Curtains can have a really dramatic effect on the decor; they need to be functional as well as decorative, being the starting point for the look that will be carried through to the rest of the room. They can be made to fit in will any existing decorative schemes as there is such an abundance of fabrics to choose from, that there will sure to be something to suit.
If you have tiny windows but still want to fit curtains then there is a special curtain pole called a drapery arm which swings open like a door to lie back against the wall with the curtains permanently arranged on the pole. The curtains will of course need to be double-sided as they will be seen from both sides.
There are three main styles for curtaining your windows – contemporary for a simple yet refined look, classical for a sophisticated look, and traditional for introducing a period or slightly over-the-top look to your decor. Whatever style of curtain headings you choose, make sure that the main pattern starts at the bottom of the curtains as the broken pattern will not notice in the gathers of the curtains.
Your curtains can offer many features which need to be considered before you decide on your curtain heading and curtain poles.
Do the curtains need blackout lining to block out the early morning daylight? In which case you will need a medium to heavyweight curtain pole as the blackout lining is very heavy by comparison to normal curtain lining.
Do the curtains need to block out draughts or help reduce noise levels?
In which case the curtains can be interlined with a thick wadding fabric, again this type of curtaining will need a heavyweight curtain pole. Are the curtains going to be formally dressed in curtain holdbacks? In which case you may wish to consider a layered effect where the curtains are left permanently open with a roman or roller blind being used as the functioning part of the window treatment.
Are your windows facing a busy street or do you have a rather unwelcome view you wish to camouflage? In which case you may fit layered curtains on a double curtain pole, which means that a lightweight pair of voile curtains can remain closed at all times, with the main curtains being drawn on a secondary track at night.