Curtains and Drapes – An Overview of Different Styles

Depending on the look and feel you want to achieve with your home decor, there are a wide variety of options for curtains and drapes that you can choose from. Some styles are more suited to certain rooms in the house than others, and you will want to take this into consideration as well.

For a simple, informal option that works well in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms, you could consider cafe curtains. These typically cover half of a window to give privacy while still letting in lots of light. Many people cover the bottom half with cafe curtains and then put a valance on top for a nice tiered look. You can get these in a wide variety of fabrics, including sheers. If you favor the country style,  you can get country kitchen curtains at Country Curtains.

Tab top curtains can be more or less formal depending on the material that is used and are suitable for almost any room in your home. They are attached to the curtain rod via the tabs or loops that are attached to the top of the curtain. You can even use these as a more decorative bathroom shower curtain as long as you use a waterproof shower curtain liner. Some people make these themselves since it is relatively simple to do.

One of the more formal window treatments for the home is pinch pleated drapes. These can be made even fancier through the addition of a valance in the same material or a coordinating material. Sheer options tend to be slightly less formal looking than those made out of thick, rich materials. These are great for larger windows or for making small windows seem a bit larger. Since these are usually a bit longer, you probably don’t want to use them in rooms like the kitchen or the bathroom. They are more suited for living rooms or possibly bedrooms.

People who would like the opportunity to decrease their energy bills might want to consider thermal drapes. They are insulated or come with an insulated lining, so you can keep your home at the temperature you prefer without worrying about the heat or cold going through the windows. Many of these curtains and drapes come in a blackout style, so you can also keep unwanted light out of your room with these curtains. They are available in a number of different colors and materials.

You can top off your drapery with valances and swags or use them alone if you like a minimalist effect. A swag has no rod pocket and is draped over the ends of the curtain rod. Valances and swags, like curtains, come in a variety of fabrics, colors and patterns.

Waverly curtains are a very popular option for window treatments. They are made from durable high-quality 100% cotton and come in floral, gingham, striped, paisley, plaid, classic scroll and exotic prints. You can buy bathroom shower curtains, valances, swags, tiers, pinch pleated drapes and door panel curtains that are made from Waverly fabrics.

If you are in the market for drapery, you have many retailers to choose from, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Calico Corners, Crate and Barrel, JCPenney, Linens ‘n Things, Pottery Barn, Sears and Smith+Noble. Most of these retailers also sell curtain rods. You can shop locally or online. If you are willing to do some preliminary research, you can find curtain sales online.