Choosing Curtains

We asked a panel of professionals to share their window-dressing know-how…

Stylists and interior designers will often tell you that curtains can really make a room, but only if chosen with care. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to make your selection – with heading type, fabric weights, length, pattern, colour and practical considerations all needing careful thought. So we asked three pros – an interior designer, a stylist and a curtain expert – to help us out with some professional advice…

ARE CURTAINS EVEN IN FASHION?

‘Curtains are always in fashion in one form or another,’ says interior designer Yvonne Jones. ‘I think living in a colder climate means we like to feel wrapped up and having curtains frames the view.’ Sarita Sharma, a stylist, adds: ‘I think people used to see curtains as an investment buy, but with the availability of such fabulous fabric designs at affordable prices nowadays, you can get a high-end designer look without the price tag.’

WHAT DO THEY ADD TO A ROOM?

‘To me, curtains give a space personality and character,’ says Sarita. ‘I think they can give a room something it’s lacking, whether that’s warmth, simplicity, elegance or drama,’ says Yvonne.

WHAT FABRIC SHOULD I CHOOSE AND WHAT ABOUT LINING?