The use of curtains remains widely popular for decorative and practical purposes. The basic definition of a curtain is simply a piece of material suspended from above used as a covering or screen that is often one of a pair. The more practical uses of curtains include blocking any type of light, blocking drafts around windows or doors, or blocking water. There is also a stage curtain that goes up when a show begins and this covers the stage during breaks or at the ending of a show. Many people spend a great deal of time to choose curtains that serve either practical and decorative purposes or decorative purposes alone.
There are several types of curtains to consider depending on the practical use along with the style or decorative way that a curtain will accent a room. One of the more common types of curtains is known as a pole pocket. This curtain is made with a casing at the top of the panel that slides over a rod. This style of curtain eliminates any need for rings. Sometimes the curtain is made with double casings that allows it to be placed over the rod on the lower casing. With this style hanging, the curtain can be pushed creating a ruffle throughout the top casing.
The ring-top curtain is hung exactly as the name states. Typically decorative rings are used to attached to a similarly decorated curtain rod. The rings are placed at intervals at the top of the curtain to show an even appearance.
The tab-top curtain is basic and casual in nature. It is constructed with flat loops of the same material consistently placed along the top of the curtain. The curtain is hung by sliding the loops over a curtain rod without the need for rings and the curtain can open and close without the need of a pull cord.
The grommet-top curtain is casual yet modern. There are large grommets sewn into the curtain at even intervals. A rod is used and goes through the grommets for hanging purposes. The grommet-top curtain is usually a large panel of differing materials and serves as a great light or draft cover.
The valance is a curtain that is used often to cover up rods or other hardware. There are various types of valances such as the waterfall valance, the ascot valance, or an Austrian valance. The type depends on the wanted appearance of the valance to be boxy or to drape across other hanging curtains. They are hung with an additional small rod to cover existing hanging curtains or hung with a bracket that is often attached to a more boxy style valance that surrounds an existing rod with drapes. Valances can also be hung alone above a window for decorative purposes.
Swags are treatments that are scalloped in shape. Several swags might be used on a single window at the top of hanging Cascades or Jabots that are long drapes with angled hems that hang on each side of the window.
The many different types of curtains and materials might appear confusing. However, once the types of curtains are viewed and understood, a decision will become clearer. The use of curtains in any room can add personality and class along with providing a purpose. The additional use of decorative hardware such as a decorative rod or rings can only add character.
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