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[C1338]Curtains And Window Coverings

by Ken Morris, Ken

There is a difference between drapes and curtains that passes over many peoples heads. Drapes are usually longer hanging almost to the floor from a rod called a traverse rod, and hangs from hooks that will let you open them by pulling on a cord. These are more formal than curtains which are usually shorter and opened and closed by pulling on the sides of them where the hooks will slide from where the curtain suspends from the rod. Sometimes they aren't opened or closed at all, being tied back to the window frame, therefore they are usually paired with a window blind or some other type of sun blocking window coverings.

Likely the type of curtain that you'll most often see is a panel curtain. This is the type of curtain that is hemmed at the top and bottom, and are hung by hooks or rings and simply hang in a natural fold, which gives the window very little of a formal look. This type of curtain is popular for dining rooms and/or bedrooms, and often paired up with blinds or shades.

A different type of curtain that is hung actually at the center of the window is called a Caf? Curtain. This type of curtain is one in which leaves the top of the window actually exposed, and covers from the center, or even three quarters up covered. The curtains are best for kitchens or dining areas that are not formal.

The tiered curtain has multiple panels which have usually a couple of panels covering the top of the two base panels. So, the bottom half of the windows are covered by the base panel, with the top half being covered by the outer panels, as well as overlapping the base panels.

You can get curtains in separate distinctive lengths as well. A sill length curtain can be hung from both the top or the halfway point of the window, with the bottom hem not touching the windowsill at all. Or you can hang below the sill curtains which are cut so that the bottom hangs right below the trim board that runs across the bottom of the window.

The other cut is the floor cut, which obviously means that the bottom hangs to the floor, or right above it.

Depending on the amount of light that you want to come into the room you can also get lined curtains that will have an extra lining of material that will help to block more light. There are even triple lined curtains that have three panels that are very dark. These also provide protection from other outside elements such as cold air and excessive heat in the summer months.

Curtains are a great way to accent your homes beauty, as well as decorate the brand new home. Have fun and enjoy the process.

When redesigning a room you should always take into account the effect that the window coverings can have on your overall look. A careful choice of color and material in curtains can completely change the style and feel of your windows. The way curtains hang is another factor that can change your home design. Curtain tie backs can be a great detail, and you will probably be surprised how many different positions of tieback there are to be used in giving your curtains a completely unique look.

The type of tie back depends on the way the curtains are hanging. The following types are for standard curtains where one or more panels hang straight down from a rail or pole. The high tie style is when the curtain panels are pulled back to the edge of the window by a tie back positioned above the horizontal centerline of the window. Similarly, the middle tie gathers the curtain panel at around the center point. This can look oddly symmetrical if located right at the centre so should preferably be slightly higher or lower to achieve a good effect.

A low tie pulls the curtain to the window edge about three quarters of the way down to the curtain base. A center tie gathers the curtain panels together in the vertical centre of the window space roughly a quarter or a third from the bottom of the curtain.

If two curtain panels are hung one on top of the other, a crisscrossed tie can be used. To achieve this look the top panel is pulled to the left and secured with a tie, while the inside panel is pulled to the right and fastened in the same way.

The angled tie works best with just one curtain panel covering the window space. The panel is tied loosely in the high tie position, and is then tied more firmly to the edge of the window in the low tie position. This creates a pleasing silhouette against the light coming on through the window.

Curtains are available in both formal and informal styles and choosing the right style for your room can really make your final design come to life. Formal curtains can also be known as draperies and have a number of layers. The layers include a sheer base, often made from very thin lined or lace, heavy, floor length drapes, and a valance that runs across the top of the window and can vary greatly in its complexity. Formal curtains are usually made from a rich material, are heavily lined, and can be found in sitting rooms or dining areas. Informal curtains tend to be just one layer, are often unlined and are used mainly for privacy. They tend to be available in more contemporary colors and designs and are generally less expensive than formal drapes. They are also easier to clean and can often be washed and ironed with your other household linen.

Article Source : Interior Design Jobs Chicago

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Both Ken Morris & George M. Davidsberg are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Ken Morris has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Home Management and Air Purifier Cleaners. Kenneth Morris pens principally for http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com , a web page covering information on blinds . His are. Ken Morris's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.

George M. Davidsberg has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interior Design, Credit Cards and Interior Design. George Davidsberg usually creates news on topics similar to window coverings and blinds. His writings on .. George M. Davidsberg's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.