Choosing the right curtains for your home isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s also about functionality, comfort, and harmony with your living spaces. At DesiCrafts, we believe that curtains do more than just cover windows. They transform rooms. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying curtains, including types, uses, fabrics, linings, and sizing.
Adapting curtains to weather conditions is essential for both practical and aesthetic reasons. During colder seasons, heavy and thermal curtains serve as effective insulators, preventing heat loss and maintaining a warm interior. In contrast, lighter curtains are suitable for warmer weather, facilitating better airflow and minimising reliance on air conditioning.
The choice of curtains also impacts energy efficiency, as appropriate window coverings can reduce the need for heating or cooling. Beyond functionality, changing curtains with the seasons allows for a dynamic and visually pleasing home environment, aligning with the natural light levels and contributing to the overall comfort and ambiance of the space. Additionally, it provides protection for curtains against the potential damage caused by harsh weather conditions, ensuring their longevity and performance.
Curtain Types by Use
Indoor Curtains
Indoor curtains serve multiple purposes: managing natural light, providing privacy, and complementing your interior decor.
Light-Filtering Curtains
These curtains are ideal for rooms where you want to allow natural light without harsh glare. Commonly used in living rooms and dining areas, they soften sunlight while maintaining privacy.
Bedroom Curtains
For restful sleep and enhanced privacy, bedroom curtains are typically paired with blackout or privacy linings:
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Blackout Curtains: These block 80% to 100% of light. Ideal for bedrooms and home theaters.
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Lining: A separate layer of heavy polyester or cotton-poly blend is stitched behind the main fabric. This lining is not the same as the panel fabric.
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Privacy Curtains: These block 50% to 70% of light, perfect for living rooms or guest bedrooms.
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Lining: Often made using the same curtain fabric in a solid color, providing a seamless look.
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Baby Nursery Curtains
Nurseries usually use full blackout curtains to shield the baby from sunlight during naps.
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Design: Soft prints like animals, flowers, and abstract patterns.
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Function: Blocks 100% light; helps regulate temperature and improves sleep quality.
Kitchen Curtains
The kitchen often features multiple small curtain types to suit functional spaces:
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Valances: Short curtains (14 to 35 inches) hung at the top or the bottom of windows for a decorative touch, and sometimes for privacy too.
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Cafe Curtains: Typically 37 to 58 inches long, covering the lower portion of a window to allow light while maintaining privacy.
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Sink Skirts and Pantry Curtains: These are decorative and functional, used under sinks or across pantry shelves to hide clutter.
Outdoor Curtains
Outdoor curtains are designed to withstand weather and sunlight. They are often made from weather-resistant, UV-blocking fabrics like acrylic canvas or polyester blends.
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Application: Used in porches, patios, farmhouses, and ranches.
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Style: Often light and breathable with mid-century modern or tropical patterns.
Standard Curtain Sizes
Curtains come in a range of lengths to suit different window heights and room styles. Standard full-length curtain sizes include are usually in the range of 50 to 120 inches. Where as kitchen and dining areas have lengths ranging from 14 to 40 inches.
When selecting a length, measure from your curtain rod to your desired drop point. For a more elegant, draped look, consider choosing a longer length than your window height.
When it comes to width, a good rule of thumb for a full and gathered appearance is to choose curtain panels that are 2 to 2.5 times the width of your window. For example, if your window is 50 inches wide, aim for a combined curtain width of at least 100 to 125 inches. This allows the curtains to drape beautifully even when closed.
Visual Guide: Curtain Width vs. Window Width
To help you visualize how curtain fullness affects the look, see the example below:
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1x Width (50") – Flat look with minimal gathering
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2x Width (100") – Standard fullness with gentle gathers
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2.5x Width (125") – Luxurious fullness with rich pleats
Curtain Hanging Styles
Curtains can be hung in several ways depending on the hardware and aesthetic you prefer:
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Rod Pocket: Fabric is sewn into a pocket at the top; the rod slides through.
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Tab Top: Fabric loops are sewn at the top; the rod is threaded through these loops.
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Hooks/Rings: Metal or plastic hooks clip onto the curtain, often used with curtain rings or tracks.
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Grommets: Metal rings are embedded in the fabric, giving a modern and structured look.
What We Offer at DesiCrafts
At DesiCrafts, we take pride in offering handcrafted, made-to-measure curtains for every room:
Full-Length Curtains
Available for bedrooms and living rooms in sizes:
58, 64, 72, 84, 90, 98, 104, 120 inches
Kitchen & Dining Curtains
Valances and cafe curtains in sizes:
14, 21, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37 inches
Linings
We offer two types of linings:
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Privacy Lining: Made from the same base fabric in a matching solid color; blocks about 50% to 70% light.
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Full Blackout Lining: Blocks 100% light; available in either heavy polyester fabric or canvas cotton. Customers can choose based on texture preference and room needs.
All our curtains are crafted with attention to detail and designed to bring beauty and comfort into your home.
Need help choosing the right curtain for your space? You can contact us to consult about a custom order, we’d be happy to assist!