Window Curtain Ideas
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Curtains VS Drapery
There are confusing uses for the words curtains and drapery; and many variations of window curtain ideas. Curtains are curtains. They are not drapes, drapery, draperies, thermal drapery, or any other drapery. They are curtains. Even if they are custom curtains, they are still curtains.
Curtains are casual window treatments that are usually unlined panels of hemmed fabric that is hung from rods at the top of the window, or across the middle of a window with a matching Valance at the top of the window to form various window curtain ideas.
They can be short curtains that drop to or just below the windowsill; or they can hang to the floor or just above. But in any form, color, style, design . . . a curtain is a curtain no matter how many curtain styles there are, or how many definitions are out there for them.
Curtains are usually used as window decoration and used with another more functional window treatment type like blinds, shades, shutters,or verticals. They are usually found as colorful kitchen curtains, tier kitchen curtains, country curtains, bathroom window curtains, or curtains for a canopy bed.
Fabric for window curtain ideas are usually sheer or light weight cotton, synthetics, or more elaborate Irish lace curtains, or crisp linens. They can be gathered, shirred, tab topped, tie top, loops, grommets, or sewed on hooks to attach to a curtain rod, rings, knobs, medallions, tiebacks, or or other curtain hardware fixtures. But they are not drapery. They are curtains, though many curtain styles and kinds of window curtain ideas abound.
Let me see if I can paint you a picture of a curtain style. When one thinks of curtains, the one word that comes to mind is "pretty"; not luxurious, lustrous, beautiful, elegant, or elaborate. They are usually just pretty and simple in style. Think about French country curtains, blue and white soft cotton unlined gathered with perhaps a row of decorative trim; ginghams and percales, light and airy so they can be laundered often and rehung with ease. The more they are laundered, the softer they become.
They are common in bathrooms, bedrooms, and colorful kitchen curtains abound where you open and close windows often. They can be pressed with a light starch for crispness, or chintz fabrics, perhaps a ruffle or two and tied back on each side to frame the window. They are feminine and soften any window treatment. These window curtain ideas are sometimes referred to as window art curtains, country curtains, or cape cod curtains. It is there for decoration of that specific window, and it does it's job. It adorns the window and adds to the warmth of the room.
A French Door curtain will probably be sheer curtain fabric that is gathered top and bottom with about an inch heading and sheer fabric stretched between a top curtain rod and a bottom one, and perhaps tied in the middle in an hour glass fashion. The Sheer Fabric sheer fabric is shirred or gathered on a curtain rod. Some, like these, type of window curtain ideas are called rod top and bottom.
Sometimes the curtain is just attached at the top and the curtain extends to the floor and is constructed of gathered or shirred sheer fabric on a swing arm curtain rod. Often these curtain ideas are shirred and smocked at the top for visual pleasing lines and style. The curtain can then be swung over the door for privacy, and away from the door for entry and exit through the door with a swing arm curtain rod that acts like its on a hinge giving the curtain rod free 180 degree pivotal action to cover or uncover.
I always loved the look of the priscilla curtains with the criss-cross of the Sheer Panel Curtains layered over one another and tied back on the sides to frame the window. These are usually extremely full using far more sheer fabric than normal curtains. They are a stationary window treatment that offers a luxurious formality to any room. Today most curtain sheers are mobile on traversing curtain rods and just hang straight to the floor. I do long for the disappearing freshness and pert of the priscilla curtains!
Is there anything prettier than victorian curtains over an oval claw-foot bathtub overlooking an English wildflower garden? Or delicate vintage curtains of antique linen and lace? Or colonial curtains mixed with colorful floral slipcovers and the scent of vases of roses filling the room? These come from eras long gone from the modern tastes and trends, but will long live in the hearts of many who cherish their collections and keep these eras alive and thriving.
Curtains are sometimes used as curtain room dividers. If you have ever visited a hospital you will find this type of curtain. In a hotel or restaurant one will often find a curtain room divider to section off a particular area or to make a large are more cozy and accommodating. These are often used as stage curtains. There are many curtain factory outlet sources for this type of curtain style.
Once again, these are just curtains; light weight for cleaning purposes and to add an element of privacy to the space. They are not insulating curtains, and the fabric for curtains are usually of a lightweight polyester or nylon synthetic nature. These are not your typical window treatments curtains, but more industrial in nature. They are usually hung from a glider-type rod that hangs from the ceiling with a track for the fabric hooks to glide back and forth in either direction for functionality.
So, with the many variations of window curtain ideas and styles, one should not be at all confused between curtains and drapery. There is a very distinct difference, as you have seen here. Top of Window Curtain Ideas
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