Using Curtain Panels to Enhance Your Space

When doing the research for this article, my first question was “what are curtain panels?” While I’m quite familiar with all things home décor and pride myself on knowing a fair amount regarding window treatments, the term curtain panel just didn’t mean much to me. I quickly realized, however, that the term is just a way to refer to a simple set of curtains. The panel curtain is actually quite popular and is typically installed to the length of the floor. They come in a variety of different patterns, color and fabrics and they can be lined or unlined. In addition to these options, there are sheer curtain panels, tab top curtain panels and grommet curtain panels. For those looking to cover just the tops of their windows, box panels curtains are the way to go. Perhaps the best thing about these curtains is their versatility, meaning it's possible to use them in just about any space.

Panels allow to you be as sophisticated as you want to be, as they come in a variety of patterns and embroidery options to suit your tastes. It's no surprise that the most highly sought after panels are made using high quality fabric and trim. The panels themselves can be purchased with linings that are coordinated with the color and design of the overall panel. Now that you know a little bit more about what these panels can be used for, you need to know how to go about shopping for them. There are several things you should consider when shopping for curtains, since making the wrong decision can have a considerable impact on the look and feel of your room.

When it comes to enhancing your home's decor, selecting the right window treatments is an important and often overlooked decision. Typically, curtains are one of the last purchases people consider when decorating their homes, and it's quite common for most people to simply pick out a set of curtains without even giving much thought to how they will fit in with their overall decor. The problem with this type of thinking is that it doesn't address the true importance of window treatments in the overall design scheme. The truth is that most people don't intentionally discount the importance of window treatments. On the contrary, they are confused about how to choose their curtains. You can't blame them really when there are so many different options to choose from.  The following tips will give you the confidence you need to make an informed decision:

1.    Coordinate with Existing Décor - Many people make the mistake of using the same set and style of curtains for every room in the house, despite the fact that not all rooms are the same. The fact is that it's okay to have different types of curtains for each room; so long as they coordinate with the room they're in. After all, you wouldn't want to hang hot pink curtains in your family room if they don't fit properly. Besides, changing the curtains you use from room to room can create visual appeal and will help to set the mood as you walk from space to space in your home.

2.    Privacy is Important - Although sheer curtains are popular, they aren't the best choice if you're looking to create some privacy. Chances are that you will want to avoid sheer curtain panels for bedrooms and bathrooms, since the outside world will be able to see right through them. A good compromise is to purchase a sheer overlay while incorporating a solid blackout curtain. By doing this you will be able to reap the benefits provided by sheer panels during the day without sacrificing privacy when it's needed.

3.    Material Matters - As mentioned previously, there are many different types of materials to choose from, though the material that's right for your space will depend on several factors. You will want to consider the overall decor of the room and also how much natural light the room gets. If a room gets a lot of natural light, you may want to purchase a more dense material that will help to block light and keep the room cooler. It's also important to select a fade resistant material if the room receives a consistent amount of high light.

Selecting curtain panels can be a challenging process, but it can also be a rewarding one if you follow the simple guidelines outlined above. For more information about different types of curtains and design themes, it’s a good idea to check out some of the popular home décor and design magazines that are available. It sometimes also helps to sketch out your desired look on some paper and share your vision with a design consultant. For specifics regarding how to properly measure for your curtain installation you should check out some of the many tutorials that are available online.

Measuring for your new curtain installation can be a frustrating process. The following video will provide some basic tips to help make the job easier.