Getting Help with Choosing Curtain Accessories
You did your homework and measured all your windows, looked at all the color possibilities and finally came up with what you believe to be a wise and beautiful addition to your home. Have you given any thought to choosing curtain accessories? You thought that purchasing a simple curtain rod would do the trick, but why waste an opportunity to show your fashion sense when it comes to decorating your home? A plain curtain rod might be applicable when you are hanging tiered curtains in your kitchen, but when it comes to hanging your curtains in a master bedroom, living room or other prime room in the house, you can add a lot of pizazz without a great deal of trouble.
Let’s begin with your actual curtain rod. There are so many options! There are round rods in metallics like silver, gold and bronze tones. There are also round rods in various shades of natural (and fabricated) wood. Look around the room where you want your new curtains. Do you think this style is something you would like? If it is, what kind of finial will you select? When you are choosing curtain accessories the final can give a visitor a hint at your decorating style. Finals are those pieces that attach to the end of the rods that make sure the curtains do not fall off. They can be decorative and ornate, or subdued and plain. If you have selected curtains in bold colors or patterns, you would want finials that do not clash with the colors and textures of your fabrics. In this case, less is more.
Now – how are you going to attach your curtains to your rod? Again, you have a myriad of options dictated by your room style and design theme. Perhaps you just want to thread the curtains through the rod and have them gathered at the top. This is perfectly acceptable. Maybe you want to use special round hooks much like you would use on a shower curtain but much larger. Again, these can be metallic, wood, plastic or painted synthetics that match or blend with your curtains. In choosing curtain accessories, if you go for the larger rings, remember than your curtain will drop that much closer to the floor or window sill. If you had originally planned to thread the curtains through the rod, adding rings will add length to the curtains.
How did you plan to open and close your curtains? Even if they are sheer panels, you may want the option of sweeping them back to let in more light or to add a dramatic flair. If you are choosing to tie back your curtains, there are two accessories you need to consider. The first is the fixture you will use to secure your ties. They are attached on either side of the window – and you do want to insure they are even. If they are off just a fraction, it will be obvious. When choosing curtain accessories you will see more options than you discovered in finials. You will see modern looking hardware that has sleek lines in shiny silver and polished pewter. For the formal rooms there are the medallions in gold tones with ornate scrollwork.
If your choice was Country French you will find plain wooden pieces that can be painted to match your woodwork or walls. For Tuscan you may see hardware that resembles wrought iron and for the feminine rooms there are selections with flowers and designs. You probably did not even consider that you would be adding so much flair in choosing curtain accessories.
Finally, what are you going to use as tiebacks? Luckily, some types of curtains come with tiebacks made from the same fabric as the curtains. Here the decision has been made for you. If you purchased panels or curtains that did not have tiebacks, you can choose from an array of colors in tiebacks that resemble rope with tassels, old fashioned macramé, beads and baubles. You will also find hardware that serves a dual purpose. When the curtains are closed, it is a decorative wall piece. However, when it is time to draw the curtains, it serves as a holder. Some decorators like to use just one tieback that pulls the curtain from one side to the other, leaving a nice swag framing the upper portion of the window.
Interested in taking your love of fabrics and curtains further? Only watch if you are ready for change!
