How to choose curtains
Enjoying beauty means choosing curtains that match your style and your home. Follow our guide.
Choosing the right function
Much more than just a decorative accessory, curtains play a vital role in creating the atmosphere and comfort of your home. Light control, privacy, insulation… each fabric serves a specific purpose. So, how do you choose the perfect function for your curtains? It all depends on your room, your lifestyle, and the atmosphere you want to create.
Choosing the right (and beautiful) fabric
The choice of fabric influences the atmosphere and light levels in your room. Heavy fabrics, such as velvet, cotton, or textured polyester, provide warmth and insulation, while lighter fabrics, such as linen or sheer curtains, offer a flowing, airy feel for a bright, airy decor.
Linen
Natural linen curtains add an elegant and refined touch. With their slightly crinkled texture, they create a trendy look and a warm atmosphere. Linen is a very durable fabric that becomes more beautiful and softer with each wash. Available in lighter weights for a fine, flowing texture or heavier weights for a more textured fabric, linen curtains transform your home into a welcoming and soothing space.
Cotton
Cotton curtains are known for their versatility and ease of care. Available in a wide variety of fabrics—gauze, bachette, velvet, canvas, or jacquard—they lend themselves to any style. From the thinnest to the thickest, from light sheers to rich velvet, cotton curtains suit every interior and every decorating preference.
Velvet
Velvet curtains envelop the interior in a chic and warm atmosphere. Available in cotton or polyester velvet, in fine or thick weaves, they charm with their silky texture and subtle sheen. True allies of comfort, velvet curtains visually warm up the space and provide a subtle thermal effect, ideal for creating cozy and refined atmospheres.
Choosing the right fastener
It’s all about striking the right balance between style and practicality. Functional with grommets, natural with tiebacks, elegant with a gathering tape, or decidedly modern with a wave effect… each finish transforms your curtains into a true decorative feature.
Curtains that complement your home
Need some guidance? Check out our tips for choosing the right size, selecting essential accessories, easily installing your curtains, and enhancing your home with finishes and tiebacks that are both practical and decorative.
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A well-chosen curtain always starts with… an accurate measurement
The key to a perfectly draped curtain lies above all in precise measurements. Width, height, pleating—every detail matters when it comes to elegantly dressing your windows and creating a harmonious atmosphere.
So, how do you take accurate measurements to choose the right curtain size? Follow these essential steps. -
Width: Anticipating the decorative effectThe first step is to measure the width of your window… but that’s not all. For an attractive look and proper coverage, the rod should extend about 20 cm beyond each side. This allows the window to be fully exposed when the curtains are open, while preventing light from coming in from the sides.
Next, you need to calculate the width of fabric required based on the desired gathering or pleating effect:-
For classic curtains: allow for 1.5 to 2 times the length of the rod.
This ensures beautiful waves and an elegant look without weighing the hair down. -
For sheer curtains: allow for 2 to 2.5 times the length of the rod.
Their lightweight fabric requires more volume to create an airy, flowing effect.
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For classic curtains: allow for 1.5 to 2 times the length of the rod.
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The height: a flawless drapeWhen it comes to height, it all starts with the placement of the rod.
It should be placed at least 5 cm above the window to visually lengthen the room and highlight the window.
Next, you have two options depending on the desired effect:-
A clean, modern hem: leave about 1 cm of space between the bottom of the curtain and the floor.
The result: a clean, elegant, and flawlessly executed finish. -
A sharper, more flowing silhouette: add an extra 5 to 10 cm.
The curtain then falls slightly to the floor, creating a cozier and more sophisticated atmosphere.
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A clean, modern hem: leave about 1 cm of space between the bottom of the curtain and the floor.
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What size curtains should you choose for the perfect look ?Choosing the right size curtains sets the tone for your entire interior design. A well-proportioned curtain frames the window, defines the space, and enhances natural light.
Start by measuring the width of your window, then add about 20 cm to each side. This extra space allows the rod to extend slightly beyond the window, letting in plenty of light when the curtains are open.
Next, it all depends on the look you’re going for. For a warm, cozy atmosphere, blackout or sheer curtains look best when they’re generous in size: aim for 1.5 to 2 times the width of the rod. If you prefer a light, airy feel, sheers really shine when they’re 2 to 2.5 times the width, creating a lovely interplay of transparency and movement.
Certain finishes, such as gathered trim, box pleats, or a wave finish, add an extra touch of elegance but visually reduce the width once installed.
Using a little extra fabric ensures that the garment retains a loose, elegant drape. -
Which curtain accessories should you choose to combine style and practicality ?Accessories aren't just technical components—they play a key role in defining the style and look of your curtains.
The classic curtain rod, consisting of a rod, brackets, and finials, remains a reliable choice for adding character to a window. The extendable rod, on the other hand, stands out for its practicality and ability to easily adapt to different widths. For a sleek, contemporary look, the curtain track is a discreet solution, ideal for large windows.
Every style has its perfect match. Panel curtains pair perfectly with ring clips for a modern, adaptable look. Gathering tape offers great versatility, working equally well with a track or a rod. Finally, the trendy wave style truly shines on a track with 360° hooks, ensuring smooth, even movement.
These combinations allow you to create a custom look tailored to any interior. -
How can you easily install curtains for a neat finish ?More than just a practical step: this is when your decor comes to life.
The choice of mounting hardware—a curtain rod, an extendable rod, or a track—already sets the tone for your setup. A curtain rod adds depth and character, while a track emphasizes discretion and modernity.
Next, it’s all about the finishing touches. Panel curtains can be easily hung using ring clips for a clean, modern look. The gathering tape creates elegant, even pleats, while the wave finish offers a perfect, contemporary wave pattern.
In just a few simple steps, your curtains are up and instantly transform the atmosphere of the room. -
How can you hang curtains in a unique and decorative way ?Hanging curtains has become a true decorative touch, capable of bringing out the full potential of your home
For a contemporary and versatile style, panel curtains with grommets allow you to experiment with different lengths and arrangements. Pleated trim, meanwhile, adds timeless elegance with its structured folds. Finally, the wave finish captivates with its fluid and sophisticated look, perfect for a harmonious and modern aesthetic.
These various options offer valuable creative freedom: you can play with volumes, balance proportions, and give your windows a unique character. -
How do you shorten curtains for a perfect drape ?Shortening curtains is a simple process that guarantees a flawless result, as long as you follow a few key steps
First and foremost, it’s recommended that you wash the fabric before sewing, especially if it’s likely to shrink. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises once the hem is sewn.
Next, hang the curtains—while they’re still slightly damp—directly on the rod. They’ll fall into place naturally, allowing you to adjust them to the perfect length.
All that’s left is to finish the hem using iron-on tape: a quick, easy solution that anyone can use, for a clean, elegant, seam-free finish.
How can you easily hem a curtain ?
Anyone can hem a curtain, and it’s an easy way to achieve a neat finish.
Start by determining the desired length, then carefully mark the fold at the bottom of the fabric. Next, slip a strip of fusible interfacing between the two layers.
A quick pass with an iron is all it takes to secure the hem. In just a few seconds, the hem is neat, discreet, and long-lasting—without any sewing required. -
One last tip: don't forget the fabricFinally, keep in mind that some fabrics may shrink slightly when washed. If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to leave a little extra fabric in the hem so you can adjust the length if necessary.