Curtain Panels - Selecting the Right Curtain Panels for Your Home

Curtain panels factor a great deal in a room's decoration, atmosphere and over all feeling. Given the usual size of curtain panels, a mistake in choosing just the right type may cost you a lot in terms of comfort, aesthetics or practicality.

The first thing you need to decide when you make a selection regarding curtain panels is whether you want them to be stationery or functional. Stationery curtain panels serve as decorating elements only, while functional ones are there to help with the lighting in your room, as well as being pretty, of course.

Then decide on the width and length of your panels. Ideally, the width of each stationery panel should be at least a quarter of the Bracket to Bracket measurement. Bracket to bracket measurement is your window width, plus an added 3" on each side.

Determining panel width for functional curtain panels is a bit more complicated. You want to add left and right overlap (6" in total) as well as left and right return (6" in total) to the bracket to bracket measurement, to come up with the overall finished width.

If you choose to use a non pleated (flat) style for your curtain, then you need to multiply the overall finished width by 2.5. The number you get then is the Flat Panel Width. Divide the flat panel width with the number of panels you wish to have.

Prior to deciding the length of your curtain, you need to choose your drapery pole and decide on where you are going to place it.

The diameter of the pole is important when it comes to calculating the length of your curtain. You need to also decide whether the pole is going to be placed near the top of the window, in the middle distance between the top of the window and the ceiling or nearer to the ceiling.

Standard practice usually mentions measurement to the floor, but you can choose among Graze, Break or Drag and Puddle.

• Graze is using the exact measurement so the curtain just touches the floor.
  
• Break or Drag gives an extra 1 to 3 inches to the curtain for an interesting spill effect.
  
• Puddle is an extra 4 inches or more so the curtain creates a puddle on the floor, giving a sense of comfort.

Curtain styles are definitely not be overlooked. Each of them gives a different accent to your room so you need to consider each one to make a good choice.

Flat panel styles like the grommet and rod pocket look good on a stationery curtain set, especially if you choose a patterned fabric against a wall with solid color. Not to say that they are not good for functional curtain sets however. Fabric with solid, light color or small patterns in a grommet or rod pocket style is perfect to give a room an airy feeling.

Pleated panel (boxed, inverted, Parisian, pencil) styles as well as tab top style are good for bigger rooms as they give volume to the window area.

Accessorizing your curtains gives an extra touch to your overall decor. You can play with the narrow strips on top of your tab top style curtain for example; use different color combination or pattern as well as choosing a unique button for a fastening effect.

Lining your rod pocket style curtain set may also lend a whole different effect. Choosing a different kind of ring for the pleated style is also something you want to consider. Sash and double curtaining (transparent fabric combined with heavier, rich material) give your room an elegant touch.

There are simply so many things to do with your window treatment. Play around and get the best look for your room!