What Is a Curtain?
A curtain is a window treatment that hangs from a rod above a window. Curtains come in various materials, often fabrics of varying density and weight. You can install curtains to block or mute light, help control a room’s temperature, or add accents of color or pattern to an interior space. Some curtains are functional (blackout curtains block exterior light), while others are mainly decorative. Curtains are typically a combination of function and design and can shape your home decor’s aesthetics and comfort level. s fold curtains
8 Curtain Designs
Curtains come in different styles to fit the needs of interior designers and home decorators. Some of the most common curtain styles include:
- Panel pair: A panel pair of curtains hang from a single bar above the window. The two panels cover the entire length of the window and often reach down to just above the floor. The curtains pull together to meet in the middle to block exterior light and can be drawn to each side of the window to let light in.
- Single-panel: The single-panel curtain is a singular piece of material that hangs from the curtain rod. You can draw the single panel to one side or the other, which gives the space a modern, asymmetrical look. Single panels can work well in living rooms or bedrooms.
- Valance: A valence is a narrow strip of material covering only the very upper portion of a window. Valances typically feature a pleated swag that creates a half-circle shape atop the window. You can pair a valance with other curtains or use it solely as a decorative accent.
- Window curtain set: A complete curtain set typically includes two panels, a valence, rods, and tiebacks. Sets come with pre-coordinated colors and textures, making it more of a simple, one-stop-shop option.
- Window tier: These curtains cover the lower portion of a window frame. Window tiers allow for some privacy while still allowing light to enter the room. Cafe curtains are an excellent example of a classic type of window tier.
- Window scarf: A window scarf is typically a single piece of lightweight material that drapes across the curtain rod, falling to either side of the window. Window scarves do not obstruct the window view or light emission and are a good bridge between classic and contemporary styles.
- Curtain liner: You can place a curtain liner behind a single or pair curtain to help with light and noise reduction, increase privacy, and assist with temperature regulation. Curtain liners are also helpful to hang behind shower curtains, as they can be waterproof.
- Pleated curtains: Pleats are small folds sewn into the fabric of the curtain, creating a repeating visual pattern and providing some additional density. The pleating usually occurs at the top of the curtain and can be narrow and tubular, as in pencil pleats, or wide and flat, such as box pleats or pinch pleats. Curtains with a pinch at the bottom are goblet pleats.