Interior Design, Interiors Tips

How to choose curtains

Curtains and carpet are two pretty big investments when it comes to your home. So the pressure at times feels a little immense. Best thing you can do, unless you are uber talented and know what you want…. ask for help!

We have some practical tips and things to consider below. If you need anything else feel free to email us hello@martiniold.impactmarketingservices.com.au we are always happy to help!

What weight of fabric are you needing?

Are you wanting to block out all natural light so you can sleep, or do you just want a little privacy or to block out some of the afternoon sun.

Sheer curtains – ideal for if you want a bit of privacy but still want some natural light to come through

Solid curtains – ideal for areas where you want to keep in warmth in the winter and keep out most of the light in the summer. Usually ideal for living areas or bedrooms for those who are less sensitive to light. 

Block out curtains – perfect for bedrooms where you want to get better sleep or in a theatre room. You want no light, these are the curtains for you. 

What type of fabric suits your needs and look?

What is the mood and decor of the room you are dealing with? For example heavier fabrics like velvet or linen suit more traditional rooms, while sheer fabrics work best in minimalistic or more modern rooms.

What colour works for your space?

This is an important one, colour can make or break a space. Sorry, no pressure. To narrow it down a little for you. You have two options when it comes to colour direction, you either harmonise with your decor or contrast with it. 

If you aren’t a fan of bold statements or you want the safer and more easy on the eyes look – go for a colour that will complement the shade of your walls. Neutrals are always a popular choice – greys, creams, whites, navy, taupe etc. Alternatively if you want your curtains to be a focus, pick a hue or pattern that contrasts with your furniture and walls. 

Colour is definitely something you should take your time with. At Martini Furniture we offer FREE Fabric Samples and we recommend you get a bunch to really see them in person, feel the fabric, and see them in your lighting. 

To pattern, or not to pattern?

This is often a tricky one. Gone are the days where every single household had crazy patterns on their curtains. Most people these days prefer a solid curtain, but they actually can look amazing in certain spaces. 

So, to pattern or not to pattern? To answer this you need to look at the rest of the décor in your space. If all the other soft furnishings in the room are solid colours, printed curtains can be an amazing option. 

The opposite works too. So if you have loads of patterns in your furnishings, then solid curtains will work best. 

What kinds of patterns should you choose do you ask? Quirky prints and geometric patterns work well in a contemporary space, while florals look amazing in classic and traditional décor. 

Whilst we currently only offer solid colours in our curtain range, we actually LOVE PATTERNS so would love to work through pattern options with you. Simply email us hello@martiniold.impactmarketingservices.com.au 

How big?

Length/Drop – Kissing the floor is very on trend at the moment, however if you are wanting a more dramatic look then having them pool on the floor is a great option. If you have kids, well to be honest, we recommend you go off the floor. No one wants to see gunk in their beautiful new curtains, or worse, rips from rambunctious wrestling. 

Width – For the curtains themselves we recommend you measure the window including the frame and then we’ll work out the best volume. As for the track, we like to go 7-15cm wider than the window frame, or if your window is in the middle of a small wall, maybe consider extending the curtains the full length of the wall for a luxe look. It really depends on your own tastes. 

Got any further questions or need a little more help deciding,feel free to email us hello@martiniold.impactmarketingservices.com.au and we will help you out.