any bay window can become the center of attention, with the right curtains.

Arched windows add a touch of elegance to any home that is fortunate enough to have them. The fact that they add beauty also, raises the fact that trying to find curtains to cover them can add a headache to the homeowner. Even though it may be difficult to find curtains for these types of windows, it is not out of reach. If you want to hire someone to find or make these curtains, you certainly can, but be ready to pay some money. If you read through the following tips, you will be able to either find them by yourself or possibly make them yourself. Following these tips will definitely save you money.

Use a Bendable Rod. The use of bendable rods over an arched window solves many problems for those in search of a solution. A bendable rod will allow you to shape the rod to the window. Once you have the rod in the shape of the arch , you can then secure it above the window. A curtain can be added to give your arched window the beautiful final touch it needs.

Leave the Arch Bare. Another great idea that you can do to accentuate your arched window is by not covering the arch at all. You can place a curtain on the lower half of the window and leave the top completely bare. If you want, you could even add some drapes that tie back with some nice tassels. This solves the problem of trying to find a curtain that will fit an arched window. Your privacy will not be compromised because the top part of the window will be too high for anyone to look into.

Custom Made Curtains. Arched windows come in all different sizes and dimensions that having curtains custom made may be the option for you. It is an option if you can not find the size you need, which could certainly be the case. If you hire someone to make the curtains for you, you will get the perfect curtain for your arched window because you will give them the exact dimensions of the window. If you have some sewing ability, you may be able to make the curtains yourself.

Even though it may be difficult to find curtains for arched windows, you have many different options to achieve the look you want. You can use a bendable rod or leave it bare with the bottom half covered with a half curtain. You can choose to have your curtains custom made too. Which ever route you choose to take, your arched window will look even better after adding some flair by way of arched window curtains.

When choosing your perfect bedroom window curtains, you will have some things to take into consideration. Your bedroom is your private get-a-way. It is your own personal space that should have your own personal touch. When trying to relax in your bedroom, you will not want to look at your curtains and think that they are the most horrible looking curtains in the world. Especially when you are in your room for rest and relaxation. Here are four very important factors that you will want to consider when choosing bedroom curtains.

The Light Factor. The amount of light is an important factor to consider when choosing any bedroom curtain. You need to determine how much light you want shining in your room, first of all. The amount of light that you want will help you determine which kind of curtain to choose. If you like a lot of light, then a sheer curtain may be the choice for you. If you like the dark and do not want whole lot of light in your room during the day, then heavy drapes may be the choice for you.

The Privacy Factor. Everyone likes privacy and your curtains can provide that. If you live in a busy city, then choosing a curtain that will keep your neighbors out would be what you are looking for. If you live out of the city, you may not need a curtain to keep your room private, seeing that your neighbors may be to far to invade your privacy.

The Size Factor. The size factor is an important factor when choosing bedroom curtains. First of all, you need to know the size of the window that you want to cover. Also, a simpler curtain may be perfect for a small window whereas a curtain that is more dramatic may be suitable for a larger window. Determine the kind of window you want to cover and take accurate measurements of it.

The Style Factor. The style factor is the fun factor that will make your bedroom yours. The style consists of the design, color, pattern and print. The type of fabric is also something that is considered part of the style. If you have some sort of theme to your bedroom, picking out great curtains should be easy. Make sure that your curtains match your theme otherwise, your whole bedroom will be thrown off. Your curtains will add dramatic style to your room so be sure you know what theme you are trying to match to.

If you take the time and keep these four very important factors at hand, you will find the curtains that you and anyone else can consider the most perfect set of curtains any bedroom would want!