If you’re in the process of redecorating your home or even just a room in your home, chances are that you are considering or about to consider your drapery and window treatment options. Knowing how to choose drapes that fit your home will draw everything together, accenting your personal style and home decor, while making a careless choice could do the opposite.
Choosing Drapes 101
Let’s start with the basics, you will want to brainstorm about what kind of drapes are appropriate for your home. Take into consideration both style and the purpose of the drapes.
- If you want your drapes to be purely subtle and functional, think about a fabric and color that will be neutral.
- If you want your drapes to help block sunlight and effects of the weather, you might want to choose a heavier fabric.
- If a breezy sun-kissed room is what you’re looking for, a lighter material is a great choice.
- If you are searching for something a little more dramatic and you wish for your drapes to make a statement, you’ll want to consider brighter and bolder colors and patterns that will make your window treatments pop.
In addition to the drapes, if you’re putting all of your plans together at the same time, it’s a good idea to think about your paint or wallpaper choices as well. Doing this can end up saving you time while having the end result of a beautiful room.
Decisions, Decisions
A few pointers and rules to follow can help settle confusion over what kind of drapes or curtains to go with:
Warm and dark colors can make a 
room look cozier and more intimate. This is great for a room that feels a bit too large, but something to generally avoid in a small room. Conversely, light color selections can cause a room to appear larger, lighter and airier.
As far as patterns go, a larger pattern can have the same effect as dark colors and can cause a space to feel more enclosed and tighter. Vertical stripes can be a good choice if your ceilings feel too low, as they will add a sense of height to your room. Horizontal stripes can make a room feel wider.
While all of your choices might seem a bit daunting, try to have fun with it! You have a lot of options, and while it’s possible to make and/or hang your drapes yourself, you can always call in the help of a trusted drapery professional to make things go smoother.
