1. Location
Where is the window that you are trying to dress? The room in which the window is located will play a big part in how you dress the window. For example, if you were looking for bedroom curtains, then adding blackout lining would be a great idea. However it wouldn’t be particularly suitable for a living room.
2. Practicality
How is the window and the area around it used? In a kitchen for instance you often use the window sill for plants or ornaments. Therefore, a kitchen window would be better suited to a roman blind, rather than curtains. It would also allow the fabric to be taken up off the window sill to avoid any dampness.
3. Light
What direction does the window face? Light plays a huge part in a room and affects how we feel and use it. If the window is South facing you might want to diffuse the light, perhaps by adding voiles in addition to curtains. However North facing rooms are often much darker. So by choosing curtains and a longer pole will allow the curtains to be pushed back against the wall either side, maximising the light coming through the window.
4. Length/Size
The length of your curtains can massively change the atmosphere of a room. Floor length curtains, that perhaps puddle on the floor, add a sense of grandeur and are much more of a statement than say window sill length. However shorter curtains works perfectly when situated above a radiator, to allow the heat into the room rather than out the window!
5. Fabric
Choosing the fabric is probably the hardest step when there are so many fabrics out there to choose from! You may be wondering where and how to even start looking. A good starting point is colour. What colour palette are you considering for the rest of the room? Secondly, pattern and texture. If the rest of the room is neutral then go bold! Or look for patterned fabric along the same theme, such as botanical. Textures can also help the ambience of a room. For example, fabrics with a wool blend will introduce warmth into a room and help a large space seem much cosier!
These five things will give you the stepping stones you need to get started. However there is one last thing that I needed to add. If you love it, then go for it! Our homes are our place to explore, be creative and make our own mark!
Have fun!
Jess
Jessica Sews 