Curtains have had a rough go of it in recent years. Not so long ago, they were the epitome of elegance and formality. They made the room look grand and well appointed. It was hard not to notice them. Of course, we’re not in the twenty-first century anymore, but that doesn’t mean that contemporary home design has given us any slack. In fact, we’ve got even more choices now than we did even ten years ago.
What are curtains for in your contemporary home design? The answer depends upon who you ask. Some people say that they’re just functional, while others insist that they’re fashionable and nice to have around. If you’re on the fence about contemporary home design curtains, here’s a handy way to determine whether or not they’ll really do the trick for you. Ask some questions and make some decisions.
What kind of material are the curtains made of? There’s a wide range of styles and materials, so you can choose between heavy velvet and sleek, thin vinyl. You might also like to invest in those pleated silk kinds that seem to be all the rage right now.
What sort of decor are the curtains in? Do they fit in with the rest of the contemporary furnishings you have in your home? Some modern furnishings are very bold, with very simple lines and geometric shapes. Other modern curtains are sleek and delicate, with barely a hint of frills. You don’t want to overpower the room with a bold design, so choose something subtle.
Do you like traditional styles better? If so, then you’ll probably gravitate toward antique looking curtains. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to use old-fashioned decors, as long as you keep in mind how intricate and stylized they can be. Choose contemporary home decor with caution if you’re used to using fancier and more modern designs.
Are curtains out of style because they don’t work with your current layout? Modern homes often come with different layouts, so it’s not uncommon to see an outdated curtain style in a contemporary home. Sometimes it’s the shape and the size or both that make a difference, so measure your space before purchasing a new set. It’s likely that you can find replacement hooks and rods or other accents to use in the place of the old ones.
Does the curtain stand out too much? Sometimes people are afraid to buy contemporary home accessories because they feel like they won’t fit in with the theme. The problem is that contemporary home curtains can easily be incorporated into any design scheme. For example, an elaborate curtain design in a contemporary home might not match a minimalist design. A colorful and detailed lace curtain for an antique house might not go well with an ultra-modern kitchen.
Have you considered putting up new curtains instead of keeping your old ones in place? Often times you don’t have to spend a fortune to change the look of your home. Simply pick up some curtains in a new color or pattern and give them a few shakes. You might be pleasantly surprised by what a difference it can make!
If the old curtains aren’t worth tossing, consider reviving them. Many stores stock pre-made fabric pieces that you might be able to combine with your own fabrics. This might give your old curtain a modern update without spending a lot of money on completely new items.
If you feel like you’re ready to chuck your old curtain in, take a trip down to your local blinds store. Many retailers sell accessories that can turn your old curtain into something entirely different. Mirrors, for instance, can instantly make a room look larger or smaller. Specialty blinds will cover up the windows completely, so they’re out of sight. Even if they aren’t really decorative, they can still be useful. Dust filters are a wonderful purchase for anyone who loves to sleep in on the weekends but hates the look of morning sunlight streaming through the windows.
While you’re at the blinds store, ask the associate if they have any accessories you can attach to your old curtains that will give them a new look. Many retailers now offer tieback strips or sash cords to attach to your curtains to ensure that they don’t fall off. Even if your curtains haven’t changed in decades, they never should look outdated. Try something new. No matter how old the curtain is, it can always look contemporary by updating its look with a few new accessories.