Everyone needs curtains in their homes. Curtains provide privacy and can also help to regulate the amount of light that enters a room. They can also add a decorative touch to the window of any room. Curtains can also be referred to as window treatments, shades, drapes, or blinds.
There are a variety of curtain styles that can be used in modern homes and today I’m going to share the ultimate curtain buying guide!
Types of Curtains
There are many different types of curtains available on the market. Here are 7 types of curtains to consider depending on your window style.
Don’t miss how to hang curtains without drilling, too in case you live in a rental or don’t want to risk damaging your walls!
Sheer Curtains
The sheer type of curtain is perfect for letting in natural light through the window while still providing some privacy. Sheer curtains are typically made of lighter materials such as voile or chiffon. They are opaque in nature.
Solid Curtains
These types of curtains provide the most privacy and are perfect for bedrooms or bathrooms. Solid curtains are typically made of heavier materials such as velvet or denim.
Blackout Curtains
As the name suggests, blackout curtains are designed to block out all light. They are perfect for bedrooms or media rooms where you want to create a dark environment. Blackout curtains are usually made of thicker materials such as velvet or denim. They are often layered with a sheer panel for when some light is desired.
Patterned Curtains
Patterned curtains are a great way to add some visual interest to your space. They can be used to make a bold statement or to subtly tie together different elements in a room. Patterned curtains are available in a wide range of styles, from floral prints to geometric patterns.
Linen Curtains
Linen curtains have a relaxed, casual look that is perfect for any room in the house. They are made of natural fiber, which gives them a breathable quality that helps to regulate temperature. Linen curtains are available in a variety of colors and textures.
Velvet Curtains
Velvet curtains are luxurious and elegant. They are often used in formal spaces such as living rooms or dining rooms. Velvet curtains are available in a wide range of colors, from neutral tones to jewel-toned hues.
Valance Curtains
Valance curtains are a type of curtain that is used to cover the uppermost part of a window. They are often used in conjunction with other types of curtains, such as sheer curtains or blackout curtains. Valance curtains are available in a wide range of styles, from simple designs to more elaborate ones.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are a solid block of fabric that gently folds and gathers at the bottom as it rises.
Specialty Curtain Types
There are also a few specialty types of curtains that are available to serve a specific purpose. These include:
Soundproof Curtains
Soundproof curtains are designed to reduce noise. They are a great choice for bedrooms and home theaters.
Insulating Curtains
Insulating curtains are designed to reduce heat loss. They are a great choice for bedrooms and living rooms.
Noise Reducing Curtains
If you’re looking for a way to reduce the amount of noise in your home, soundproof curtains are a great option. These types of curtains are designed to block out noise and can be a great choice for bedrooms, home theaters, and other areas where you want to reduce noise levels.
Outdoor Curtains
Outdoor curtains are designed to withstand the elements. They are a great choice for patios, decks, and other outdoor areas.
Opacity
When choosing curtains, you will also need to consider the opacity of the fabric. Sheer curtains are made of lightweight fabrics that allow some light to pass through. Blackout curtains are made of thicker fabrics that block out all light. And patterned curtains can be made of either lightweight or heavyweight fabrics, depending on the desired effect.
Popular curtain opacities include:
- Light Filtering
- Room Darkening
- Blackout
Attachment Style
The next thing to consider is the attachment style of the curtains. There are four main types of curtain attachments: rod pocket, grommet, tab top, and ring top.
Rod Pocket Curtains
Rod pocket curtains have a pocket on the back of the curtain panel that is used to insert a rod. The rod is then used to hang the curtains. This type of attachment is simple and easy to use.
Grommet Curtains
Grommet curtains have large metal rings that are used to hold the curtain panels in place. The rings are attached to the back of the curtain panels and then slid over a rod. This type of attachment is modern and stylish.
Tab Top Curtains
Tab top curtains have tabs that are used to hold the curtain panels in place. The tabs are sewn onto the back of the curtain panels and then slid over a rod. This type of attachment is classic and versatile.
Ring Top Curtains
Ring top curtains have metal rings that are used to hold the curtain panels in place. The rings are attached to the back of the curtain panels and then slid over a rod. This type of attachment is luxurious and elegant.
Curtain Materials
Another thing to consider is the material of the curtains. Curtains are available in a wide range of materials, from lightweight fabrics to heavier options. The type of material you choose will depend on the style of the room and the desired effect.
Popular curtain materials include:
- Linen
- Velvet
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Rayon
- Nylon
- Acrylic
- Silk
Curtain Length
The length of curtains needed will depend on the size of the window. For standard-sized windows, curtains should be about 2 to 3 inches above the window sill and 4 to 6 inches below the window casing. For floor-to-ceiling windows, curtains should be about 6 to 12 inches above the window sill and 4 to 6 inches below the window casing.
Long Curtains
Long curtains are a classic choice for any room in the house. They offer a formal look and can be used to create a variety of different styles.
Short Curtains
Short curtains are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. They offer a casual look and can be used to create a variety of different styles.
Extra-Long Curtains
Extra-long curtains are a great choice for tall windows. They offer a dramatic look and can be used to create a variety of different styles.
Sill-Length Curtains
Sill-length curtains are a great choice for small windows.
Apron-Length Curtains
Apron-length curtains are a great choice for windows that are located above sinks or countertops.
Swag Curtains
Swag curtains are a type of curtain that is draped over a rod.
Pelmet Curtains
Pelmet curtains are a type of curtain that is mounted on a frame.
Valance Curtains
Valance curtains are a type of curtain that is mounted on a rod.
Floor Curtains
Floor curtains are a type of curtain that is designed to hang from the ceiling.
Puddled Curtains
Puddled curtains are a type of curtain that is designed to gather and pool on the floor for an extravagant look.
Cafe or Tier Curtains
Cafe curtains are a type of curtain that is designed to hang from the middle of a window and reach the bottom edge of the window sill.
Curtain Width
The width of curtains needed will also depend on the size of the window to be treated. For standard-sized windows, curtains should be about 2 to 3 inches wider than the window on each side. For floor-to-ceiling windows, curtains should be about 6 to 12 inches wider than the window on each side.
Narrow Curtains
Narrow curtains are a popular choice for small windows. They offer a sleek and simple look and can be used to create a variety of different styles.
Wide Curtains
Wide curtains are a popular choice for large windows. They offer a dramatic look.
Extra-Wide Curtains
Extra-wide curtains are a great choice for very oversized windows. They can offer a luxurious look.
Wow! This is an informative article. I just found out that there is a noise-reducing curtain I will definitely buy this one.
Your blog is one of my favorites to read. I always learn something new and your writing style keeps me engaged from beginning to end.
Curtains can be used in a variety of ways, and the pictures in this post are excellent examples of that! The photographs in this page make it easy to imagine how different curtain styles would appear in my home, which is great because I adore the way they can bring warmth and depth. I really appreciate the motivation.”
I absolutely loved this post! The variety of curtain styles you covered is impressive. I never realized how much of a difference the right curtain can make in a room. Can’t wait to try out some of these ideas in my own home!