How to Select Drapes
Drapes can create many different looks for your home. They can be create a relaxed, inviting feel, or they can create an elegant, rich look. The type of atmosphere you want to create with your drapes is all up to you. There are just a few simple things you should keep in mind when you're shopping for new drapes for your home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Decide how much light you want to have coming into the room. Drapes made of lighter fabrics or sheet drapes will allow plenty of sunlight to come in through your window. Heavier fabrics or black-out drapes allow very little or no sunlight to come in through the window. Bedrooms typically have heavier drapes while living rooms and family rooms have lighter drapes.
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Figure out the look you want to create with your drapes based on your room's decor. Darker colors will create a more formal look, while more subtle colors offer a casual feel. Also, rich fabrics, such as velvet, are more formal than lighter weight fabrics. Make sure the color you choose matches the color scheme of the room.
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Use a tape measure to measure the area from the curtain rod to where you want the drapes to fall. Drapes can either hover above the floor, sit right above the floor or gather on the floor. The length of your drapes will depend on the look you want for your room. Also measure the width of the window, keeping in mind that the width of the drapes may vary depending on how much they are designed to bunch up.
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Decide if you want to use sheers with your drapes. Sheers are made of a light weight material and are often transparent. They go underneath drapes. If you decide you want sheers, try to find drapes that already come with them.
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Select the type of drapes that work best with your room. Drapes come in all different styles, including pleated, rod pocket, tab top, tie top, ring top, grommet and insulated thermal. Each type has its own distinctive look. Choose the one that's most appealing to you.
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Think about the type of hardware you want to have with your drapes. The hardware includes the curtain rod and the piece that holds drapes away from the wall. You can also have ties or tassels on either side of your drapes. Choose the look that goes best with your room's decor. Try to purchase drapes that come with the type of hardware you want.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're unsure about what color drapes to select for your room, choose drapes that are neutral in color and that will match almost any room decor. Neutral colors include cream, beige and taupe.
