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Curtain Styles & Types: The Ultimate Guide
As you shop for a new window treatment, you might be surprised to discover how many different curtain styles and types there actually are! It can be quite overwhelming, especially if youâve never been introduced to the variety of options that are out there.
Your curtain choice will be influenced by the look and functionality required in your space and even by the cost of the curtains. To give you an idea, curtains for boho homes will feature lightweight fabrics like linens and sheers, whereas a traditional house will flaunt heavy drapes made of regal velvets or silks. Again on the other hand, curtains for attic windows or basement windows that are odd-shaped and small will need special considerations and won’t be the same as their polar opposite like long-wide curtains for bay windows or sliding glass doors.
So, while you’re making your choice, use this ultimate guide to curtain styles for assisstance. Weâre here to help you make the perfect selection for your home!
Order your custom curtains from Spiffy Spools online in any size. We have over 3,000 fabrics and patterns to pick from, so you can match them to your home perfectly.
Curtain Types
As youâre browsing for window treatments, these are the most common curtain types youâre likely to encounter:
Standard Curtains
If youâd like, you can purchase standard curtains for your home. Typically, there are three standard curtain sizes:
- 84 inches
- 96 inches
- 108 inches
We suggest straying away from the 84-inch option. These are usually quite short, unless you have low ceilings.
Keep in mind that your curtains will always look better when you measure your window and design them to meet your exact specifications. This way, you can increase the fullness of your curtains to create beautiful folds and lengthen them to fall just how you like.
Blackout Curtains
Marine Sabz
Blackout curtains make excellent candidates as master bedroom curtains, media room curtains, office curtains, game room curtains, nursery curtains, and more spaces where the functionality of curtains overpower aesthetic needs. One of the top reasons to get blackouts is their unique ability to block 100% of the sunâs rays, ensuring no light passes through. They also offer a variety of other benefits, as well:
- Block sound. Blackout curtains reduce external sound, so you wonât be bothered by outside noises throughout the day or while youâre trying to sleep.
- Regulate temperature. Blackout curtains will keep rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Not only will your space always be at the optimal temperature, but your utility bills may also decrease!
- Eliminate glare. If you want to eliminate glare in your home theater, media room, or office, blackout curtains promise to deliver.
- Improve quality of sleep. By muffling external noises and preventing harsh sunlight from entering your space, blackout curtains ensure youâll get a better nightâs sleep.
Roman Shades
Do you love the functionality of blinds but wish they were more aesthetically appealing? Then roman shades may be the perfect type of curtain for you. When closed, they cover the window with one smooth piece of fabric. When open, they stack evenly from the bottom in neat folds, which rest at the top of the window frame.
There are three different styles of roman shades to choose from at Spiffy Spools:
Flat Fold Roman Shades with Back Slats
With this style, no seams are visible in the fabric when closed, because the horizontal slats are stitched into the back lining. If youâre aiming for a sleek, minimalistic look, this is the roman shade style for you. Also, since theyâre extremely easy to open and close, this style is a great option for frequently used windows.
Flat Fold Roman Shades with Front Slats
When closed, the fabric of these shades is broken into even, horizontal panels. This is another great selection for windows that you open and close often, because they also stack smoothly from the bottom in crisp folds when open.
Relaxed Roman Shades
Relaxed roman shades are primarily decorative, because theyâre stationary. However, theyâre beautifully designed with a smooth front fabric that falls into a gentle curve at the bottom. For less frequently used windows, this is a great option that adds plenty of character and charm to the space.
Café Curtains
CafĂ© curtains are a cute and cozy option that match wonderfully with rustic and country dĂ©cor. Theyâre traditionally quite shortâspecifically, cafĂ© curtains are about half the length of a window and are hung across the center of the pane. However, they can also be hung at the top of the frame as a stylish accent piece.
The short length of cafĂ© curtains offers many benefits and makes them versatile enough to work in a variety of spaces. For instance, in a kitchen or bathroom, theyâre ideal for maintaining privacy while still allowing in plenty of natural light. Theyâre also short enough to avoid being a fire hazard while cooking, and they remain out of reach from any potential splashes from the sink, shower, or tub. In addition, cafĂ© curtains wonât overcrowd your smaller windows or spaces.
There are two ways you can style cafĂ© curtains. Either choose to use a single panel, or go with double panels that rest on both sides of the window when opened. To help decide which option is right for you, consider what you want from your curtains. If youâre going for style, you might consider a single panel design that better showcases the fabric without distortion. If your main concern is light control, double panels are much easier to open and close, so they may be the better choice.
