Clever curtaining
Curtains remain one of the most popular choices in window coverings. It can create a dramatic or calm, formal or relaxed atmosphere, completely changing the feel of a room. According to Lizchen Swart, an interior decorator from Durbanville in the Cape, curtains are particularly effective in large rooms, although every home, room and owner is different. "People who prefer a more traditional or classic feel often tend to prefer curtains to blinds. Curtains are also ideal for windows or sliding doors that are opened and closed a lot, as blinds can easily be damaged by the wind or the constant traffic."
Bought or bespoke?
"If your windows are of a standard size and your budget is limited, buying ready-made curtains is the solution. Shops buy curtaining in bulk, making it much more cost-effective. It is also better to buy curtains for the children's room, rather than have them made up. Firstly, there is an enormous variety to choose from and it is much cheaper to replace them every few years as your child grows up," advises Lizchen. If you do buy, make sure you purchase the right curtains for the right room. In the TV room and bedroom, for instance, you need thick, heavy curtains that block out the light once closed. Also make very sure your measurements for length and height of windows and sliding doors are correct, or you might end up with curtains that are too narrow or too long. Lizchen feels that as soon as one has to start changing a readymade curtain to fit a window, it is better to have curtains made up to the exact size. Many people make the mistake to hanging standard width curtains in front of a wide window or sliding door and then simply relaxing the gathers at the top a bit. Unfortunately this ends up looking a bit spare. Rather save up and have the curtains made once you can afford it – even just for the bedroom and living room. Bespoke curtains are unique and this is a wonderful opportunity to put your personal style stamp on a room. Bear in mind though, that you have to put as much thought into a bespoke curtain as you would into the purchase of a new piece of furniture, as you will have to live with it for many years.
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