Dark or light curtains: the right choice depending on the characteristics of the room

Curtains have always been a prominent part of any room decor. In addition to practicality, they add a touch of elegance to the room. However, when it comes to choosing the right window treatment, there are various aspects to consider. Undoubtedly, there are personal preferences in this sense. But are you sure that your preferences coincide with what designers say on this matter, especially when you have to choose between lighter and darker shades of curtains?

Stay with us and we will reveal to you the main features of each category in parts and the aspects that you should rely on. We suggest you prepare yourself as we have a lot of information to share with you. We will provide you with only useful and direct ideas that will help you find a balance between your preferences and the right choice of curtains in dark or light shades.

Dark or Light Curtains: 3 Initial Steps to Consider

• Curtain function . Lightweight curtains are best for rooms exposed to direct sun as they will not fade from the sun. At the same time, dark curtains tend to fade faster. Additionally, light-colored curtains are a better option for summer because they don't attract as much sun as dark ones, thus keeping the room cooler. On the other hand, dark curtains are easier to maintain because stains are not as noticeable. In addition, this type of curtain is the best option for the bedroom if you want privacy or sleep during the day. In the latter case, dark curtains will block daylight. However, when it comes to summer, dark curtains absorb heat. Thus, it is inconvenient if you also want to sleep in a cool room.
• Trimming curtains . The lining serves as an additional layer of fabric, reflecting heat and reducing fading. This is especially true for curtains with good lining. Speaking of color, it should be noted that this type of curtain will filter daylight regardless of the shade, which means that this feature is common to both dark and light curtains.
• Appearance of curtains . Lightweight curtains will never go out of date. They increase the size of the room and make it larger. In addition, they serve as an excellent backdrop for dark objects in the room. On the other hand, dark curtains can add a little drama to a room and add a cozy feel to any room, especially large ones. It should be noted that the presence of dark curtains in your room will make you forget about dust for a long time, which does not have such a strong effect on this category of curtains.

Sun protection films

Glass film is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to protect a room from heating up under the influence of sunlight.

Removable window tint

There are several types of films:

1. With a mirror surface for gluing from the inside. The reflective surface is directed outward, but from the inside it darkens the glass - the degree of darkening depends on the characteristics of the specific brand of film;

   
   Mirror film

2. Reflective and impact-resistant films that are glued to the outside of glass. This type performs two functions at once, while looking from the inside exactly the same as the first;

3. Tinting spatter film. It is capable of not only creating a comfortable level of illumination on the balcony, but also reflecting ultraviolet rays thanks to a coating layer of refractory metals.

4. Decorative film

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The first option is the most affordable of all. It can be used, for example, only in summer, and removed from the glass in winter, thus regulating the seasonal temperature of the room and its illumination.

Light curtains: main features and practical tips for choosing

Undoubtedly, light-colored curtains have both positive and negative sides that need to be taken into account. We would like to draw your attention to both categories so that you are fully informed when it comes to your purchase. First of all, I would like to note the positive side.

• Light shades of color such as beige, grey, white, soothing blue are always in trend and you will always be on trend if you choose any of them;
• Most of them have a delicate structure like lace that beautifully decorates the room, making it look larger and adding elegance to the decor of the room;
• They appear more transparent, allowing a clear view of the outside, which enlarges the room and adds a new element to the overall image of the interior;
• These curtains will suit almost any room decor, as neutral tones serve as the perfect backdrop for any decorative elements.

• Light curtains get dirty more easily, and even the smallest stains will be visible on them. Therefore, they are more difficult to care for. Additionally, there are certain types of fabrics that can only be dry cleaned. Of course, you can find this information on the label.
• They are usually hung in low traffic areas to reduce the amount of dust that is quickly absorbed by them. So, if you live in an apartment with fewer rooms and don't want to clean your curtains often, we suggest you consider another option.

Combinations

To reduce light transmission, curtains are combined. The following types of combinations are used.

• Thick curtains and tulle. Collectively thicker than one curtain. Retains 40% - 60% of light (depending on the material and density).
• Curtains and roller blinds. Provide protection from bright light in different conditions. Rolls provide almost complete darkness. Curtains let in more light, making them suitable for cloudy days.
• Blackout and roller blinds. Blackout is suitable for summer as it does not allow heat to pass through. Roller blinds - for other seasons or cool weather.