Ripplefold Drapes
Ripplefold drapes are one of the most modern window treatments you can find. Their evenly-spaced eyelets create uniform, tailored folds for a sleek, no-fuss look. The symmetrical design holds patterns beautifully with minimal distortion, and they stack neatly when open to maintain the uncluttered aesthetic. If youâre searching for a window treatment that matches your contemporary home, you have to purchase ripplefold drapes!
Valances
Valances are gorgeous decorative pieces placed at the top of the window frame. They often cover about a fourth of the pane, and they wonderfully soften incoming light. If you want to add a nice punch of color to your window, valances can provide subtle charm.
Valances are great as a standalone look, but you can also layer them over curtains, blinds, or shades for additional light control and style. Plus, theyâll conceal your curtain hardware if you prefer it not to be visible.
Curtain Fabric
Itâs important that you select your curtain fabric carefully. Certain fabrics are much more casual, while others are very formal. That said, you need to pick a fabric that matches the formality level and dĂ©cor of your space. Below are some of the most common fabrics for curtains:
Cotton
Aztec
Cotton is a great choice for casual to semi-formal spaces. This medium-weight fabric is soft, clean, and crisp, which is perfect for dressing up or down. Plus, it amplifies colors and comes in a variety of textures for an even more dynamic look. One of the most versatile curtain fabric options available, you can rarely go wrong with cotton curtains.
Linen
Leh Eshaan
This lightweight fabric should also be reserved for casual to semi-formal spaces. Ideal for rustic décor, the rough, natural weave is often the focal point of the fabric, offering a unique textural component. Linen is also great for filtering sunlight, providing you with a soft glow. Light, neutral colors will create an elegant look, while bolder colors and patterns are often more playful.
Sheer
Cloud White
Another option for casual to semi-formal spaces, youâll absolutely love the look of sheer curtains. This is the lightest fabric option you can find, and its relaxed airiness is one of its greatest appeals. Sheers also filter natural light beautifully, creating a breathtaking, warm glow that brightens up any space. For an ethereal feel, sheer fabric is the way to go.
Silk
Weston Harvest Beige
Silk curtain should be reserved for formal spaces. This luxurious, heavyweight fabric has a shimmery appearance thatâs meant to draw your eye to its smooth, glamorous presence. Silk truly falls like a dream, displaying a plethora of elegant waves. A truly tasteful fabric, silk is a superb option for your curtains.
Velvet
Wishing Well
Perhaps just a step more formal than silk, velvet works best in formal living spaces. This type of fabric is all about drama, opulence, and romance. Itâs sure to be the focal point of any room. Heavy and bold, this plush option simply exudes luxury and class. You wonât be disappointed by this high-end fabric!
Curtain Patterns
The options are seemingly infinite when it comes to curtains patterns! Whether youâd like to keep it simple with a solid or try something a little more daring, youâre sure to find a selection that fits your design needs at Spiffy Spools.
Solid Curtains
Gelby Frienden
Patterns & Prints
Como
Cremona
Colorblock Curtains
Curtain Heading Styles
A curtain isnât complete without its heading, which is the top area of the curtain where it will be hung. Here are some popular types of curtain heading styles that you should become familiar with:
Heading Styles with Metal Rings & Hooks
The following styles are hung using metal rings and hooks. These are the only options that work for curtain tracks, but they can also be used with a curtain rod. They perfectly match more contemporary décor:
- Pinch pleats
- Flat-panel tops
- Inverted box pleats
- Pencil pleats
Heading Styles Sewn Into the Fabric
These heading styles feature eyelets or fabric loops that are sewn into the top of the fabric. No additional hardware is necessary to hang curtains with these heading stylesâsimply slip the heading through the curtain rod, hang the rod, and evenly distribute the fabric to complete the look:
- Grommet tops
- Back tab tops
- Rod pockets
- Tab tops
- Tie tops
If youâd like to learn more about curtain heading styles, explore our Headings Style Guide!
Order Custom Curtains From Spiffy Spools
We hope this ultimate guide on curtain styles and types assists you as you shop for your new window treatments! If youâre ready to shop, order custom curtains from Spiffy Spools today. With over 1,000 fabrics to choose from, we make it easy to design curtains that fit your exact specifications. Explore our site to find the perfect options for your home! And whether you have queries on sizing & pricing, or simply looking for tips to decorate a foyer or kitchen, donât hesitate to contact us with any questions!