How to Choose the Right Curtain for Your Dining Room

When you are updating the interior of your home, every element of the design is essential. Even the small details can make a significant difference to the overall look, so you need to think carefully to make sure you make the right design decisions. The soft furnishings are one aspect to consider, and the curtains are possibly the most crucial decision in terms of soft furnishings. Here is how to choose the right curtains for your dining room.

Type and Style of Curtains

The first decision you need to make is the style of curtains you intend to hang, as this will dictate your options. If you have an existing curtain rail and do not want to replace it, you need to choose curtains suitable for that type of rail. On the other hand, if you are willing to change the curtain rail to open your options, then there are many more styles of curtains from which you can choose. Some options include:

• Pencil pleat curtains: These have thin pleats, and they are a versatile option as you can use them with most types of hooks and rails.
• Eyelet curtains: The name of this curtain style comes from the eyes at the top of the curtains that are used to hang them on a curtain pole. Usually, the eyelets have a metal ring inset into the fabric.
• Pinche pleat curtains: The fabric at the top of the curtains is pinched together, with the pleats falling looser towards the curtains’ bottom. You can use these curtains with most types of hooks, rails, and poles.
• Goblet pleat curtains: According to Kwik Hang, goblet pleat curtains are fantastic for formal rooms, such as the dining room. Usually, you hang these on curtain poles rather than tracks.
• Box pleat curtains: Another fantastic option for a formal dining room is box pleat curtains. These have a tailored look with deep and wide pleats.
• Tab-top curtains: You will not need to buy separate hooks or rings to hang tab-top curtains as they have loops of fabric along the top to hang them directly onto the curtain pole.

Color or Pattern

Once you have decided which style or type of curtains you need for your dining room, you need to choose the color or pattern. The color should coordinate with the rest of your chosen color scheme for the room. If you have walls in neutral colors, then you can choose curtains in a deeper, bolder, or brighter color to make an impact. However, if you have walls painted in deeper and bolder colors, you should not choose curtains of the same color. Instead, opt for something lighter or patterned curtains with details in the color of your chosen color scheme.

How to Measure for Width

Making sure you buy the right size of curtains is essential, and buying the wrong size is a common mistake. Therefore, you must measure the windows before ordering your curtains to ensure you get the right size. The width of the window and the curtain’s width are not the same things, and this is where most people make a mistake and order the wrong size. The size of the curtains is wider than the width of the windows to allow for folds. Otherwise, if you buy curtains of the same size as the window, you will need to pull the fabric tight across the window, which does not look visually appealing. The size of curtains is given per curtain panel, not for the full width of all the panels in a pack, says Dunelm. The size of one panel should measure just a little under the width of the window, as this will leave enough fabric for attractive folds. The combined measurement for two panels should be almost double the width of the window.

Choosing the Length

Choosing the right curtain length is also critical, so you also need to measure the length of the window. However, there are options for the length, depending on the look you want to achieve. When measuring for the curtain length, always measure from a couple of inches above the curtain rail position and measure to the bottom of the window ledge. The minimum length for a curtain is so that the lower hem hands just below the window ledge. In theory, there is no maximum length for curtains, within reason. Some people like their curtains to hang midway between the window ledge’s base and the floor. Others prefer their curtains to hang to the top of the baseboards. However, some people like their curtains over-long, so the fabric lies in folds on the floor below the window.

Cost

The cost can also determine your choice of curtains for your dining room, and there are curtains available to suit all budgets. Some factors that impact price include the fabric, the curtain size, the brand, and the type of curtain. Usually, you will pay more for larger curtains that are made from quality materials.

Do You Need Curtains with a Lining?

You also need to decide whether to buy curtains with a lining or not. Lined curtains stop external light coming through the fabric of the curtains. While this is important in a bedroom because light can stop some people from getting a good night’s sleep, it is not compulsory in a dining room. However, The Mill Shop notes that thinner fabrics, such as polyester and thin cotton, can look washed out without a liner. Therefore, you may wish to choose lined curtains to improve their appearance.

Custom Curtains

If you cannot find curtains in your preferred style, size, color, or design, then you do not necessarily need to compromise and go for something that you do not like as much. There is always the option to have your curtains custom-made, although this will cost you more than ordering pre-made curtains.

How to Choose the Right Curtains for Your Dining Room – The Final Verdict

Curtains are a vital aspect of any room’s interior design in your home, including the dining room. There are curtains available in a variety of designs, colors, styles, materials, and sizes. It is essential that you consider each of these factors when choosing the right curtains for your dining room. If you cannot find the curtains you want, there is the option to have curtains custom-made for your dining room.