A Touch of Elegance: Getting Your Curtains on The Right (corded) Track

Curtains can be one of the most effective ways of making a design statement. Draped fabric immediately gives a beautiful, feminine effect and there are a huge number of options in terms of material, colour and design. Here are some ideas how to get the most from your curtains. Material: For a pleasing effect it is essential that the curtains are made from high-quality fabric; they will drape better, last longer and let in less light. Linen in a neutral colour such as oatmeal or grey looks great for a country-cottage look, whereas silk gives a chic, sophisticated feel. Velvet can also be a good choice. It is best to avoid cheap, cotton and man-made fabrics as these will often be very thin. Embroidery and Design: Curtains, along with wallpaper, are one of those elements in a house that can either be stunning or truly, truly hideous. Particular care must be taken when choosing floral designs. That isn’t to say that florals can’t look fantastic, only that it is a fine line between a triumph and a disaster. Go for pretty but not twee, ditsy but not chintzy. If in doubt, a plain colour or simple pattern might be better. Embroidered curtains can look great as well. Perhaps unsurprisingly, complex embroidered designs can be expensive, but the effect is one of pure luxury. There are some simpler patterns available that are more suitable for smaller budgets. Poles and Tracks: Securing your curtains can be a nightmare using traditional methods. The plastic hooks that many people use are fiddly and can fall out. Sometimes draping the fabric directly over a pole works, but it can look messy in more formal settings. One of the best options is to hang the curtains from a corded curtain track or rail. Tracks can be fitted to any shape of window and mean you don’t need to touch the curtains to close them. This stops them getting grubby, which is a big bonus if you’ve invested in a gorgeous silk or embroidered design.