If your living room feels a bit lacklustre, your bedroom is begging for a makeover, or you simply want to add some flair to your favourite space but are unsure where to start with different types of curtains, fear not! We’re here to guide you with a comprehensive list of curtain styles, functions, and the rooms they’ll look best in. Transform your window spaces from drab to fab with these fabric showstoppers.
Curtains by Style
Let’s lift the curtain on the stars of the show. From perfectly pleated panel curtains to sophisticated goblet styles, here’s our comprehensive list of curtain styles.
1. Single-Panel Curtains
Single-panel curtains are a solo star. They’re the main character – the James Dean of curtains, if you will. Single panels come as one curtain designed to cover your entire window, and they are pulled to one side when opened.
- Best for: Single-panel curtains impart a chic, modern look to almost any room. They work optimally in rooms with smaller windows or limited wall space.
- Pros of single-panel curtains:
- Budget-friendly: If you’re managing your finances carefully, single-panel curtains can often be more economical than purchasing pairs.
- Easy, breezy installation: Hanging a single panel is effortless! There’s no need to fuss over perfectly matching pairs – just slide one onto the rod, and your window is instantly adorned.
- Versatile design: Whether your aesthetic leans minimalist or maximalist, single-panel curtains can seamlessly adapt to various design styles, offering remarkable versatility in decor choices.
- Cons of single-panel curtains:
- Limited privacy: If privacy is a high priority for you, single-panel curtains might not provide as much comprehensive coverage as dual panels. You may need to consider layering them or adding supplementary window treatments like blinds or shutters to achieve the desired seclusion.
- Less even light control: Depending on the time of day and the orientation of your window, single-panel curtains may offer uneven light distribution, potentially leaving parts of the window uncovered.
2. Panel-Pair Curtains
Panel-pair curtains are the dynamic duo of drapery (try saying that five times fast!). Panel pairs are sold in… well… pairs, allowing you to position one curtain on either side of your window. You then pull each panel to the middle to draw them closed.
- Best for: These classic curtains can be hung in almost any room where you wish to introduce a touch of grandeur and balanced elegance.
- Pros of panel-pair curtains:
- Symmetry: Having two curtain panels brings inherent symmetry to your space, ensuring everything feels aesthetically aligned and balanced.
- Full coverage: Enjoy enhanced privacy and superior light control with panel pair curtains, as they provide comprehensive coverage when closed.
- Versatility: These curtains seamlessly adapt to a wide array of decor styles, from traditional to modern, and everything in between, making them a highly adaptable choice.
- Cons of panel-pair curtains:
- Space issues: In smaller spaces, hanging panel pairs might feel a bit overwhelming. The “duet of drapery” could visually overpower more modest rooms.
- Budget battles: Doubling the panels might translate to doubling the cost. However, you can still find plenty of affordable styles without compromising on quality or aesthetic appeal.
3. Pencil Pleat Curtains
Pencil pleat curtains are as sharp and polished as a new Staedtler pencil. They earn their name from the meticulously pleated pattern along the header, which—in a shocking twist—strikingly resembles a neat row of pencils.
- Best for: Bedrooms and living rooms that you want to dress up or down, offering flexibility in formality.
- Pros of pencil pleat curtains:
- Adjustable aesthetics: The adjustable nature of pencil pleats allows you to customize the fullness and gather of the curtains. You can opt for a more gathered, casual look or a tightly pleated, formal appearance.
- Tailored charm: Though less extravagant than box pleat curtains, pencil pleat curtains bring a sense of tailored elegance to your windows, adding a polished and refined look to your space.
- Easy clean: It’s typically easy to remove their hooks and machine wash your curtains. Always be careful to follow any specific cleaning instructions provided with the fabric.
- Cons of pencil pleat curtains:
- Hook hang-ups: Dealing with the individual hooks can be a bit fiddly, and achieving perfect alignment can sometimes be a struggle.
- Time-consuming installation: Hanging pencil pleat curtains can be slightly more time-consuming compared to other curtain styles because they often require a more precise look to be achieved.
4. Rod Pocket Curtains
Make like Houdini and get your curtain rod to disappear with the discreet design of rod pocket curtains. The fabric features a channel or fold at the top that is sewn closed to create a “pocket,” which then slides directly onto the curtain rod, giving them their very literal name.
- Best for: Rooms where they are primarily used as decoration rather than for frequent functionality, for example, French doors where you don’t need to open or close the curtains often.
