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More curtain guidelines
Please, in the name of interior decor do not be stingy with the fabric! Curtains are meant to be full meaning that they should have as many gathers as possible.
This can be achieved by having them twice as long as the actual window and for those of you who are more romantic and luxurious three times would be even brilliant!
So, if the width of your window measures two metres then your curtain width should be four metres long...unless of course you are trying to have some kind of a blind in curtain fabric?
Hang your curtains high
The basic rule is to hang them four to sixinches above the window frame but I see no reason not to fix your curtain rod closer to the ceiling because it will give you a more luxurious (expensive) and regal overall look.
And finally, choose the appropriate fabric. Fabric goes a long way in affecting the mood of a space so before going out to purchase curtain fabric ask yourself what mood you are looking to create then go hunting.
If you are looking to create a more formal look then I suggest you lean more on the heavy fabrics.
The added advantage with them is that you are definitely guaranteed your privacy and they catch the window draft especially if you are located in a cold area. For an easy, casual, light hearted ambiance, the light fabrics will do the trick. They provide you some privacy whilst letting in some light.
Linen in itself would be a good candidate for this.
The stack
When drapes are opened, the space that the gathered textile takes up is called ‘the stack.’ You can manipulate the architecture by playing with the ‘stack’ placement If you are decorating a room with windows that feel too narrow, you can expand the fullness and visually expand the window by stacking almost everything to the outside of the window frame.
Much like the placement of the stack can expand a window, the placement of the hardware can also help a room. I always mount my drapery hardware as close to the ceiling as possible. Draperies will always establish the vertical mood of a space.
Choice of curtains
Here are a few things to remember when you choose curtains;
1. The fullness. Look for two to two and a half times the width of the window for the fullness of the drapes.
2. The length. Go all the way to the floor, making sure they touch the floor.
3. The functionality. They should cover all the way for privacy.
4. The textile. If your other furnishings are leaning towards solid colours, curtains are your chance to bring some pattern or at least a punch of colour to the room.
-Kawuma is an interior designer
