How do I choose curtains?

It certainly can be hard to find the right curtains for your room! With all of the varying functions, styles and materials available it can be a daunting process. The first step in picking out quality curtains is figuring out what you want them to achieve functionally. Do you want them blocking full light? Do you want them letting sunshine through, while still providing privacy? Or do you want them to be decoratively pleasing with little focus on function altogether? Once the functional aspect has been covered off, you can then start to look at other factors such as colour and fabric. Colours and patterns should be matched with your existing decor for maximum effect. Fabrics are related to the function you need the curtains to achieve, but there is also flexibility among similar fabrics.

How do I size curtains?

To achieve maximum effect and function, you should ensure that your window coverings are sized correctly. When it comes to length, or curtain 'drop', you should be aiming for a measurement from the top of the window, and adding approximately 8 centimetres. This will provide a pleasing amount of 'pooling' at the bottom of the curtains. This is usually the rule of thumb for more formal curtains, whereas other options include lightly touching the floor, or even hanging a couple of centimetres above the floor. For width, you can determine the minimum curtain width by doubling the width of your window space measurement. Although, widths will often exceed this as the more material you allow across the width of the curtain, the fuller they will appear.

CURTAINS

CLICK TO CALL TODAY

Bendigo Curtains

White lounge room with timber floor and white couch, white coffee table and sheet white curtains.

Curtains can be used for many purposes, both for functional and decorative, and our aim is to provide you with the perfect combination of both. In terms of functionality, curtains can be used to provide insulation from exterior weather elements, which is usually achieved by combining them with blinds which compliment them.

Bendigo Curtains also provide privacy, especially in the case of dense heavy curtains, or alternatively can provide semi-privacy while still being able to provide a view, in the case of lightweight sheer materials. Curtains can also control the amount of light and glare in a room, although they are usually not meant to fully block out light, as that is the job of blinds or external awnings.

Decoratively, they can be matched to complement existing décor in terms of style, texture and colour. Whether it be the formal box, pinch or tailored pleats, or the more practical rod, eyelet or tab top style.

Texture is dictated by the type of material chosen and can range from Polyester used for the heavier Opaque curtains, through to Sheer for a lighter sheer look, or Linen for a balance of both. We are able to provide many fabric colours based on your taste, and would typically recommend a shade lighter, or darker, than your wall colour to provide the desired visual impact.

Blackout Curtains

The terms Blackout Curtains and Blockout Curtains are often used interchangeably, but there are actually differences between the two types. Blackouts have a single main purpose of blocking all light from entering a room, by completely stopping any light from passing through the fabric, which creates what is referred to as one hundred percent blackout. They also have the effect of reducing outdoor noise, as well as regulating room temperature, but their main focus is keeping light from entering the room.

Blockouts work much the same as Blackout Curtains, however the main difference is that they do not provide one hundred percent total darkness. They will block out most light, but not entirely. Their main function is to regulate room temperature to keep it more comfortable, rather than blocking out full light.

True Blackout Curtains are made from two layers of fabric to fulfil their primary purpose of blocking out all light. The first or front layer is the what is typically considered the main curtain, as it is the fabric that faces the inside of the room and is usually coloured and patterned to meet the aesthetic requirements of the room, in the same way that standard curtains and blinds are. The second or backing layer, is made from thick and tightly woven fabric (usually black) and it is this which is responsible for blocking out all of the light.

Sheer Curtains

Sheer Curtains, also referred to simply as Sheers, are made from lightweight and semi see through materials and are especially suited to a layered window treatment style. They add the effect of subtlety, often softening the lighting of a room, and provide a touch of elegance and style. They are available in differing levels of thickness depending on their fabric, which includes polyester, chiffon, silk, cotton and linen.

Sheers are often combined with either blinds or blackout curtains for a layered look, and they usually hang in the front position, internal to the room. They are able to provide the function of semi-privacy during the day, as well as a pleasing aesthetic during the night, when combined with their opaque backing layer.

Sheers are usually hung in soft flowing pleats and can be customised for rods, rings, or tracks. They can be made in a variety of colours and materials to suit your individual requirements, with Sheer Linen Curtains a popular choice at present.

Ready to hang curtains

Not only are we able to assist with determining your exact requirements in terms of function and visual appeal, we are also able to assist with the practical and operational aspects of your curtains. We can offer expert advice on Length/Drop, Width/Stack, Hanging Systems such as rods and tracks, Heading styles such as Pleats, Tabs, or Eyelets, and accessories such as Pelmets or Valances, to make a recommendation on which will best suit your style, as well as your type of window. We will create the curtains you desire ready to hang by our professional staff!

Contact us today at Bendigo Blinds to discuss how we can assist you in making the right Curtain choice for your investment.

Contact Us

Soft pink curtains over sheet white curtains, behind a cane chair, with lamp and green plant.

Frequently Asked Questions...

How do I choose curtains?

It certainly can be hard to find the right curtains for your room! With all of the varying functions, styles and materials available it can be a daunting process. The first step in picking out quality curtains is figuring out what you want them to achieve functionally. Do you want them blocking full light? Do you want them letting sunshine through, while still providing privacy? Or do you want them to be decoratively pleasing with little focus on function altogether? Once the functional aspect has been covered off, you can then start to look at other factors such as colour and fabric. Colours and patterns should be matched with your existing decor for maximum effect. Fabrics are related to the function you need the curtains to achieve, but there is also flexibility among similar fabrics.
How do I size curtains?

To achieve maximum effect and function, you should ensure that your window coverings are sized correctly. When it comes to length, or curtain 'drop', you should be aiming for a measurement from the top of the window, and adding approximately 8 centimetres. This will provide a pleasing amount of 'pooling' at the bottom of the curtains. This is usually the rule of thumb for more formal curtains, whereas other options include lightly touching the floor, or even hanging a couple of centimetres above the floor. For width, you can determine the minimum curtain width by doubling the width of your window space measurement. Although, widths will often exceed this as the more material you allow across the width of the curtain, the fuller they will appear.