Different Curtain Styles

Curtains are essential elements of the house that add shape and texture to the space. Pick the wrong type, and your entire room will either look flat or bland. 

This article will show you the different curtain styles you should consider for your humble abode. Get to know their names, what they look like, and where to use these curtains.

Panel Pair Curtain

The double panel curtain is the most common type of curtain with two pieces of drapery fabric for both sides. This type of curtain allows you to cover the view by pulling each panel to the center.

If you want to see the view, the panel pair curtain makes your widow look balanced when opened. Try using curtain tiebacks for an added design.

Panel pair curtains look lovely in any room or window type. But they look best in tall windows or glass doors. Place them just a few inches above the window to give the illusion of an enormous window.

Single Panel

Unlike the typical double panel curtain, single panel curtains are made of one component of fabric to cover the whole window. But this window treatment is not always meant to cover the entire view.

Curtains with one panel exist so you can pull them to one side. The single fabric is best for sliding glass doors in the bedroom. The asymmetrical curve on your door gives a chic look, making sure part of the view is still visible.

They also look great in small windows of bedrooms and living rooms. Single curtain panels are sometimes necessary for specific room configurations.

Valance

Some interior designers do not categorize valances under curtains because they are a unique window treatment. It’s a short fabric that hangs on top of the curtain to cover hardware. 

There are many kinds of valances, including shaped, swag, flat, and scarf valances. Place it around two to six inches from the top part of the frame. Ensure it covers less than half of your window to maintain the beautiful view.

Valances create a softer finish on your window. Use it with horizontal blinds, draperies, shutters, or cellular shades. 

Grommets

Curtains with grommets are one of the most common curtain styles. Also known as eyelet curtains, these modern drapes feature rings that go through the rod. The result is a casual drape with loose pleats.

This curtain is perfect if you have a hard time opening and closing each curtain panel. Use it for your bedroom or any room where you want to close and open the curtains all the time.

Pleated

Pleated curtains come in different styles. The pinch pleat curtain has “pinched” portions of fabric on top. It’s often made of thicker material, with top folds that flow beautifully until the bottom.

There are also box pleat curtains that look stiffer and neater. The folds on top are made of rectangles that get softer at the bottom. It’s perfect for anyone who wants modern curtains.

Use these curtains in dining rooms, lounges, and bedrooms. They’re a great choice if you want a tailored look for your space. 

Another curtain style is the goblet pleat, which resembles a wine glass or goblet on the upper part. Use it in a formal space like dining rooms and home offices. 

Other pleats for your curtain include pencil, rod, tailored, and slot top.

Tabs Top

Tab top curtains are curtains with fabric loops stitched on top of the seam for the rod to pass through. It creates a simple look in any room to make it look more inviting and beautiful. 

This type of curtain is one of the first types to exist. Many households already had them before curtain tracks and other hanging systems were invented. That explains why they’re perfect for traditional homes, such as farmhouses and cottage decor.

Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains can be long, short, single panel, or double panel. Their main characteristic is that they are semi-transparent or almost gossamer. 

The most common type of sheer curtain comes from white voile or chiffon material. You’ll also find other curtains made of polyester and cotton.

Use sheer curtains if you want to maintain the little sunshine in your room without making your home too exposed. Protect your privacy without making the house look dull and dark.

Most homeowners layer an opaque curtain over their sheer curtains so they can adjust the view to their needs. This technique also adds depth to the room when you pull the opaque drapes to the side.

Blackout

As the name suggests, blackout curtains are curtains that do not let the sun enter your home. They completely block the glaring UV rays, which could damage your health and belongings.

Blackout curtains also offer complete privacy. They are often made using combinations of cotton and polyester. Some manufacturers use heavy microfiber with triple-weave technology. Integrated linings are also standard among these curtains.

This curtain is perfect for dens, wine cellars, bedrooms, and home theaters. You can layer them on sheer curtains for a more adjustable look.

Austrian Curtains

If you don’t know what an Austrian curtain is, think about the drapes at the beginning of performances. They cover the entire stage to reveal the start of the play or concert. Then, they are closed at the end of the performance.

Austrian curtains, shades, or blinds are a window treatment with elegant folds. They’re also known as front-of-house curtains, grand drapes, main drapes, or act curtains. 

You’ll find these sophisticated drapes in homes, often with complete pleats that symbolize opulence. They’re made of heavy and expensive materials like velvet or velour. Austrian curtains have vertical lines evenly spaced with satin or chiffon.

Use Austrian shades in your formal dining room, penthouse, and otherwise spaces where you want to display elegance.

Which Curtain Type Do You Like Most?

Curtains come in all shapes, sizes, and folds. You don’t need to memorize their names, but it’s worth exploring the different looks. Learning the different curtain styles will help you choose which one is suitable for your home.

Have you picked the best curtain type for your space?

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