Whether you’re playing a game of charades with friends, doing movie night with the family, or listening to Uncle Larry tell that one story for the fourth time after Christmas dinner, your living room is that central meeting place that has seen a lot of living. Whatever happens in your living room, the perfect curtains add character, speaking to individual style and personal comfort.
But do you know how to choose curtains for your living room that will be both stylish and provide convenience and practicality? Here are what to look for and what you can do to make your living room look its best.
How High is Your Window?
Whether your window is high with a cathedral ceiling or conventional, it’s aesthetically pleasing to choose the right curtain length. However, a common mistake when buying curtains is not having proper measurements. That results in curtains that are too long or too short.
Personal preference will dictate whether you want your curtains to “kiss” the floor or billow. Whatever you choose, you’ll need to manually measure the dimensions to get the correct length. Here are some simple steps to follow before knowing how to choose curtains:
- Measure the desired length you’d like your curtain to be, starting from the top of the window frame (or rod), and end it where you want the curtains to stop.
- For floor-to-ceiling drapes, measure from the ceiling to one inch above the floor.
- Begin measuring four inches above the window frame to one inch above the floor for floor length curtains.
- Make sure to document these measurements carefully. You’ll need them when choosing your curtains.
Window’s Width Measurements
Width measurements are also essential for proper coverage. You may have to take three different measurements to get a more accurate reading: top, middle, and bottom lengths. You’ll also have to:
- Measure the window on the outside of the frame. Go with the widest measurement. Choose the narrowest measurement when measuring the inside of the frame.
- If you have a rod available, instead of measuring the outside frame, you can measure it from end-to-end. If the rod has end caps or finials, measure the width of the rod between them.
- Accurately document the proper measurements, paying close attention to the different window sizes.
Practicality and Functionality
The living room can be the busiest room in the house, and with all that activity, you may opt for practicality and function over style.
Room-darkening (Blackout) Curtains
Room-darkening curtains have the blackout features built in them, making them thicker. Not only do these curtains block out the sunlight, that process also reduces energy costs and helps to protect furniture and floors from sun damage, saving you money.
Flame Retardant Curtains
Flame retardant curtains are made out of fire retardant material and also help with lowering the room’s temperature, making it as cool as you like it.
Insulated Curtains
Apart from the energy reducing properties, the insulated curtains prevent warm air from leaving a heated room, allowing cold spaces to constantly stay warm.
Where To Go
Look no further than The Curtain Shop for any need you may have. With our Almost Custom program boasting over 500 fabrics, you can get custom curtains at a fraction of the cost.
The Curtain Shop provides only the highest quality curtains and the most affordable of prices. Contact us today at  1-866-886-3632 to see what people have known since 1953 – that The Curtain Shop has everything you need to make your home look fabulous!
