Statement curtains
CURTAINS ARE MAKING A SWIFT COMEBACK AS A COOL WAY TO ADD ANOTHER DESIGN DETAIL TO A ROOM, AS YVONNE KEAL FROM HILLARYS EXPLAINS
While they serve a greater purpose, curtains have the potential to make or break the look of a room. Even a simple curtain can make a space feel finished while playing a pivotal role in transforming an interior – whether it’s by creating the illusion of a higher ceiling, framing a view or making a small window seem bigger. Better yet? They’re also a fabulous way to inject personality into a space.
when thinking about curtains is the impact their texture, colour or pattern will have on the rest of the space. Try letting the curtains become the focus of your room by using a standout print or eye-catching colour – the drama can be spectacular. Equally, by focusing on texture, they could be used more subtly – to create an inviting corner for relaxation, for example.
The first thing to consider
between privacy and allowing light into your home is important. Blackout linings are useful in a bedroom to help you sleep through lighter summer mornings, but you don’t want total darkness in every room. Unlined curtains have a lightness about them, which means they can act as a filter or voile and are perfect for layering up with other window dressings. A thermal lining will protect against heat loss (in winter) and heat gain (in summer), making it a good option for energy efficiency. And coloured linings are a great way to add interest: why shouldn’t your house look as good from the outside as it does from within?
Getting the balance right
in terms of the drop.
As a guide, if the curtain is required to sit at the windowsill, we recommend a 1cm clearance. The same clearance applies to curtains measured to the floor – unless you deliberately want a pooled effect. If you want your curtains to sit below the sill, then a drop of 15cm is a good length to aim for; however, if you have a radiator beneath the window, you might want to sit the curtain just above the top of the rad to prevent heat loss.
Think about the look you want Finally, if there is a bit of space above your window,
play with the placement. Usually we recommend positioning a curtain track or pole about 15cm above the window, but you can create the illusion of height by fixing it higher. Or try top- or ceiling-fixing for a fabulously modern vibe. A top-fixed wave track, for example, will truly raise the bar by creating a chic hotel look.