25 Types of Curtains Must Have For Your Home | Curtain Style | Types of Curtain Tops
Every homeowner would like to dress up their window with gorgeous-looking curtains, shades, and drapes. These window treatments add style and color to any window while maintaining the privacy and preventing direct sunlight from entering the room.
In your home, curtains play a vital role to enhance the interior decoration by their texture, fabrics, styles, colors, and patterns. Curtains are one of the most important home elements to add beauty and aesthetic look to doors and windows.
The primary function of curtains is to block out light and the other purpose is to add decorative accents to a room. You can buy a curtain by the panel or in pairs and they can be installed, sewed, and hung in various ways for different effects.
With different depths, materials, shapes, prints, and colors, curtains set the tone and style of a room. For curtains, you don’t have to choose between function and style; there are many types of curtains for the home that combine functionality with gorgeous aesthetics.
To know about the different types of curtains, we created a simple glossary of the best types of curtains depending on your style and lifestyle.
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Types of Curtains
When it comes to searching for different types of curtains for purchase, there are many factors you are going to need to consider. Like, do you want window curtains for purely decorative purposes? Or how you will be hanging your curtains?
These are all important things to consider to make sure you choose the right type of curtains as per your needs.
If you are going to adding them to your house, take a look at the different types of curtains below:
Types of Curtains Based on Hanging Style and Panel
- Single Panel Curtains
- Double Panel Curtains
- Valance Types of Curtains
- Window Treatment Set
- Window Tier Curtains
- Curtain Liner Curtains
- Window Scarf Curtains
1. Single Panel Curtains
Single Panel Curtains
As the name indicates, in a single panel curtain one panel covers the entire window.
The curtain panel can be pulled to either side to open, and it can be tied back to create a modern and asymmetrical look.
These are at once a modern curtain style and equally timeless style-making those great in most decorative settings.
2. Double Panel Curtains
Double Panel Curtains
Panel pair curtains consist of two separate curtain panels. This type of curtains is popular in classic and temporary styles.
By using a panel pair curtain, you place a curtain on either side of the window.
To close these curtains, you have to pull each curtain panel together. Panel pair curtains are tied back to create a symmetrical look for your window.
3. Valance Type of Curtains
These short curtains normally hang on the top of the curtains. Valance is an optional ornamental addition to the window.
Valance Type of Curtains
Moreover, it is such a nice way to create a finished look. You can either provide a panel curtain and valance set or shop for it separately.
The valance-type curtains can be utilized without curtains if your windows already employ blinds.
In case you don’t like full curtains, valance is a good and preferable look-wise. It will bring a gorgeous flair to the window.
4. Window Treatment Set Curtain
Window Treatment Set Curtain
A window treatment set includes everything you will need to create a full window treatment.
The window treatment set almost always consists of one or two curtains and a valance.
Some window kits also include accessories like tiebacks and a curtain rod, and in a rare case, they include a pelmet.
5. Window Tier Curtains
Window Tier Curtains
Window tier curtains are mostly used in kitchen windows or any window where you want privacy yet still allow light in.
They cover the lower portion of the window but the top part of the window is uncovered.
6. Curtain Liner
Curtain Liner
Liners used in curtains are such a great addition to the curtains. Liners are commonly used to give curtains more versatility.
Many homeowners pair sheer curtains with liners, therefore they have more choices in terms of daylight allowances and privacy.
Moreover, curtains liners provide extra features. For instance, they can be noise-reducing or thermally insulating.
7. Window Scarf Curtains
Window Scarf Curtains
The window scarf is a similar type of valance curtain. This type of curtain includes a long, thin fabric piece that is suspended from the top of the window.
It added elegance to the room and produces a dramatic appearance.
You can fix a curtain rod and then hang your window scarf over it. Another choice is to hang the scarf between two wall brackets.
Types of Curtains Based on Opacity
Further and main consideration in providing curtains is going to be the opacity of your curtains. Different opacity curtains suit the needs of different rooms and applications.
As an example, you might not want light curtains or white curtain styles in the bedroom, where you will likely need to block out sunlight.
- Sheer Curtains
- Semi-Opaque Curtains
- Blackout Curtains
1. Sheer Curtains
Sheer Curtain
Sheer curtains are thin and semi-transparent in fabrics. This curtain provides the most daylight in a room when the curtain is closed.
Sheer curtains also give less amount of privacy, and they serve any additional purpose beyond being decorative. This kind of curtains is most suitable in living rooms and dining rooms. Some of the decorators adding a liner to sheer curtains.
By providing sheer curtains, you can enjoy the beauty of your sheer curtains while also being able to benefit from added privacy and additional features.
2. Semi-Opaque Curtains
Semi-Opaque Curtain
Semi-Opaque curtains are like a combination of sheer curtains & blackout curtains. These curtains allow some daylight into the room even when they are closed.
This type of curtain also provides more privacy than the sheer curtains.
These types of curtains are a popular choice for any application and can be combined with other curtains for greater opacity by hanging them on a double curtain rod.
3. Blackout Curtains
Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains allow a very little amount of light to enter the room when they are closed. These curtains are manufactured by heavier-weight materials and often have built-in linings.
These curtains provide the most privacy, and they often have additional features beyond their decorative purpose. People often use blackout curtains in bedrooms, theaters, or any other area where keeping out natural light is a concern.
Sometimes, blackout curtains are utilized over the sheer curtains to provide additional features and a more polished look than what you can achieve with a simple curtain liner.
Types of Curtains Based on Attachment Style
You have also considered how the curtain attaches to the rod. Depending on the style you are looking to achieve certain attachment styles are going to be a better fit for you.
