| It's amazing how a simple set of window curtains can | | | | which are a custom style of drapes, can be purchased |
| add beauty to a room's décor. It is such a | | | | one panel at a time to span the width of any size |
| simple addition and one that pays dividends for years | | | | window. You really can't mess this up, because even if |
| to come. If you are considering curtains, consider | | | | you buy a few too many panels for a window they |
| purchasing drapery panels. They don't require any | | | | simply add more fullness to the look. |
| complicated measuring and are easy to install. | | | | The real trick with buying drapes, in my opinion, is |
| For many people, curtains have gone the way of other | | | | primarily just getting the color right. A second |
| outdated window treatments, like those old bamboo | | | | consideration is choosing the right fabric. Cotton drapes |
| shades or vinyl roller shades. Maybe you have a | | | | are an easy choice and offer a slightly more casual |
| negative association with window curtains from your | | | | look, while silk drapes offer a slightly more upscale |
| great Aunt's house. You know who I am talking about, | | | | look. Just consider how they will look with the other |
| that Aunt who had those awful polyester drapes from | | | | elements and colors in a given room. For example, if |
| Montgomery Ward, or some similar store. It's true that | | | | you have fine furniture in dark wood, you may want to |
| window curtains haven't changed much in their basic | | | | go with silk in a rich color like burgundy. Or, if you have |
| form. They still have many of the same attributes and | | | | more casual or rustic furniture, like pine or light colored |
| styles but, what's changed is the variety of fabrics, | | | | stains, cotton or blended curtains in neutral colors will |
| textures and colors. So, maybe it's time to take a fresh | | | | look great. |
| look. | | | | If you are not confident in your color-matching abilities, |
| I am a big fan of drapes because I believe they add | | | | go with basic neutral colors like white, tan or cream. I |
| real warmth and luxury to any room. And, they make | | | | know that doesn't sound very imaginative but these |
| for such a simple addition. Almost anyone can install | | | | colors look great with almost everything; a real |
| them, something rewarding in itself. Once installed, | | | | no-brainer. |
| curtains add color, texture, depth - even sound | | | | Installing window curtains is simple. If you can drive a |
| dampening to any room. Colors, patterns and fabrics | | | | few screws into a wall, you can install a curtain rod |
| can be chosen to compliment a room's color and even | | | | and hang drapes. The only things you want to watch |
| other window treatments, such as blinds or shades. | | | | out for is hanging them straight (obviously) and using |
| And, you don't have to be as precise with the | | | | pre-drilled holes with plastic grommets for strength if |
| measurements. Curtains can flop on the floor, or be a | | | | drilling into drywall. |
| few inches above it like high-water pants. Few people | | | | There are other options when considering drapes, |
| would know that it isn't the look you were going for. | | | | including the various types of hardware and liners. In |
| You might say that curtains have a built in slop-factor. | | | | keeping with my theme of simplicity, my advice is to |
| Curtains are known by many names including drapes, | | | | ask the salesperson what the best options are for you |
| draperies, curtains and drapery panels. Drapery panels, | | | | and your budget. |