Your Curtain Buying Guide: 8 Shopping Steps
Buying curtains can be a fun and rewarding process, if you like shopping and designing that is. If you don’t like shopping and designing, maybe it won’t be such an enjoyable process, but it still needs to be done. Here’s a few things to keep in mind so you can enjoy the process as much as possible and get to the finish line whether you enjoy it or not!
Measure your windows:
Before you start shopping, measure the width and length of your windows. Do you like a sleeker look, or do you like the bunched and wavy look? Do you like your curtains off the floor, or dragging?
Consider the style of your room:
Think about the style of your room and choose curtains that complement it (if you want, no grief from us if you want to express yourself!). For example, if your room has a modern feel, you may want to choose sleek, minimalist curtains. If your room is more traditional, you may want to choose curtains with a more ornate and flowy design.
Decide on the hanging style:
Decide on the hanging style for your curtains, such as rod pocket, grommet, or tab-top. If you haven’t looking into curtain rod styles yet, you would be surprised at how many different types there are out there to choose! Keep in mind that the hanging style will affect the length of the curtains you need, so make sure to adjust your measurements accordingly.
Choose the type of fabric:
What kind of fabric do you want for your curtains? Heavy fabrics such as velvet or velour can help insulate a room and block out light, while lighter fabrics such as cotton or linen can be more breathable and allow more natural light in. Much of this decision might be made for you when you consider the purpose of these curtains. Will they be simply for looks where the specific material may not matter as long as it fits the look, or are these temperature and light blocking that may need to be a heavier material?
Choose the quality of your curtains:
Are these curtains just to have something on the wall, or are you looking for quality? Depending on location and how much you’ll use them will help you determine whether a cheap set from Walmart will work for you or whether special ordering some curtain sets will be what you need. If you’re going the quality route, look for things like tight seams, well-crafted hems, and sturdy hardware.
Compare prices:
If price is your main concern, you can compare prices at many major retailers. Many major retailers will price match as well, so you might be able to save time and shipping cost by comparing a major online retailer to an in-store option.
Check the return policy:
Before you make a purchase, check the store's return policy. Curtains can look a lot different in your space than they looked online or on the store shelf. If it’s important to you, take sure you'll be able to return or exchange the curtains if they don't fit or you don't like them.
Keep in mind your budget:
A good set of curtains can cost more than many people realize. Will you only be purchasing a single set, or are you redecorating your whole home? Will you be simply changing out curtains you already have, or will you be hiring a service to install curtain rods?
There are lots of things to consider here, but hopefully this list helped you to remember a few points to consider. Are there any important steps or tips we missed? Let us know!
