Among the many options available for window coverings, curtains are some of the most versatile and cost effective. Curtains come in an unparalleled range of styles, colours, patterns, and textures making it an almost certainty that you will find the perfect for any room. Unfortunately, the variety of curtains available can also make it difficult to choose which are best. This guide will offer a brief rundown of the different types of curtains so you can narrow your search to a window covering that serves your needs and suits your style.

Beaded Curtains

Beaded curtains are a unique style of curtain that creates a contemporary feel that works best with a room for relaxing or entertaining. They feature strings of beads that provide some privacy and they hearken back to the alternative styles of the 1960s and 70s. They may be made from a wide range of materials including glass, acrylic, shell, bamboo, gemstones, mirrors, and other types of beads.

Black-Out

As the name implies, black-out (or sometimes known as block-out) curtains are constructed from heavy, usually electric blinds and curtains dark-coloured materials or fabrics that prevent heat and light from entering or escaping a room. These are a great option for bedrooms or rooms where you want extra privacy and protection from light and heat.

Café Curtains

Commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms, they provide privacy while adding a stylistic element to the room. These curtains are installed inside a window frame, but generally only cover the bottom half of a window. If you prefer to cover the whole window, these may not be your best option, but you can also install a valance from the top of the window.

French Pleat

Featuring triple pleat sections that are pinched at the bottom of the curtain so they spread out at the top, French Pleat curtains provide a more formal style and are great window coverings for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. In order to use these curtains, you will need to install a specially designed curtain rod that keeps the pleats together.

Lace Curtains

While they do not compare to other styles when it comes to privacy, lace curtains are soft, elegant window coverings. Moreover, lace curtains provide more privacy than bare windows but they also allow natural light to pass.

Panel

Panel curtains are designed to hang straight and feature one or more pockets along the top of the curtain through which the curtain rod is fed. These are a great choice if you don’t need or want to open the curtains regularly. In addition, panel curtains are common design choice in modern homes as they provide a contemporary style.