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CURTAIN CHRONICLES

Revamp Your Home with New Curtains: How to Choose the Perfect Style

Updated: Mar 28


Cosy living room with a cream sofa, green armchair, and marble tables. Green curtains, abstract painting, and potted plant enhance the calm vibe. Fabric from Romo Elio collection.
Photograph from Romo: Elio collection is woven from 100% PET recycled plastic bottles. This linen effect fabric is both mindful and usable without compromising on its remarkable softness and beautiful handle.

If your living room or bedroom is feeling a little dull and uninspiring, but a full-scale redecoration is out of the budget right now, there’s an easy solution—new curtains or Roman blinds! Often overlooked, window dressings have the power to completely alter the mood of a room. With the stunning designer fabrics available today, you can refresh your space with bold prints, elegant textures, or luxurious materials that add instant character.


But where do you start? Whether you’re choosing new curtains for a dramatic makeover or simply looking to refresh your interiors, we’ve got you covered with expert advice on fabric choices, styling tips, and practical considerations. Read on to discover how a simple curtain upgrade can breathe new life into your home.


1. The Power of Fabric: Elevate Your Space Instantly


Curtains are more than just practical window coverings; they are an integral part of your room’s décor. The right fabric can add warmth, depth, and even a touch of drama. Whether you opt for luxurious velvets, crisp linens, or airy sheers, each material has its own charm and impact on your overall scheme.


If your room is neutral, consider using curtains as a statement piece. Bold florals, geometric prints, or rich jewel tones can create an instant focal point. On the other hand, if you prefer a calming aesthetic, muted tones, pastels, or natural textures like linen and wool can help achieve a relaxed and inviting space.


2. Mixing and Matching: Playing with Colour and Texture


You don’t have to be confined to your current colour scheme when selecting curtains. In fact, introducing a new accent shade can refresh the entire look of a room. A clever trick is to pick a colour from an existing piece—whether it’s a rug, cushion, or artwork—and bring it into your curtains for a cohesive feel.


To further enhance your scheme, pair your curtains with matching accessories. Adding a few well-placed cushions, a lampshade, or even candles in the same shade will tie everything together seamlessly. The result? A beautifully curated space that looks like it’s been professionally designed.


3. Test Before You Buy: The Importance of Samples


Because curtains can make such a dramatic impact, it’s essential to test your fabric choice before committing. Ordering samples is a great way to see how a material looks in different lighting conditions throughout the day. Tack your chosen sample up at eye level, preferably on the same wall your curtains will hang, and live with it for a few days— just as you would with a paint sample — to ensure you love the look and feel


4. Unique Spaces, Unique Curtains: Avoiding the Copy-Paste Look


It’s tempting to carry the same curtain fabric and style through multiple rooms, but every space has its own personality and function. Your hallway, living room, and bedroom each serve different purposes, so why not tailor your curtains to suit each one? You can create a sense of harmony and continuity by choosing complementary shades so the colour flows as you walk from room to room.


5. The Right Curtains for the Right Space


Living Room Elegance


The living room is often the heart of the home, and your curtains should reflect this. Full-length drapes in luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk add a touch of grandeur, while lighter linens or sheer curtains offer a more casual, airy feel. If you have tall or bay windows, consider layering sheer curtains behind heavier drapes to let in light during the day while maintaining privacy in the evening.


Bedroom Comfort


A good night’s sleep starts with the right window treatments. Thick, lined curtains or blackout Roman blinds are ideal for bedrooms, blocking out external light and providing insulation. Opt for soft, calming colours such as deep blues, greys, or earthy neutrals to create a restful environment.


Kitchen Freshness


Kitchens require a different approach. Given the presence of heat, steam, and food splashes, it’s best to go for fabrics like cotton or linen. With the wide range of printed options available now, there’s something for everyone. Roman blinds are a great option here—they take up less space and provide a neat, tailored look while still allowing you to control light levels.


Home Office Focus


If you’re working from home, curtains can influence your productivity more than you think. Light-filtering fabrics in soft neutrals create a calm and focused environment. If glare on your screen is an issue, opt for adjustable blinds to control brightness throughout the day. If your budget allows, consider a Roman blind to add decorative appeal and cosiness on winter evenings.


6. Maximising Light and Space


Curtains have a unique ability to change how big or small a room feels. To make your ceilings appear higher, install your curtain rod well above the window frame—closer to the ceiling. This creates the illusion of added height and elegance.


For small rooms, choose light-coloured or sheer fabrics to keep the space feeling open and airy. On the other hand, larger rooms can handle darker, heavier fabrics that add warmth and a cosy, cocooning effect.


7. The Practical Side: Lining and Maintenance


A good-quality curtain lining is essential for both aesthetics and function. It helps the fabric drape well while also playing a crucial role in insulation, privacy, and durability. A good interlining can keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, while blackout lining is a must-have for bedrooms. The softness and drape of blackout linings have greatly improved in recent years.


When it comes to maintenance, washing curtains can be difficult, especially those with handmade headings or interlining. Regular vacuuming—both on the face fabric and behind, where dust and insects can gather—is recommended. If you spot any small marks, depending on the fabric, you can try carefully sponging them clean. Be cautious with silks or very plain fabrics.


8. Bespoke vs. Ready-Made: Making the Right Choice


If you want a perfect fit and a truly tailored look, bespoke curtains are the way to go. Custom-made curtains allow you to choose exact measurements, fabric, and finishes such as trims, pleats, and tiebacks. While they may be pricier than ready-made options, the investment is well worth it for a polished and professional result that will last many years.


However, if you’re working within a budget, high-quality ready-made curtains are widely available in a range of beautiful fabrics. Just be sure to measure your windows carefully to ensure the best possible fit.


I will be writing more on this subject soon.


Final Thoughts: The Impact of Beautiful Curtains


Curtains are one of the simplest yet most effective ways to update your home’s décor. Whether you choose a bold, eye-catching fabric or a subtle, timeless design, the right window dressings can bring warmth, style, and functionality to any room.


So, if you’re feeling uninspired by your current interiors, why not take a look at some stunning designer collections? With just a small change, you can create a space that feels fresh, inviting, and full of personality.


Ready to transform your home? Give us a call!

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