- Pros of rod pocket curtains:
- Effortless elegance: Rod pocket curtains offer a simple and inherently elegant look without the need for additional visible hardware like hooks or rings.
- Budget-friendly: Rod pocket curtains are often quite budget-friendly, making them a cost-effective choice for those looking to refresh their windows without overspending.
- Streamlined look: The rod pocket design creates a clean and streamlined appearance, perfectly suited for those who appreciate simplicity and a neat, uncluttered aesthetic.
- Cons of rod pocket curtains:
- Snagging issues: Curtains where the fabric directly encompasses the curtain rod can sometimes snag when attempting to open and close them. To close the curtain smoothly, you’ll often need to pull from the outer edge and move inwards.
- Limited adjustability: The rod pocket design may restrict the precise adjustability of the curtain length once installed. If you’re particular about achieving an exact length, this could pose a minor challenge.
5. Pinch Pleat Curtains
We know they’re almost too good to be true, but don’t go pinching yourself over pinch pleat curtains! These ever-popular pleated curtains are meticulously stitched and ‘pinched’ at the top to create a formal, tailored look that flows like a dream.
- Best for: Master bedrooms, formal dining rooms, and larger living rooms where a sense of luxury and structure is desired.
- Pros of pinch pleat curtains:
- Easy installation: Their design is relatively simple and straightforward to install with either a headrail or a rod. We typically recommend using a headrail as it often facilitates easier opening and closing.
- Texture and dimension: The distinctive pinch pleats add significant texture and visual dimension to your windows, creating an eye-catching focal point in the room.
- Cons of pinch pleat curtains:
- Higher cost: Achieving the tailored perfection of pinch pleat curtains might come with a higher price tag compared to some other curtain styles due to the intricate stitching involved.
- Excess fabric: The inherent fullness created by the pleats can result in a greater volume of fabric, which can sometimes make it harder to open and close the curtains entirely freely if not appropriately sized or installed.
6. Goblet Pleat Curtains
Become a style sommelier by hanging goblet pleat curtains that embody style and sophistication in every graceful fold. Goblet pleat curtains feature shapes at the top of the fabric that distinctly resemble a goblet or a wine glass.
- Best for: Large, formal rooms with high ceilings, where their elegant and sculptural form can be fully appreciated.
- Pros of goblet pleat curtains:
- Unique shape: The goblet pleats add a uniquely curved and beautifully tailored charm to your windows, creating an undeniably graceful focal point.
- Elegant aesthetics: Goblet pleat curtains exude a profound sense of timeless elegance and refined sophistication, perfect for creating a luxurious atmosphere.
- Cons of goblet pleat curtains:
- Limited adjustability: Due to the delicate and structured nature of the pleats, these curtains are primarily designed to frame and decorate your window rather than being frequently used for privacy and full functionality.
- Formality: The inherently formal look of goblet pleat curtains might not suit every room or decor preference. In more casual spaces, they could potentially feel a bit overdressed for the occasion.
7. Eyelet/Grommet Curtains
These curtains might as well have ‘hassle-free’ written on the front of them. (But our design team has advised us that would look terrible, so we won’t be doing that.)
Eyelet curtains, sometimes referred to as grommet curtains, are a contemporary choice ideal for a modern home. Eyelets are the circular cutouts in the fabric, and grommets are the metal rings that encase these eyelets. These features allow your curtains to glide across the rod with exceptional ease.
- Best for: Pretty much any room, including bedrooms, where you will regularly be opening and closing your curtains due to their smooth operation.
- Pros of eyelet curtains:
- Effortless opening and closing: The reinforced eyelet rings make opening and closing your curtains remarkably effortless, making them a superb candidate for almost any window that sees frequent use.
- Versatile pattern choices: When closed, eyelet curtains lie almost entirely flat, which makes them perfect for showcasing even the most intricate or ornate patterns and designs on the fabric.
- Cons of eyelet curtains:
- Light control issues: When positioned inside a window recess, the circular eyelet rings can allow small amounts of light to filter in even when the curtain is fully closed. For a total blackout effect, it’s recommended to install eyelets several inches above the window recess.
- Budget pusher: Eyelet curtains typically require a larger amount of fabric to accommodate their characteristic folding pattern. This can make the fabric slightly more expensive, but exciting choices are available at every price point.
8. Tab Top Curtains
Bring a slice of holiday bliss home with you with tab-top curtains. These are ideal for those who dream of living on the Mamma Mia! set. They represent a breezy, modern style that is 100% fabric. Whether your decor vibe is beachy, boho, or somewhere delightfully in between, tab-top curtains will be perfectly suited to your taste.
