This feature is aimed at those of you thinking of
making your very first pair of curtains. However, if you already have some experience but
are keen improve your curtain making skills and progress onto something a bit more
elaborate, then read on! |
Before you rush off to the shops to buy face fabric and the
other materials you think you will need, take some time out to plan your task thoroughly.
Our Design Index should be useful in helping you to make your initial design and colour
choices. Making a successful pair of curtains involves a lot of planning, and getting
things wrong can prove to be a very expensive business! Here we have highlighted a few key
pointers taken from our practical 2 part guide TEACHYourself CURTAINS to help put you on the right track. |
| Consider your design options |
You probably already have some idea of the style of curtains you would like
to make. Before you make a firm decision though, take the time to look through your
favourite homestyle magazine or visit a few ‘show homes’, as these are sure to
give you some new and inspirational ideas. Remember that you should always consider each
room in the context of your home as a whole, so with this in mind, begin by asking
yourself the following questions: |
In which room is the window
located?
Consider this question bearing in mind
both the type of atmosphere you would like to create and the function of the room.
Drawing rooms are usually more formal, whilst sitting rooms are more relaxed and
functional. Dining rooms can be dramatic and yet bedrooms can take a softer more feminine
look. On the other hand, a window in a study can be very effective if given a more
masculine, tailored look. |
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What size of
window are you tackling?
It is important to take into account not only the function and
style of the room but also the size of the window. Getting the scale of the window
dressing right will help to guarantee success. See our top tips below: |
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- When making a valance or stiff pelmet to hang
above a pair of curtains, a sixth of the overall curtain drop is the ideal
proportion.
- If you are dealing with a small window,
curtains may not be the best option. You may wish to consider a lambrequin teamed with a
roman or roller blind.
- Remember that lambrequins are only suitable for small windows (usually involving only one width of
fabric), and they are most effective when the height of the window is greater than the
width.
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In
which direction does the window face?
Always consider the position of the sun. South facing rooms get
the sun all day and some fabrics will fade over time if exposed to strong sunlight. It is
best to steer clear of using silk fabrics in very sunny rooms. North facing rooms are
generally dark and can feel cold as they get little sun. In this case, a brighter colour
scheme may be the answer. However, bare in mind that sometimes it is better to enhance
what you already have, rather than to try to change it drastically! |
What
about colour and pattern?
Colour is really important as it affects our mood, so give some thought to the look
and feel that you would like to create. |
- Beware of using a strong, plain, dark colour
for your curtains next to a light coloured wall, as this can often create too strong a
statement.
- If you are set on a darker tone, but would
like to reduce the impact, then why not select a contrasting border or trim that
co-ordinates with the wall colour, or choose a fabric that combines the darker colour with
a lighter shade.
- It is also a good idea to avoid using large
patterns on small windows in small rooms, as the scale can be overpowering.
- Small patterns or self patterned fabrics work
extremely well in smaller rooms, as do checks and stripes.
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Are
there any problems you might encounter with the position and design of the window?
Is there a radiator underneath the window sill? If so, is there
a reasonable gap between the bottom of the window and the top of the radiator? Some modern
fabrics are very unstable if positioned near radiators and will react adversely to heat.
Such fabrics can become distorted or shrink. In this case think carefully before putting
long curtains that will frequently be drawn over windows with radiators underneath them.
Dress curtains and a blind may be a much better option. |
How do I go about visualising my curtain design?
A handy tip is to sketch out your window treatment to scale on a piece of
graph paper. This will help ensure that you have the correct proportions and is
particularly useful when planning a valance or pelmet to complement your curtains. If you are looking for more design ideas we will soon be adding a new section
to our Design Index focusing on understanding window dressing
designs. In the meantime, don't forget to check out a range of different homestyle and interior design magazines for
inspiration. There are also a number of great interactive design tools available online,
we have highlighted a few here. Happy
hunting! |
| Next
Steps |
| We hope
these tips will help give you the confidence to take your curtain making project to the
next stage. Firstly, you'll need to make sure that you have all the right sewing tools and
materials including for example: a suitably large work surface, a metal ruler and/or
L-square for accurate measurement, tailor's shears for cutting out (good quality sharp
scissors are a must!), and the correct weight of thread. We have provided a handy check
list of basic sewing equipment in our free
introductory sewing guide which you can download from SimplyFurnishings.com in just a
few seconds. The guide also includes practical instructions on how to achieve a range of
basic but essential stitches and seams that you will need when making curtains or other
soft furnishings. View and print the 30 page guide now or save it to disc for later, it
should prove an invaluable addition to your sewing workroom! |
| If you would like some
help with the more practical aspects of curtain making, our two part step-by-step sewing
guide is available in print or on a comprehensive CD ROM alongside other soft furnishings
projects - it could be just what you're after. TEACHYourself CURTAINS can be
ordered online in just a few minutes and delivered to you anywhere in the world! The guide
provides comprehensive, easy to follow instructions and illustrations that will enable you
to make your own lined or interlined curtains in a range of styles. |
| One last
tip, make sure you take your time over the preparation stage and plan thoroughly to avoid
mishaps! Good
luck!
Wendy Molnar |
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articles: |
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