Rod Pockets
Curtains with rod pockets are easy to hang – simply slide the curtain rod through the horizontal pocket at the top of each panel.
Rod pockets conceal the entire circumference of the pole, keeping it hidden from view
The unsung heroes of home décor, curtains, blinds & shades are both stylish and functional, serving a number of purposes from temperature control to privacy
This guide will help you on narrowing down the options and selecting the right curtains for your home
Before you start browsing, start by measuring the window / door / opening which you want to cover with curtains. Below are some tips to get the correct size of the curtain
Measure the Width
● Measure window width (including molding or trim if you want to cover them)
● Add at least another 4" to each side
● Multiply by 2 or 3 for fullness, depending on fabric
● The final measurement is the total width needed
● For proper window coverage, Total width of the curtain should be at least 1.5 times the width of the window
Measure the Length
There are several ways to measure the length of the window depending on your preference for how far the curtains will extend.
Always hang the curtain rods 4”-6” above the window frame and extend it to 4”-6” on each side of the window
● Measure from the curtain rod to just above the windowsill for a Short & Charming look: Curtains lay on the window frame
● frame Measure from the curtain rod to a little below the windowsill to create a Casual look: Curtains fall 6” below the window
● Measure from the curtain rod to 1” above the floor to create a Polished look. For a "puddling" effect, add a few extra inches to the length, from an inch to a foot- to create a formal look
Type of Curtains
Eylet / Gormet
Similar to a rod pocket style, grommet curtains hang on a single curtain rod
Instead of a pocket, however, the rod slides through equally spaced metal loops at the top of each panel
Grommets create crisp, evenly spaced folds when curtains are drawn
Curtain Fabric Options
Curtains and their Uses
Controlling Lights
Sheer Curtains: Because they let most of the sunlight in and offer the least privacy, consider sheer window treatments for living spaces
Light Filtering: Fairly sheer, these allow some light to pass through and provide slightly more privacy. They’re ideal for sunny living spaces
Room Darkening: If you’re looking to block out even more natural light, opt for room darkening curtains. They provide more privacy and work well when paired with sheer styles on a double curtain rod
Black-out curtains: These are ideal for bedrooms because they let in zero light – particularly helpful for day sleepers or families with small children
Reducing Noise
For better sound absorption, look to thicker materials such as velvet, suede, or wool
Fabrics that can hold a fair amount of water will work to absorb sound too, and improve the acoustics of your room
If you prefer lighter fabrics such as silk or linen, use a double rod to hang the sound-absorbing fabric beneath the aesthetic fabric of your choice
Insulation
20% to 50% of the energy used to heat up typical homes during winter is lost through windows
Insulated curtains help maintain constant temperature by reducing the heat loss
Cotton or velvet can be the material of choice if you are looking for curtains to provide insulation
More Tips
• Regularly clean the curtains by vacuuming with an appropriate brush attachment
• Always read wash and care instructions mentioned by the manufacturer
• With prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays over time, curtain fabrics will fade. Instead of opting for brighter fabrics, go for neutral colours, which resist fading