- Best for: Homes and rooms with farmhouse, countryside, beach, or casual contemporary styles.
- Pros of tab top curtains:
- Effortless installation: Hanging tab top curtains is as breezy as the style itself. The fabric tabs easily slide onto the curtain rod, making installation a quick and painless process.
- Casual chic: Tab top curtains exude a casual and laid-back aesthetic, perfectly designed for creating a relaxed and wonderfully comfortable atmosphere.
- Efficient opening and closing: The loops on tab top curtains allow for efficient opening and closing, providing easy access to natural light and maintaining privacy with a simple, fluid pull.
- Cons of tab top curtains:
- Lack of light control: While undeniably stylish, tab top curtains may allow a bit more light to penetrate around the loops at the top. If you strongly prefer a darker room, this could be a minor inconvenience.
- Informal aesthetic: The inherently casual and informal look of tab-top curtains might not be suitable for highly formal or exceptionally elegant decor styles, if that’s the desired ambiance.
Curtains by Function
1. Blackout Curtains
What do vampires, cave trolls, and light sleepers all have in common? They all desire to keep unwanted sunlight out of their bedrooms. Luckily, we have just the thing if you fall into any of the above categories.
These blackout window treatments will effectively block out any unwanted light with their heavyweight fabrics, ensuring you’ll be enveloped in cosy darkness at any time of day.
- Best for: Bedrooms, home cinemas, and guest rooms. They are also perfect for shift workers who need to sleep during daylight hours.
- Pros of blackout curtains:
- Lights out: Blackout curtains excel at blocking light, creating a deep, dark, and dramatic ambiance. They are perfect for movie nights, midday naps, or establishing a truly cosy sleep sanctuary.
- Privacy protectors: Blackout curtains provide an exceptionally high level of privacy by completely preventing outsiders from seeing into your room, making them ideal for bedrooms and any spaces where privacy is paramount.
- Cons of blackout curtains:
- Heavier fabric: Blackout curtains are typically made of heavier, denser fabrics, which can be somewhat challenging to handle during installation. Ensure your curtain rod is robust enough to adequately support the weight.
- Constant darkness: While they excel in creating darkness, blackout curtains can indeed transform your room into a bit of a Batcave during the day. If you generally enjoy natural light, consider pairing your blackout curtains with blinds or shutters for daytime flexibility.
- Browse Blackout Curtains
2. Thermal Curtains
Like Goldilocks, you don’t want to be too hot or too cold. You want your space to be just right. That’s precisely where thermal curtains come in. These thick curtains are designed to keep the cold out and the warmth in during winter, and conversely, they help to keep things cool in summer.
- Best for: Effectively regulating the temperature in almost any room throughout the house, contributing to year-round comfort.
- Pros of thermal curtains:
- Climate control: These curtains actively help regulate room temperature by blocking out cold drafts in winter and preventing excessive heat ingress in summer.
- Energy efficiency: By significantly reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling, thermal curtains can contribute to substantial energy efficiency, helping you save on utility bills and reducing your environmental footprint.
- Cons of thermal curtains:
- Heavier fabric: Similar to blackout curtains, thermal curtains are often constructed from heavier fabrics, which can be somewhat challenging to handle during installation. Ensure your curtain rod can securely support the weight.
- Darker rooms: Due to their insulating properties, thermal curtains might block more ambient light than other curtain types. If you strongly prefer a brightly lit room, this could be a consideration for your overall lighting scheme.
- Browse Thermal Curtains
FAQs
What are non-eyelet curtains called?
Curtains without eyelets are commonly referred to as ‘rod pocket curtains’. In these curtain styles, a pocket or sleeve is meticulously sewn along the top edge, allowing the curtain rod or pole to be threaded directly through. This design creates a naturally gathered and often subtly pleated look along the top of the curtains.
Which curtain style is best?
The best curtain style is entirely dependent on your specific needs, functional requirements, and personal aesthetic preferences. For a classic and timeless look, rod pocket curtains offer a simple yet elegant option. If you prefer a more modern and streamlined appearance, eyelet curtains provide a contemporary touch with easy operation. Thermal curtains are an excellent choice for enhancing energy efficiency and achieving better climate control within a room. Ultimately, the most suitable style is the one that seamlessly complements your existing decor, effectively meets all your functional requirements, and perfectly aligns with your individual aesthetic taste.