The Many Options for Window Curtains and Valances
Finding just the right window curtains and valances can give your home the look you are aiming for. They really do make a big difference, so it is important to look around and find something that suits both your taste and the decor of your home. These days you can get curtains to fit practically any type of window you might have, and you will have a lot of options to choose from.
If you have a bay window, you will need to get specially designed curtains and curtain rods. However, you can use practically any type of curtain you like and even combine them with blinds or shades to get just the look you are hoping for. Some people choose valances and blinds for bay windows, but drapes or long curtains will make more of an impression.
Many homes also have doors that have window panels. If you want to ensure you have a bit more privacy while still allowing the light in, you can get special door panel curtains. These curtains have rods at both the top and the bottom to hold the curtains in place. While sheer curtains are often chosen for door panels, you can get them in other types of materials as well if you want something more formal looking.
The country look has remained popular over the years. Homeowners may install country kitchen curtains and even decorate their whole home in this style. Since the country look makes use of simple patterns such as gingham and checks and colors such as blues, reds and browns, it can leave a room feeling quite cozy. Country kitchen curtains are relatively easy to find in stores in a number of different styles and materials; tier curtains with valances are a common choice.
Rod pocket curtains have also gained a lot of popularity. They are very easy to hang since you simply thread the rod through the pocket at the top of the curtain. You can get them ready to hang if you have standard sized windows or made to order. They are available in a large number of colors and fabrics, so you can choose either plain and simple curtains or more formal and fancy curtains depending on your tastes.
If you have a hard to reach window such as a cathedral window or a skylight, or if you have elderly or disabled family members, you can make life easier by installing motorized curtains, which are operated by remote control, switches, timers or light sensors. They have the added benefit of eliminating the problem of unsightly cords. You can buy specially designed motorized curtains, or if you don’t want to change your current drapery, you can install a motorized system.
Valances are typically made from material that matches the curtain panels and may be decorated with a secondary fabric or a fringe. They can also be used together with shutters, blinds and shades or even used alone. Swags and scarfs are simple valances that can be simply draped over the ends of the curtain rod. Other styles include tie-up, ruffled, balloon and tapestry.
