Without A Shadow of a Doubt: Seeing the Light amidst the Negative Stigma on Curtains
In these modern times, when someone sees or hears about curtains; the first thing that comes to their minds are that curtains are for old people or curtains are out of style, and we can’t blame them because have been used for as long as we can remember. Some excavations have found traces and evidences of curtains being used from the 2nd to 6th century B.C. in Olynthus, Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The common misconception and stigma regarding curtains is that if you are still using curtains in your homes; is that you are either still living in the last century or lacks the taste in modern interior design. Little did we know is that the use of curtains; even up to this day; is that it still is more preferred for its function: give our homes or living space the option to have full privacy or blackout natural light as it requires or allow natural light to enter our homes or living spaces but still have some privacy from the outside.
Over the centuries up until the recent, a lot of curtain designs, fabric types and accessories came out and with all these taken into consideration, it may sometimes be a daunting task in choosing the perfect curtain design for your living space.
In this article, we will discuss the latest curtain designs and style that would cater to your needs.
A New Perspective on Curtain Fabric Types
Heavy Fabric Curtains:
Heavy fabric curtains mainly have two types: the blackout fabric curtains and the soft blackout fabric curtains.
Blackout Curtains are one of the types that fall under the Heavy Fabric Curtains, commonly used in bedrooms because of their ability to block 100% of the natural sunlight from your windows and provides full privacy. Perfect for sleeping-in over the weekends or for people that are unable to sleep with any form of light coming in. Usually made of 100% Polyester with blackout coating.
The common misconception and stigma regarding curtains is that if you are still using curtains in your homes; is that you are either still living in the last century or lacks the taste in modern interior design. Little did we know is that the use of curtains; even up to this day; is that it still is more preferred for its function: give our homes or living space the option to have full privacy or blackout natural light as it requires or allow natural light to enter our homes or living spaces but still have some privacy from the outside.
Over the centuries up until the recent, a lot of curtain designs, fabric types and accessories came out and with all these taken into consideration, it may sometimes be a daunting task in choosing the perfect curtain design for your living space.
In this article, we will discuss the latest curtain designs and style that would cater to your needs.
A New Perspective on Curtain Fabric Types
Heavy Fabric Curtains:
Heavy fabric curtains mainly have two types: the blackout fabric curtains and the soft blackout fabric curtains.
Blackout Curtains are one of the types that fall under the Heavy Fabric Curtains, commonly used in bedrooms because of their ability to block 100% of the natural sunlight from your windows and provides full privacy. Perfect for sleeping-in over the weekends or for people that are unable to sleep with any form of light coming in. Usually made of 100% Polyester with blackout coating.
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Soft-Blackout Curtains are almost similar to the Blackout Curtains but differs in areas of usage, soft-blackout curtains are usually used in common areas like the living room, kitchens, dining areas or patio entrances. They are similar to blackout curtains when it comes to function and materials used. They are perfect accent pieces to your windows setup as side draperies that goes along with Sheer Curtains.
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Sheer Fabric Curtains:
Sheer Curtains or Glass Curtains are usually used as the backdrop piece for any windows setup, sheer curtains are perfect during the daytime because it will give you a good view of the outside while it still offers privacy that would make the view from the inside look like a silhouette but would still allow natural light to come in from the outside.
It also creates uniformity as it would be the foreground on your window when viewed from the outside.
Sheer Curtains or Glass Curtains are usually used as the backdrop piece for any windows setup, sheer curtains are perfect during the daytime because it will give you a good view of the outside while it still offers privacy that would make the view from the inside look like a silhouette but would still allow natural light to come in from the outside.
It also creates uniformity as it would be the foreground on your window when viewed from the outside.
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The Transition from old to new: Modern Curtain Styles
In this modern day and age, most people often go for the latest home interior design and style, some would go for the minimalistic approach and some would go for a modern version on the classic styles, especially when it comes with their window design setup.
When it comes to curtains, most people shun from even considering to choose curtains over other alternatives for the reason that it went out of style ages ago, but the fact of the matter is that as the years passed by, curtain designers have innovated and created modern curtain styles and designs.
Grommet types are curtains that fall into gentle folds, they have a structured and symmetrical look well suited for modern home interiors.
Pleated curtains are the type of curtains that usually consists of three rows of string threaded through it for three hook positions to suit all types of track and pole. There are different types of pleats designs suited for different needs.
The S-Fold or more commonly known as the Ripple Fold Curtains creates a soft “S” wave or shape and are attached to a curtain track. Just like the Grommet Type curtains, Ripple Fold curtains also has a structured and symmetrical look.
There are other types of curtain styles, but are just variations of the types listed above.
Accessories can be added to your window curtain setup, from rods to finials or also known as end poles to even having a motorized curtain track system. Tassels are also a favorite among home owners as it adds a touch of elegance as an accent piece to their current curtain setup; and add the fact that tassels also serve as a holder for your curtains when opened.
