| Considering new window treatments or | | | | French pleats and more. Which style you choose |
| coverings? Don't forget the venerable window | | | | is completely up to your tastes. Some of these |
| curtain, they still offer classic good looks for | | | | styles have a more classic look and some have a |
| almost any room. | | | | fancier, upscale look. So just make sure if |
| Window curtains go by many names: drapes, | | | | cohesive with the basic décor of your room. |
| drapery & drapery panels. There's custom drapes, | | | | The cost of window curtains varies widely. You |
| made-to-order as well as the stock sizes which | | | | can purchase the cheap, one-size-fits-all drapes at |
| are partially a do-it-yourself solution. And, just | | | | Target or stores of a similar ilk which, in my |
| about every store under the sun sells drapes. I | | | | opinion, are drapes best suited for kid's rooms. Or, |
| think that I once saw them for sale at a gas | | | | you can purchase more upscale drapes from |
| station in Phoenix once - just kidding. The point is | | | | Crate and Barrel and the Pottery Barn. A third |
| though that window curtains are pretty ubiquitous | | | | option is to purchase window curtains online. |
| and vary widely in quality, looks and, of course, | | | | There are a plethora of good e-commerce |
| price. | | | | websites selling mostly custom drapery panels. |
| I remember the curtains in my Grandmother's | | | | This is a good solution from a cost perspective as |
| house. They were polyester and had that dated | | | | they are generally less expensive then retails |
| look from the 1970's. They were the kind of | | | | establishments. |
| drapes that would, unfortunately, probably last | | | | If you are planning to decorate a living room, |
| forever with care. They were also a considerable | | | | family room, etc. and are considering window |
| investment back then. My Grandma's were | | | | curtains, I would recommend budgeting a similar |
| high-quality drapes with the nice lining and | | | | amount of money as you would spend on good |
| everything and they covered a huge window in | | | | quality window blinds or shades. The extra cost |
| the rear of her home. But, I digress. You may | | | | really shows in the finished look. Another |
| have a similar memory but don't let that deter | | | | consideration is to use window curtains in addition |
| you from giving them a fresh look for your | | | | to window blinds and shades for a layered look. |
| interior decorating plans. | | | | This can add a richness and warmth that is hard |
| Drapes come in a wide variety of colors and | | | | to beat. Window curtains look especially great with |
| materials, such as silk, cotton, linen, polyester | | | | plantation shutters, wood blinds or faux wood |
| blends, faux suede and more. Most of the upscale | | | | blinds - basically blinds made from, or at least |
| drapes come with a basic lining but you can opt | | | | looking like, wood materials. They don't |
| for an interliner or blackout liners. An interliner is | | | | compliment mini blinds, vertical blinds, or fabric |
| essentially a soft brushed flannel fabric that | | | | shades quite as well but there are exceptions to |
| provides extra body and added protection from | | | | that as well. |
| sun fading and is highly recommended for silk | | | | To recap, the right window curtains can really |
| fabrics. For bedrooms, I would highly recommend | | | | make a nice addition to almost any room and |
| choosing the blackout liner option. | | | | should not be overlooked when considering |
| Window curtains come in a variety of styles, | | | | window treatments or coverings. - David Brooks. |
| including pinch pleat, grommet style, rod pocket, | | | | |