Tips for Your Curtains

Not all windows have to be curtained. The experts tell us that windows by the stairs and areas of decorative glass are best left uncovered, and in some cases blinds may be a better choice. But for the vast majority of homeowners a window without a curtain is shamelessly undressed. Curtains are used to add both height and width to a window and also to add color and perhaps a touch of luxury. Yet there is more to it than decoration curtains keep heat in on winter nights and out during summer days, draughts are reduced and outside noise minimized. Undesirable views outside can be hidden and privacy inside can be preserved.

Buying new curtains means that several decisions have to be made. The curtain rail is probably already in position. Tracks should have 12 gliders per metre, poles require 12 rings per metre. Length is an important consideration, full-length curtains are always elegant but are not always practical. They can overpower a tiny room, can cost the earth in an expensive fabric and there may be a radiator under the window. For most situations the choice is between sill-and apron-length, the experts frown on mid-length curtains which are half-way between sill and floor.

Lining
Lining may not be worthwhile for cheap curtains in some rooms, but it is needed for the main windows. Lined curtains hang better and the fabric is protected from the sun. Cotton sateen is the usual lining material. Heat insulation is improved and early morning light is kept out of bedrooms (use rubberized lining for top efficiency). Most linings are sewn to the curtain fabric but there are advantages in having loose linings which are attached to the heading tape and only tacked to the fabric, they can be washed separately.

Rails and cording
Choose the curtain rail with care, if a pelmet or valance is not to be fitted then the face of the rail should be either decorative or not noticeable when the curtains are open or drawn. The usual choice of rail is a track rather than a pole, and the popular material is plastic. For heavy curtains, however, you should buy a metal track. Ceiling-and wall-brackets are available and there are brands of plastic track which can be bent around corners. For heavy curtains buy overlapping tracks which allow one curtain to pass about 15 cm in front of the other when drawn. A pull-cord to close the curtains will prevent wear and tear through handling, choose a ready-corded rail or fit a cording set to an existing track.

Girder track
The traditional type of track, made of metal or plastic. The gliders run along the bottom of the girder, the track is usually exposed when the curtains are closed and so a pelmet is generally used.

Bottom channel track
The gliders run along the channel at the bottom of the track. Decorative-faced types can be used without a pelmet. Light weight ceiling-mounted versions are available for fitting within the window recess.

Concealed glider track
The gliders run along a channel at the back of the track. Very popular, Swish Deluxe, Luxa-flex etc. Decorative-faced types can be used without a pelmet.

Exposed glider track
The gliders which run along the face of the track have built-in hooks at the front. At the base of each of these glider-hooks is a small ring which can be used to carry a separate lining.

Pole
True poles are made of wood or metal with decorative finials at the ends. Large gliding rings carry small rings at their base which hold the curtain hooks. Imitation poles have gliders attached to the rings and these run along a track at the back.

Covered wire and rod
Expandable wire is the traditional rail for net curtains. It is supported by means of hooks fitted into eyes which are screwed into either the wall or the window frame. Telescopic rods are very useful for putting up net curtains,the rod fits inside the window reveal.