- Rod Pocket Curtains
- Grommet and Eyelet Curtains
- Tab Top Curtains
- Hidden Tab Curtains
1. Rod Pocket Curtains
Rod Pocket Curtain
Rod pocket curtains feature a pocket that is sewn into the top of the curtain. To hang rod pocket curtains, you feed the curtain rod through the curtain and out the other side of the pocket.
These curtains are popular with a valance. They are also used without a valance to create a casual look.
Usually, a rod pocket curtain will look best in fabrics like cotton or linen. The pocket sometimes features decorative designs like embroidery or ruching.
2. Grommet and Eyelet Curtains
Grommet and Eyelet Curtains
Grommet and Eyelet curtains have big eyelets in the top of the curtain that is reinforced with grommets.
This style of curtains is especially popular in contemporary or modern styles.
Grommet and Eyelet curtains allow you to add a flourish of style in place of the valance.
3. Tab Top Curtains
Tab Top Curtains
In tab top curtains, loops of fabrics are sewn into the top of the curtain. The curtain rod string up through the loops.
Sometimes, these curtains feature decorative embellishment like buttons.
Tab top curtains are most popular in casual styles, and they are used in more contemporary country styles as well.
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4. Hidden Tab Curtains
Hidden Tab Curtains
Hidden tab curtains are like a combination of rod pocket & tab curtains. With this style, the tabs used to hang the certain are kept out of view, behind an additional piece of fabric, which is usually decorative.
The fabric on top of a hidden tab curtain is often pinched to add a level of style.
You can use these curtains with or without valance. Hidden tab curtains are popular in traditional, country, or contemporary styles.
Types of Curtains Based on Curtain Length
The length of your curtains can be a great way to achieve certain styles, and the size of the windows will help to determine the curtain length you need.
Keep in mind that not all curtains are equally suited for all applications.
- Sill
- Apron
- Floor
- Puddle
1. Sill Length Curtain
Sill Length Curtain
This type of curtains is perfect for windows that you open all the time during daylight.
The sill length is commonly a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and smaller window sizes.
Sill-length curtains are hung so that the curtains end even with the window sill, or just above the sill level.
2. Apron Length Curtain
Apron Length Curtain
An Apron-length curtain is a great way to maximize the look of your windows. These types of curtains are utilized in smaller windows, like in kitchens, bathrooms, and some bedrooms.
Usually, the rod is hung a bit higher than the actual window and the curtain extends several inches below the window sill level.
When closed, the apron-length curtains can make your window area appear larger than actual.
3. Floor Length Curtain
Floor length Curtain
Floor-length curtains are great for the floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors. It traditionally breaks just above the floor level, by less than an inch.
Floor-length curtains are also preferable for smaller windows that are rarely or never opened to create the illusion of a floor-to-ceiling window.
4. Puddle Length Curtain
Puddle Length Curtain
Puddle-length curtains are extra-long floor-length curtains.
They are several inches longer than the size of the window and they break dramatically on the floor, similar to the train of a wedding dress.
This style is especially popular if you are looking to create a dramatic or romantic window treatment.
Type of Curtains Based on Materials
Another important factor when selecting curtains is the materials they are manufactured from. Curtains materials serve several purposes beyond being decorative.
Thinner fabric materials are utilized to create sheer or semi-sheer materials while thicker fabric materials are utilized in semi-opaque & blackout curtains. Depending on the materials, the curtains may possess additional features as well.
- Cotton Curtains
- Linen Curtains
- Velvet Curtains
- Silk Curtains
- Lace Curtains
- Burlap Curtains
- Synthetic Curtains
1. Cotton Curtains
Cotton Curtain
Cotton curtain is a favored choice for many different applications. Cotton curtains are semi-sheer, so it lets in lots of light while still providing a moderate level of privacy.
Sometimes, cotton curtains are also layered with other fabrics to create a complete window treatment. You can see cotton curtains in many different styles, and it’s a viable choice for any room in the home.
These types of curtains are also easy to clean, which makes them even more versatile.
2. Linen Curtains
Linen Curtain
Linen curtains are a little bit heavier than cotton curtains, while still maintaining an easy and casual vibe.
The linen curtain let in an average level of light while providing an adequate level of privacy. A linen curtain can be more difficult to clean or wash than a cotton curtain.
This curtain usually not the best choice for dusty environments as the rough texture of linen can act as a magnet for dust.
3. Velvet Curtains
Velvet Curtain
Velvet curtains are another popular material. This curtain is the best choice if you are looking for the most privacy possible.
This heavy material also keeps out drafts & reduces the outside noise. Velvet is the best choice for bedrooms with light-sensitive sleepers.
It is also a special fabric to use to create a more dramatic effect on your windows.
Velvet curtain is usually cleaned professionally as it is a difficult fabric to clean. So, if the maintenance is a concern, you may want to steer clear of this fabric.
4. Silk Curtains
Silk Curtain
Silk is a luxurious, stylish, and fancy fabric that is utilized to produce a broad range of different types of curtains.
It is like a semi-sheer curtain & depending on how thick the silk material is, it may let in lots of light, or a limited amount of light.
Silk is a popular fabric material in classic & contemporary curtains styles. Silk curtain is difficult to clean & usually, requires professional help for cleaning.
5. Lace Curtains
Lace Curtain
Lace is a sheer type of fabric, which makes it a great choice if you are looking to create a light, bright and airy window treatment.
Lace provides the least amount of privacy as these materials letting in the most light.
