How to Design Interior House Curtains

Elegant drapes with a bold design and heavy fabric add drama to a room.

Window treatments are the most important design element of a room after paint color. The style and fabric used for curtains can make a room feel airy, dark, stylish, modern or whimsical. All it takes is a sewing machine, the ability to sew in a straight line and some simple measurements to design custom curtains for the home. Keep in mind the overall style of the room the curtains will be designed for. Read interior decorating magazines for photos of curtains you may like to duplicate.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Notebook
• Interior design magazines

Instructions

1. Take the tape measure and measure the length and width of each window. Also measure height from the top of the window to the ceiling and the top of the window to the floor. Use the pencil and notebook to write down each measurement, labeling each one carefully. If desired, sketch a rough outline of the window shape and placement on the wall. Make a note of how many windows there are in the room and how many are on each wall.

2. Take inventory of the color scheme in the room where the curtains will go. Flip through interior design magazines for ideas on color, design, and texture for window coverings. Curtains can be further customized by adding valances, blinds and trim. A Roman shade window covering will look minimalist, while long velvet drapes are heavier and add opulence and drama. Make sure the style of curtain will match the existing decor of the room and house as a whole.

3. Calculate the fabric requirements. Based on the window measurements, do a rough estimate of how much fabric will be needed. Home decorating fabric is usually 54" wide. A yard, the increment in which fabrics are sold, is 36" long. As a general rule when making curtains, the amount of fabric purchased for each window should be double the width. This allows extra fabric for pleats and folds. Always opt for budgeting more fabric than you think you'll need to be on the safe side.

4. Curtains often are backed by linings which prevent sun from entering the room and damaging furniture or paintings. In bedrooms, blackout lining is often used on curtains to create a comfortable sleeping environment. Decide what kind of lining, if any, will be used for the drapes. Calculate the amount of lining that will need to be purchased. This should be roughly equivalent to the amount of curtain fabric.

5. 

   Bold patterns add interesting design elements to otherwise boring rooms.

   Locate the nearest home decorating fabric store and visit it with measurements in hand. Examine fabrics in the color and texture that will be best suited for the window. Remember a few design principles: vertical stripes can make rooms appear taller, sheer curtains add an airy element, white curtains add a clean look and heavy upholstery fabrics are great for anchoring large rooms with tall windows. Consider a pattern in plain rooms and solid colors in busy rooms. Visualize how each fabric might look. If desired, take samples of fabrics home before purchasing yardage. Purchase the fabric.

6. Once the fabric has been selected, consider and purchase accessories. Does the curtain design call for trim? A contrasting fabric or border? A tassel or fringe tie-back is a popular curtain accessory used to open and close drapes in a room. Trim options range from low-key cording to loops and twirls of metallic braids. Make selections and purchase based on the measurements taken previously. Once the supplies are purchased, the design portion is complete and creating the curtains can begin.

Tips & Warnings

• Fabric can also be stenciled to add a custom design element to curtains.

• Bring a snapshot of the room with you to the fabric store.

• Consider fire retardant fabric if the curtains will be close to a fireplace.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: Curtains and Draperies
• Chiff: Designer Tips for Curtains and Window Treatments

Resources

• HGTV: Curtain Designs and Ideas