The way you dress your windows can completely transform the look of your home, so pay attention to detail and pamper your panes. Window dressings serve a number of functions from drawing together an interior scheme to cutting sunlight and creating a sense of privacy. If you're a fan of curtains, whether modern or theatrical, the options available to you are extensive, so you should have no problem finding something to suit your style.

Your initial consideration needs to be exactly where the curtains or blind are going to hang.

Fitting Outside the Recess
A curtain pole or curtain rail on the outside would be on the wall of the room, rather than fitted within the shape of the window opening. The curtain pole or rail can be any size as long as it's bigger than the window. The curtain can also extend past the window opening, so can essentially be any length.

The first thing to consider is the type of fitting you are going to have at the top of the curtain - most curtains have a pleating system or tape across the top, and there are a number of different ways that these tapes can be used and fitted. How tight are these tapes going to be pulled together when the curtains are in use? The tightest pleating system is known as a "pencil pleat", where the curtain tape is fully drawn together. This requires up to three times the width of the window to be in the curtain and gives a very full appearance. There are various names for the in between states, from a completely flat curtain which wouldn't look at all attractive, to a slightly full appearance but less full than with pencil pleats. Different manufacturers give different names to how tightly the curtains are pleated. The width of the curtain is measured as the width of the curtain pole or rail divided by two. You would then apply the factor for pleating.

In terms of the length, the first thing is how you intend to use the tape fitting at the top of the curtain. These tapes usually have three different slots that can be used to attach the hooks. Use of the top slot means that the curtain will hang below the rail or pole. For example, on a curtain pole that has rings, using the top slot on the tape will make the curtain hang just touching the bottom of the ring. Therefore, your measurement of the length of the curtain should be taken from the bottom of one of the rings to a point below the window opening where you would like the curtain to finish. Each of the curtain manufacturer's guides will also give you some guidance on the curtain material itself as to whether it hangs to the correct length or scrunches up slightly; hence, you would need to add a little to the length in the latter instance. Using the second or third on the header tape means that the curtain will be held higher up. In the manufacturer's catalogues it will show you how much this amount is, enabling you to add this on to the length of the curtain.

Fitting Within the Recess
A curtain or blind fitting within window recess obviously can't be bigger than the size of the window opening itself. These are particularly tricky for measuring up because neither the top nor the bottom of the curtain should be touching on the inside edges of the opening.

For curtains - the types of rails and fittings must be designed for the curtain to hang directly below within the window recess. One of the best ways to measure the length from a curtain ring or hook already attached to the rail. The bottom dimension is measured so that the curtain will rest just above the sill of the window.

For blinds, it's usually a lot easier within these openings. If you measure the exact size of the opening then look at the instructions on the side of a blind, it will tell you how much to change the size you have measured to allow for the different types of fittings.

Modern Curtains
Trends in curtain fabric are constantly changing, but the tricks for making them work remain the same.

Be generous with layers of sensual fabrics. For example, a silk or velvet curtain teamed with a sheer fabric backdrop. In a modern space, prevent curtains from looking heavy and old-fashioned by keeping the tops and the curtain poles simple.

When buying curtain fabric, it is also advisable to allow extra length to cover the possibility of shrinkage during dry cleaning.

Blinds
Blinds are a simple and chic way to dress your windows, and they come in a range of styles and designs.
Blinds have been brought up to date with fresh fabrics and pretty blind pulls, and continue to be a popular option in the home.

Blind Styles

Roman blinds: this classic blind style draws up into even panels as it is raised and can be made from all types of fabric.

Vertical louvre blinds: a set of louvres travel along a rigid headrail so they can be fully drawn out along the rail, or gathered together at the sides of the window when open.

Venetian blinds: horizontal, overlapping slats suspended from a rail, supported by a ladder braid or ladder tape.

Roller blinds: fabric attached to a tubular roller mechanism.

Pleated blinds: similar to a Venetian blind, but with fabric instead of solid slats.

Think about the material you want to use; the way that a room faces should factor in your decision, as the amount of light the fabric is exposed to will affect its colour and longevity.

In bathrooms and laundry rooms, natural materials will be badly affected by the damp atmosphere. Instead, use fabrics that can withstand condensation, like artificial wood and polyester.

In conservatories, consider pleated blinds with metallised coatings. These can be made in a range of thicknesses, which will alter the amount of light that is filtered.
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