Curtain Rods mainly has two materials to choose from: wood and aluminium alloy. Aluminium alloy rods may be consumer friendly just for the fact that it costs less compared to its wood counterpart, but the downside to aluminium rods are that it is hollow and is less durable than wood rods. On the other hand, wood rods costs a little more mainly because they more durable and lasts longer. Wood rods are usually made of solid mahogany which are known for its strength and durability.
Motorized curtain tracks are perfect for homes with high ceilings and window fixtures or skylights, it would make sense to have a motorized curtain track installed as compared to having a normal track as it would be a drag to pull the curtain chain from an elevated window. There are several types of motorized tracks and asking a professional in choosing the best motorized curtain track system is the best way to go.
Valance Boards or sometimes called head boards; relatively short window treatment (as compared to a curtain or drapery panel), hung at the top of the window. It is either installed with a curtain or a drapery rod, or stapled to a wood board and installed to the wall with brackets.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning your curtains is a must to prevent the accumulation of dust or fur that might trigger allergies or irritations. It usually takes about 3-6 months; depending on the kind of environment you have, before you have to clean your curtains, and all you need to do is soak them in water with your choice of detergent for 1-2 hours, if your curtains still needs more cleaning, you can repeat the process of soaking until you are satisfied with the cleanliness. There should be no bleach and using a washing machine or dry cleaning is a big No, and refrain from using a brush to scrub off dirt on your curtains.
An Elevated Sense of Modern Design
As time goes by, so are the curtain designs. New innovations and styles may soon arise and revolutionize the way curtains will be set amongst our windows. Having the power to choose from the different array of style and design is a gift from the pioneers of the modern curtain design. You may or may not choose curtains over other forms of window treatment but one thing is inevitable… Curtains will always be a staple choice as the window treatment solution to have the privacy in your homes in an elegant fashion.
In this modern day and age, most people often go for the latest home interior design and style, some would go for the minimalistic approach and some would go for a modern version on the classic styles, especially when it comes with their window design setup.
When it comes to curtains, most people shun from even considering to choose curtains over other alternatives for the reason that it went out of style ages ago, but the fact of the matter is that as the years passed by, curtain designers have innovated and created modern curtain styles and designs.
Grommet types are curtains that fall into gentle folds, they have a structured and symmetrical look well suited for modern home interiors.
Pleated curtains are the type of curtains that usually consists of three rows of string threaded through it for three hook positions to suit all types of track and pole. There are different types of pleats designs suited for different needs.
The S-Fold or more commonly known as the Ripple Fold Curtains creates a soft “S” wave or shape and are attached to a curtain track. Just like the Grommet Type curtains, Ripple Fold curtains also has a structured and symmetrical look.
There are other types of curtain styles, but are just variations of the types listed above.
Accessories can be added to your window curtain setup, from rods to finials or also known as end poles to even having a motorized curtain track system. Tassels are also a favorite among home owners as it adds a touch of elegance as an accent piece to their current curtain setup; and add the fact that tassels also serve as a holder for your curtains when opened.
Curtain Rods mainly has two materials to choose from: wood and aluminium alloy. Aluminium alloy rods may be consumer friendly just for the fact that it costs less compared to its wood counterpart, but the downside to aluminium rods are that it is hollow and is less durable than wood rods. On the other hand, wood rods costs a little more mainly because they more durable and lasts longer. Wood rods are usually made of solid mahogany which are known for its strength and durability.
Motorized curtain tracks are perfect for homes with high ceilings and window fixtures or skylights, it would make sense to have a motorized curtain track installed as compared to having a normal track as it would be a drag to pull the curtain chain from an elevated window. There are several types of motorized tracks and asking a professional in choosing the best motorized curtain track system is the best way to go.
Valance Boards or sometimes called head boards; relatively short window treatment (as compared to a curtain or drapery panel), hung at the top of the window. It is either installed with a curtain or a drapery rod, or stapled to a wood board and installed to the wall with brackets.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning your curtains is a must to prevent the accumulation of dust or fur that might trigger allergies or irritations. It usually takes about 3-6 months; depending on the kind of environment you have, before you have to clean your curtains, and all you need to do is soak them in water with your choice of detergent for 1-2 hours, if your curtains still needs more cleaning, you can repeat the process of soaking until you are satisfied with the cleanliness. There should be no bleach and using a washing machine or dry cleaning is a big No, and refrain from using a brush to scrub off dirt on your curtains.
An Elevated Sense of Modern Design
As time goes by, so are the curtain designs. New innovations and styles may soon arise and revolutionize the way curtains will be set amongst our windows. Having the power to choose from the different array of style and design is a gift from the pioneers of the modern curtain design. You may or may not choose curtains over other forms of window treatment but one thing is inevitable… Curtains will always be a staple choice as the window treatment solution to have the privacy in your homes in an elegant fashion.
