We see all the new trends, colour palettes, textures from both Australia and overseas, we know what fits with the unique coastal “indoor – outdoor” lifestyle of South East Queensland – which is totally different to say the colder climates of Southern Australia.
Traditionally kept to bedrooms and formal living areas, there’s a growing trend for sheer and motorised curtains in open-plan living spaces. There is a shift to using curtains as a design device, not just a decorative element. Previous trends for curtains focused on them being a feature within a space, whether by bold fabric or heavy treatment The trend apparent now is their use as a tool to enhance the design of a space along with the views beyond. Contemporary, open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas can look fantastic with a sheer curtain to soften the link between inside and outside.
Do you want total black out in the room? (It doesn’t matter what colour the fabric is facing into the room – we can make a white curtain total black out with a lining.)
- The Fabric – do you want a curtain with a separate block out lining, block out coated curtain (when the back of the fabric is coated with a block out layer) and / or Sheers (see through curtains)?
- The Type of pleating
- The Type of track/pole/rod
A Curtain that is “Lined” – has a basic “face” fabric (the fabric that you see facing into the room) The Lining (total block out or part block out) is attached to the head of curtain & sits behind the curtain - window side.
Most linings are poly cotton and have a 3 layer coating in order to provide the blackout quality.
A lined Curtain is the most traditional way to make a curtain and produces the best result. Linings are used for the following reasons:
- They provide structure to the curtains by replicating the pleats in the face fabric.
- They protect your investment in the face fabric from perishing in the sun.
- They provide thermal insulation for the home, keeping heat out in summer and warmth in during winter.
- Because a lined curtain has 2 layers it provides for better insulation.
- Unlined or Block out coated curtains, do not have a separate sewn in lining, but rather have the coating applied directly to the face fabric, so there is only one layer of fabric
The advantage of coated fabrics is that the cost of the curtain is reduced as there is no lining and slightly lower labour cost.
The down side is that the curtains do not drape as well as a lined curtain and can show needle holes (stitching line) with the light behind it.
We are familiar with both types of fabrics and can advise you what works best. We also have some little tricks to provide better results with coated fabrics.
Sheers
Sheer curtains are making a huge comeback – forget the Nanna nets and lace curtains of 20 years ago, todays sheers are elegant shimmery fabrics and natural linen look fabrics. We have an amazing range of sheers, from natural earthy tones, to sparkling bling.
For a totally new twist put the sheer curtain in front of a toning block out fabric… a look that is not only very stylish but very practical as you can have the back track with the block out curtain pulled back from the window during the day to let the light in, with the sheer curtain across the window creating a soft diffused light that stops glare and provides privacy.
Floaty sheers look fabulous and suit all décor styles – they are so elegant in a classical traditional room, but look equally good in a modern industrial or minimalistic setting as they give a softness to an edgy look that can’t be achieved with say a roller blind.
Traditionally kept to bedrooms and formal living areas, there’s a growing trend for sheer and motorised curtains in open-plan living spaces. There is a shift to using curtains as a design device, not just a decorative element. Previous trends for curtains focused on them being a feature within a space, whether by bold fabric or heavy treatment The trend apparent now is their use as a tool to enhance the design of a space along with the views beyond. Contemporary, open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas can look fantastic with a sheer curtain to soften the link between inside and outside.
To read my next instalment to my blog 'All About Pleating Styles for Curtains' - CLICK HERE
By Coleen Radford
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