Curtains, however understated they may be, can make a huge difference to any room. Whether it’s the material, the colour, the pattern, the texture (think lace, velvet, etc.) or the shape – getting the right fit and style for your room is hugely important. At McElhinneys we offer a ‘Made to Measure’ curtain, and we can even help you with the measurements, and choosing the best style and fit for your room.
Choosing the right curtains for your space can be tricky, but we are here to help! When choosing the right material, you should consider the size of your room and window. If you have a small room, some bright or neutral coloured curtains can increase the light entering the room and make it seem bigger. With a larger room you could add some heavier colours, textures and patterns to make the most of your space..
You should also consider the colour of your room – is it painted or wallpapered? Do you have a feature wall you would like to match? Perhaps there is a colour you could take and accentuate from the furnishings. If the walls are dark it may be best to opt for a light curtain, and vice-versa for a light-coloured room. These are just some of the things you should consider when picking the right style for you!
How to Measure Your Window
Accurately measuring your window for curtains can be a tricky task, and can be an unsightly mistake if they are measured incorrectly. If you’d like to give it a go at home, here are some tips and tricks I’ve gathered from the Ladies in the Home Department, and my good friend Google!
- Decide on a Curtain Pole or Curtain Track
In general, a pole or track should extend 15-30cm past the edge of the window on either side, this will ensure they can close fully with excess to cover the sides. It should also extend 15cm above the top of the window. These measurements will minimise the amount of light entering the room when the curtains are closed, and have a nice gather when the curtains are open.
- Start your Measurements
Start your window measurements – length and width are the two most important. If you are unsure of how to properly measure, our expert team in-store can help!
- Length – This will depend on where you want your curtains to end. Usually this is either at the window sill, below the window sill, or floor length. We would also recommend adding 2-4 cm to include material above the eyelet.
- Width – Measure the full length of the curtain pole/track, but do not include any decorative ends!
- Choose Your Style
Choose the colour or pattern you love for your room, and let McElhinneys create the perfect pair to suit your exact measurements! We also have pre-cut curtains in a number of styles and colours if you have a standard size window.
Finding The Right Style
- Dark Curtains in a Large Room
If you want to go for a darker colour and use accessories to tie your room together, check out this look from Pinterest. The dark green curtains tie the accessories in the room together, and the light wall colouring ensures there is plenty of light despite the heavy curtains.
- Patterned Curtains for an Eye-Catching Addition
If you want to brighten up your room with a burst of color check out this look from Pinterest. The beautiful feminine, floral curtains add a touch of class and color to this room with other soft furnishings. You can use colors from the pattern on your curtain to subtly match other accessories.
For a similar look, check out these beautiful Aqua Floral print curtains and subtle matching accessories:
- Light Curtains for a Smaller/Darker Room
If you have a small room, or a room with darker colored walls or furniture then light curtains will inject some much-needed lightness into your room! This look from Pinterest of a brown themed room with flowing white curtains is the perfect example. Keep the curtains a neutral color, and with complimentary neutral creams and browns you can subtly match while brightening the room.
Despite being a usually-understated room addition, a good fitting and nicely matched curtain can make a world of a difference to any room.
Let our Homeware experts guide your choice with lots of fabrics to choose from to Create your Own and make them to measure for your room, or choose from our great range of colours, patterns and sizes of ready-made curtains.
Happy Decorating!
- Niamh x
