The living room is one of the most representative rooms in any home. Therefore, it is worth taking care not only of furniture but also of details, such as curtains. We have created a short guide to choosing curtains, especially for those who want a stylish living room. We wish you a pleasant reading.
What to pay attention to when choosing curtains?
Choosing curtains for the living room is worth asking yourself a few key questions. Sincere answers will allow you to make the best decision and enjoy the dream ones. Here they are:
What role should the curtains play in the living room? Only decorative, or also blackout, replacing roller blinds or blinds?
If we have given up installing roller blinds or blinds on the windows and do not intend to hang curtains, it is worth choosing blackout curtains made of thick blackout material, which will not be transparent even when the light is on. However, if the curtains are treated only as decorative elements, we can choose them more freely. We do not even have to focus on choosing the right thickness of the material, which is very important when it comes to the previously mentioned blackout curtain.
Is the task of the curtains to stand out against the background of the entire living room or to blend in with the living room?
If the curtains are to be a distinctive accent in the room, it is worth choosing a bold or contrasting colour or an unusual texture or pattern. Thanks to this, they will become a kind of dot over the "i" in the living room and give it character. However, we want the curtain to blend in with the decor. In that case, it is worth choosing a set of one fabric (e.g. decorative pillowcases and curtains of the same material), the same colours or at least a colour range corresponding to the other elements, in the living room.
How will the curtains be fitted?
The method of mounting the curtains is also essential. If they are to be placed on a curtain rod, we must remember about grommets or braces, thanks to which we will put them on. Grommets usually base their construction on metal rings through which the curtain rod is pulled. The same applies to the braces sewn to the curtains. A curtain rod is also inserted into them. However, if we have a suspended ceiling with the curtain rod hidden as a rail, curtains with grommets or braces will not work. Then we should buy curtains on tape, preferably from easily wrinkling fabric that will arrange nicely.
What is the window and wall size where the curtains will be installed?
The length of the curtains should reach the ground, fall slightly on it (only in the case of light, thin fabrics) or end at the height of the window sill. Their length, of course, depends on personal preferences. Still, for every purchase of curtains, we should go to the store with several essential dimensions: the width of the window and the height at which the curtain rod or rail is mounted, measured up to the point where we want the curtain to reach. Thanks to this, we will buy curtains in the perfect size. It is worth adding that in the case of narrow windows and windows facing a windy exhibition, panel curtains with a handle that serves as a lightweight will be perfect. Thanks to them, it is much easier to divide the space visually. In addition, the panel curtain will allow you to control the constant "pulling" it out by the wind.
Ready-made curtains or curtains by the metre?
In the case of curtains for the living room, as in the case of curtains, we should consider whether we are interested in ready-made solutions or prefer tailor-made solutions. Ready-made curtains and ready-made curtains are readily available at most home improvement stores. Most of them fit into the current trends, thanks to which we can be sure that our living room will look contemporary and thanks to them the interior will become modern. However, the finished curtain has the disadvantage that it is repetitive and can be found in other spaces. If the ready version is not for us, let's focus on curtains by the meter, which will be cut and sewn, especially for us. The choice of materials, textures, structures, colours and patterns is so broad in stores that we can find the perfect one and commission a sewist to sew the perfect curtains. Whether there is a ready-made velvet curtain or a curtain by the meter in our living room is a matter of personal preference.
What fabrics for the living room to choose?
After deciding whether the curtains in our living room are to be made to measure or taken off the shelf, it is worth considering the material from which they should be made. Airy tulles, chiffons and veils are perfect for living rooms. It should be remembered, however, that such thin materials should be accompanied by roller blinds or blinds or at least an additional layer of curtains that will cover the windows in the evening. Otherwise, neighbours or passers-by will see what is going on inside. If we care about blackout curtains, let's opt for heavy velour, velvet blackout or thicker polyester. In this way, we can safely resign from additional layers covering the windows. We can buy linen or cotton curtains close to natural motifs. They will have better coverage than those made of tulle, chiffon or voile, but they will also create much more.
Patterned or plain - which curtains will be best for the living room?
The decorative function of the curtains in the living room does not allow us to forget about the choice of colours, textures or patterns. And although it is a very individual matter, depending on the taste of the owner of the apartment or house, it is good to remember a few simple rules:
- White curtains will work perfectly in any interior and are always the safest option.
- Curtains in a bold colour will look best in minimalist interiors - thanks to this, they will be an exciting accent (e.g. if the furniture and accessories in the living room are white, beige or grey, in the case of curtains, choose a colour that will revive it - green, yellow, orange e.t.c.);
- Flowers, ornaments or other patterns on the curtains will beautifully stand out against the background of uniform interiors, adding style to them. However, this does not mean that the patterns in the living room cannot be mixed. You can, but you should do it with great sensitivity;
Curtains and other decorations in the living room can be set, e.g., sewn from the same, patterned or smooth fabric.
