What are some important tips to consider when choosing curtains for your bedroom?

Choosing Tips

The function of curtains is not only to protect from light and prying eyes, but also to decorate the interior. Several recommendations will help to harmoniously fit them into the bedroom decor:

• The more compact the room, the fewer accessories should be present in the curtain design. Lambrequins and multi-layered draperies are appropriate in classicism and baroque, but these styles do not tolerate cramped and narrow spaces.
• The density of the fabric is selected depending on the lighting in the bedroom. You can combine airy tulle curtains with thick curtains or use roller blinds to protect from the sun – this way we will get several options for window decoration.
• Curtains actively accumulate dust, so to avoid allergies it is better to choose models that are easy to care for.

Curtains actively accumulate dust, so to avoid allergies it is better to choose models that are easy to care for.

What fabric to choose?

The modern market offers products made of natural and synthetic fabrics, which have both advantages and disadvantages.

Natural curtains look expensive and respectable in accordance with their price, but it is worth choosing specially treated fabrics with protection against fading. Cotton, chintz and linen have a recognizable texture and look environmentally friendly, but if sunlight affects them constantly, the curtains should be lining. Silk and velvet will look great in a classic style, but these materials require special care.

Synthetic fabrics (viscose, taffeta, organza) often look no worse than natural counterparts. They are easier to care for, the material does not deform when washed, and almost does not fade. Polyester with added cotton is especially practical: such products are wear-resistant, have an attractive appearance, and are easy to wash.

The photo shows dark satin night curtains with lining, the pattern of which duplicates the abstract wallpaper at the head of the bed.

The curtains that we see in stores can play differently in a home bedroom interior. Some sellers go to meet you and give you a piece of fabric as a deposit so that the buyer can “try on” the product for their window. When sewing curtains, it is worth using this service.

The photo shows a beautiful light bedroom with an elegantly decorated window. Light tulle provides privacy, blue blackout does not let in daylight, and curtains with grabs perform a decorative role.

How to choose a color?

Recently, experts often use the “enveloping” technique in design – when walls, furniture and curtains are chosen in one tone, but the decor is diluted with contrasting accents. Some may find this technique boring, but the growing popularity of “monochromatic” bedroom interiors speaks in favor of this trend.

And yet, most designers advise choosing a curtain color that would echo the bedspread, pillows, furniture or carpet. To do this, remember the rule of three colors: a neutral shade serves as the background and there should be more of it than an additional and accent one. The color of the curtains is often used as an additional color, but if you want to focus attention on the window, you should hang bright curtains or use curtains with a contrasting pattern.

The photo shows plain curtains, chosen to match the color of the walls. A delicate interior in pastel colors calms and sets you up for sleep.

It is also important to consider the cardinal directions: a southern bedroom, flooded with sunlight, is best decorated in cool colors (white, blue, light blue) to visually cool the room. But the room on the north side should look cozier due to the warm range: curtains in sand, brown, orange and burgundy shades will help to “warm up” the room.

Choosing the size of the curtains

The measurement starts with the cornice: you need to know exactly where it will hang. Standard curtains should be the length of the distance from the cornice to the floor minus 2 cm. To get extended curtains, add 20 to 40 cm. Short curtains should be the length of the distance from the cornice to the edge of the window sill. The size of the curtains also depends on the type of fastener.

The photo shows an original bedroom with curtains on rings, the length of which is equal to the distance from the cornice to the floor.

The size of the curtains is also affected by their splendor. It determines the number of folds along the width of the fabric. To calculate the width of the curtains, it is worth considering the density of the material. For heavy fabrics, multiply the length of the cornice by 2, for medium-density fabrics, the splendor coefficient will be 2.5, and for light translucent fabrics – 3.

For a small bedroom, it is worth choosing laconic curtains so as not to overload the space of a small area. But ultimately, the size and splendor of the curtains depends on the preferences of the apartment owner and the designer’s idea.

Which curtain model is better?

To choose curtains for the bedroom, first of all, you should rely on the chosen style. Massive, multi-tiered curtains will not fit into a modern interior, but they will perfectly emphasize the rich decoration of the classic style. The same applies to Austrian and French curtains with lush folds, similar to the hem of a ball gown. There are also laconic models made of cotton, which look less pompous – in a cage or vertical strip; if desired, they can be integrated into the Provence or country style.

The photo shows curtains with a lambrequin and grabs that harmonize perfectly with carved furniture and expensive textiles.

Plain functional curtains without patterns and designs fit harmoniously into popular modern styles – Scandinavian, loft, minimalism, but this does not mean that the bedroom should be strict and monotonous. Today, the use of several types of fabrics in window decoration, as well as geometric patterns, is in fashion.

If the room is decorated without frills, it is worth using Roman or roller blinds, which have a more utilitarian function, without attracting attention. They are also appropriate in small bedrooms and where the furniture is near the window. A more practical option for decorating a window opening is blinds – if necessary, they block the flow of sunlight well.

Which curtain rod is suitable?

In order to choose a curtain rod, it is necessary to consider the type of fastener and the shape of the window opening.

A curtain rod on rings or loops assumes the use of round curtain rods. Baguette products with a bar that covers the guides and hooks will suit a classic interior. Profile ceiling models made of plastic are the most practical option for modern interiors. They hide the fasteners and can bend according to the shape of the wall, which is especially important for bay windows or panoramic windows. For a bedroom with low ceilings, you should choose a hidden cornice.

Rail structures that are located on the wall and combined ones – for different types of curtains are also convenient. For blinds and roller blinds, you need to choose special types of fasteners.

The photo shows a Mediterranean-style bedroom with curtains on round cornices.

Consider the design, decoration and style of the bedroom

How to choose curtains based on the decoration? If the walls are painted one color, select fabric that is several tones lighter or darker. You can, on the contrary, play on contrasts, using opposite shades: this is a suitable option for modern interiors or children’s rooms.

If there is wallpaper on the walls, a small print on it will help in choosing curtains: a single-color fabric, the color of which is taken from the pattern, and not the general background of the wallpaper, will look harmonious and stylish.

A traditional option is to combine curtains with textiles: a bedspread, a blanket, pillows. You can also focus on the floor: the carpet that decorates it can match the curtains with a pattern or shade.

The photo shows bright curtains with a floral pattern that play in contrast with the blue wall and give the room a special mood.

Here’s a solution for those who are on a budget: curtains can match the color of the furniture – a bed, sofa or armchairs. But if the upholstery has a catchy pattern, you should choose a plain fabric for the curtains, otherwise the abundance of patterns will dazzle your eyes.

The photo shows an elegant bedroom with curtains chosen to match the color of the upholstery of the upholstered furniture.

Video guide to selection curtains

Even more useful information about how to choose curtains in this video: