A fabric with a pretty pattern is a great way to dress up a window with an uninspiring view. Use plain fabric for two-thirds of the length, with the panelled pattern on the lower third.

Create visual separation between the two with a ribbon braid, finishing off with a trim below. An eyelet heading on a pole means the fabric won't fold up, so the pattern can be seen clearly.

Keep the curtains to sill height so they hang properly, draw easily and don't block heat from the radiator.

Stylist's tips

Choose a plain fabric in a paler contrasting colour and trim the join to make the print stand out.

A length of pretty beaded trim in a complementary colour makes a pair of sill-length curtains feel more glamorous.



A wide Tempo heading pleat makes curtains fall in soft, regular waves, so they will always look just right.

Team it with a sleek, modern suspension rail that the curtains glide below – that way nothing will distract the eye from the even perfection of the waves.

Let the curtains sit flush with the floor so they'll look neat open or closed.

Stylist's tips

A cut-velvet pattern adds a luxurious edge to this otherwise pared-down window treatment.

Tempo heading tape creates perfectly even waves, uninterrupted by gathering fabric or curtain rings.



A curtain with a leading edge is a real show stopper. A contrasting fabric from the back of the curtain is continued to the front, and simple holdbacks allow even more of it to be on show when the curtains are open.

Use a simple pencil pleat and an unfussy pole to keep all the attention on the curtains themselves.

You can enhance the effect of this stunning treatment by choosing a pole that's slightly wider than the window, which tricks the eye into thinking that the window is bigger than it really is and allows you to hold the curtains back without blocking light.

Stylist's tips

A satin-finish fabric for the leading edge gives it even more attention-grabbing shimmer.

If you're using a busy print on the curtains, stick to a pole and holdbacks that are as simple and streamlined as possible.



For a contemporary take on a traditional curtain finish, use a small pelmet that picks up one of the colours in the curtains.

It gives a sophisticated finish to a bay window and means you can use plain curtain track around the bay as it will be concealed by the pelmet.

Team it with a curtain in a pinch pleat heading that creates regular gathers for an equally understated effect. A pair of holdbacks that match the pelmet is all that's needed when you want to draw the curtains back and let in maximum light.

Stylist's tips

For a hotel-chic window treatment like this, choose striped satin for a tailored look and give the pelmet a touch of decorative detail with a fringe trim.

Use plain track in a bay so the curtains will run smoothly, but hide it away behind a stylish modern pelmet.



A clever double pole design means you can hang both a sheer and a curtain around the bay window, but draw them independently.

Brackets normally get in the way of curtain rings being pulled around a bay, but this design uses passing rings that allow the curtains to be drawn all the way round.

A standard heading tape left ungathered on both curtains creates a soft, informal effect. Keep the sheers sill-length for a neat finish and go for floor-length curtains to create real impact in a bay.

Stylist's tips

Team a bold, modern, floral curtain fabric with a floral patterned voile for a modern take on a curtain and sheer.

A double bay pole with passing rings is the neatest option if you want a curtain plus sheer.




A pair of curtains hung centrally, plus a curtain to each side of the bay, makes an opulent alternative to a single pair of curtains.

A flat-faced pole in a wood-effect and metal finish is a feature in itself – use a suspension-rail system so that the fabric gathers neatly below the pole and doesn't hide it.

Position a holdback for each curtain two-thirds of the way up the window, so the curtains can be draped across the top part of the window when drawn open.

Allow plenty of length on the curtains so they pool on the floor to complete the lavish look.

Stylist's tips

Repeating the colour of the curtain pole in the fabric's trim pulls the whole look together.

Hang curtains from a suspension-rail system if you want to show off a stylish bay pole as well as the curtains.




Roll-up blinds are a fuss-free way to dress a bay. Go for a bold pattern that can be seen in all its detail and choose a complementary plain fabric for the back of the blinds so your window looks good from outside, too.

Combine with an attractive pole around the bay and narrow dress curtains at either side. These provide a soft framing effect for the window, but can't be drawn closed.

Snap-together rivets attach the curtain fabric to the pole for a neat, modern finish that doesn't require heading tape.

Stylist's tips

Choose the same fabric for the dress curtains and the back of the blinds, as this will be on show when you roll them up during the day.

Every bedroom deserves beautiful window curtains. They don’t need to be something which just keeps out the light so you can get a good night’s sleep!
The bedroom is a room where you can be yourself so it’s great if the whole décor makes you feel relaxed and happy. Here are eight ideas for gorgeous classic bedroom curtains.

Choose floor length curtains for your bedroom and pinch pleat or goblet headings to give a feeling of opulence using the fullness of the fabric. Alternatively a simply heading on the curtain topped with a valence or pelmet would also look good.
For more privacy during the day add a sheer voile under curtain on a rod across the top of the window. You can now buy voile in many shades and patterns but choose something subtle but with great detail for an understated yet pretty look.
Plain curtains are often less expensive than patterned fabrics. Give them the designer touch with an expensive trim such as beading or fringing in a contrasting color. Trim your tiebacks too using the same edging.
You can add a contrasting border to a plain curtain with wide plain or velvet ribbon. A double border using two ribbons of different yet toning colors and widths look good too.
Nothing looks cheaper than curtains which are not full enough – always go for a cheaper fabric which drapes well and provide more volume rather than a more expensive fabric where you have to compromise on the width of curtain panel or length of curtains. If two and a quarter to two and a half times the width of your windows is required for a particular look go for two and a half and don’t think two will do!
Instead of plain white or cream linings add a pretty contrast lining which you can show off by tying the curtains back to the sides of the windows. If you use tie tops you can even use these as reversible curtains.
If you have a narrow window you can add a simple swag with a length of hemmed fabric looped over a curtain rod and loosely stitched into place. Hang the curtains themselves on a separate rod so that the swag does not get in the way of operating the curtains.
Don’t spoil the effect you are looking for by using plain curtain rods. Choose rods which come with or have the option of great finials – you can get these in many shapes and materials and consider using matching holdbacks if your curtains don’t have tie backs.
Article Source: ezinearticles.com