If windows are the eyes into your home, then curtains could reasonably be the eyebrows. They protect you from outside impurities and irritants, playing a vital role in regulating the interior. Because of this, you’re going to want what works best for your home, though “best” is a subjective feat that will take much time, research, and understanding.
Curtains are an interesting feature, which the average person probably won’t invest too much time in. The fact of the matter is that curtains regulate sunlight, maintain privacy, and very importantly, contribute to the aesthetic of any room. In this article, we’ll look at various curtain rails and styles, and the function that they play within your home.
Curtain rails
Using curtain rails is one of the most common ways to hang curtains over your windows. These have an interior tracking system, which the hooks sit into and follow for movement. They are typically made of aluminium, can vary in size and colour, and can be used in either residential or commercial settings. A company such as American Track Supply could quickly and efficiently fit these to your windows.
These curtain rails don’t stand out too much, and are mostly hidden behind the top of the curtain itself. Being as common as they are, naturally, they tend to have the best value for money. They can be fitted with glides, which are specially designed for smooth travelling along the tracking.
It is also possible to use rings instead of glides. Curtain rings attach to hooks that are typically located at the tops of the curtains. These are easy to use and straight-forward to attach new curtains to. They are viewed less favourably than glides, for the sole reason that they rely more on dragging—rather than gliding—to move them.
Curtain rods
Sometimes referred to as curtain poles, curtain rods are long rods that sit/hang above your windows. Curtains using curtain rods can be attached in a couple of ways:
- Curtain rings—These are a series of rings which the curtain rod goes through. These are then fixed to the top of the curtain, which holds it in place.
- Curtain headings—This is when there are a number of round holes or rings at the top of the curtain. The curtain rod feeds through, holding them in place.
Curtain rods are typically opted for due to their decorative element. The rod, unlike the hidden curtain tracking, is exposed by design. It is typically of a wood finish, adding style and rusticism to a room. This can also be an easy way to remove curtains, which makes them easier to clean. That point is especially pertinent, as contaminants on curtains are commonly overlooked—potentially putting your household at risk of infection.
Double curtain hardware sets
This is when there are two curtain rails that sit parallel to each other. The point of this is so that you can have two rows of curtains. At the rear (closest to the window) sits a set of sheer curtains. These are the see-through curtains that obscure rather than black out the outside, so as to let sunlight through. The main curtain at the front would typically be thicker, to prevent light and visibility into the home; this option is ideal for the hotter months of the year.
Having two kinds of curtains hanging can have its advantages. Alongside the ability to moderate light and privacy in a home, it’s also possible in tropical climates to add anti-malarial qualities to the rear curtain. These insecticide-treated nets can prevent or reduce malaria-borne bacteria and insects from entering a home.
What kind of curtain options are there?
Different curtains will fit different fixtures. As your choice and placement of curtains can have a huge impact on light levels, airflow, and energy-use of a building, this decision deserves more consideration than many might ordinarily give it.
- S-Fold Curtains: These can connect to curtain rails, and are characterised by their distinctive “S” shape that appears at their heading when they bunch.
- Beaded Curtains: This is when a group of rings have strings attached, which hang down and often have beads along them. These are a favourite for the crafty types, who like to make things at home that are often patterned.
- Tie-Top: These attach to curtain rods, but have bows tied around the rod, rather than having it pass through the rings of the curtain header.
- Pinch Pleat: These attach to curtain rails and bunch at the top when opened.
In conclusion
There are different curtain rail and installation options available, and they each have their own specific features and functions. Curtain rails are the most common option, likely for their practicality and ubiquity; curtain rods can be great aesthetically, with a wooden finish; and double curtain hardware sets provide a sense of dynamism in terms of light, air, and health. It’s important to consider the individual qualities of each before deciding what’s best for your home.