Dark curtains: main features and useful tips for choosing

As mentioned earlier, there are also two sides to this category that you need to consider if you want to make a balanced decision. As a starting point, we would like to draw your attention to the benefits of dark curtains.

• This type of curtain is the best choice if we are talking about a large house. Since large rooms tend to create a formal feel, dark curtains greatly reduce this serious feature and add a cozy feel to a room with high ceilings and large windows.
• Dark curtains are ideal for rooms with fewer decorative elements as they fill up the space and make the room feel complete. If you choose this type of curtain, be sure to balance the colors.
• When it comes to a particular color, you have many options to choose from. Therefore, dark curtains can fit into almost any room interior if they are successfully combined in color.
• They are easier to care for because they don't stain as often and even if there is dust on them, it won't be as noticeable. Additionally, most dark curtain fabrics can be cleaned normally and do not require any additional steps.

• Dark curtains can be hard on the eyes and overwhelming if we're talking about small spaces, as they tend to attract too much attention;
• They block out most daylight and make the room appear darker and cooler if that's not the result you want;
• Playing with dark colors is not so easy, because the slightest mistake in this sense can ruin the entire decor of the room;
• Dark-colored curtains can only be combined with neutral colors, so it is impossible to choose this option if you already have brightly colored walls.

Installation features

There are different types of fastening curtains that darken curtains:

• fixation on the cornice, in this case 2 curtains are provided, they can be purchased as a set;
• mounting on a shaft, as a result, non-transparent products fit more tightly to the wall/frame (depending on the installation method);
• The use of the “mini-roll” design is a compact product designed for mounting on the sash and fixed to the frame.

Blackout curtains - pros and cons

If you no longer want to wake up to the feeling of sunlight dancing on your eyelids, you might want to invest in a set of blackout curtains. Blackout curtains often refer to drapes that are made from thick, double-lined fabric. Blackout curtains are designed to completely block light, and the only light entering a room with these curtains is through the cracks around the window.

You can prevent light leaking around the edges by accurately measuring the window before purchasing curtains and consulting with a professional to ensure proper installation. You may also want to consider installing layers of window treatments if you want maximum darkness in the room.

Overall, if you want the room to be as dark as possible, blackout curtains are the best choice. These types of curtains can be ideal for a bedroom, nursery, home theater, or any room used for sleeping or relaxing in the middle of the day. If you own a hotel, restaurant or other business and want to provide optimal privacy for your guests, you can't go wrong with blackout curtains.

The benefits of blackout curtains

The biggest benefit of using blackout curtains is that they block light better than any other curtain. Other benefits of blackout curtains:

• Blackout curtains improve energy efficiency by helping to insulate a room.
• Blackout blackout curtains also help dampen outside noise.
• Blackout curtains are available in a variety of colors and sizes.
• Because you can't see through at all, blackout curtains improve privacy better than other types of curtains.
• Blackout curtains block the sun's rays and therefore protect the surfaces in the room from fading.
• By using blackout curtains in your room, you can eliminate glare from TV screens and computer monitors and improve your viewing experience.

Cons of blackout curtains

While blackout curtains are a great choice for bedrooms or other rooms designed for relaxation, they may not be the best option for everyone. Here are a few disadvantages to help you decide if blackout curtains are right for you:

• Blackout curtains can make a room appear black, meaning you'll have to rely on electric light sources to see.
• Blackout curtains are heavier than other types of curtains and require a durable curtain.
• While blackout curtains can be custom-made to match any color scheme, they are otherwise usually available in dark shades, which may or may not match your style.

SELECTION AND USE OF TRANSPARENT CURTAINS

Sheer curtains are often overlooked as a window treatment, but they are actually quite versatile. Light and airy, they are highly functional and are able to filter and diffuse light throughout the day while maintaining privacy. But because they can be made from several different types of fabric, available in a variety of colors and pattern options, you can also achieve very different looks with sheer curtains.

Here are our tips on which rooms to try sheer coverings in and how to hang them for different effects:

Blinds.

The standard type of blinds is a single color. The slats can be positioned vertically or horizontally.

There are photo blinds where the background is very realistic. And if you use photoblinds in decoration, you can always create a good mood with the help of a picture with a waterfall, cityscape, flowers, nature, and you will create the feeling that this nature is around a person.

Photoblinds in the interior

Standard size blinds are enough for regular windows. They cover the entire height of the window from sunlight.

The blinds consist of:

– cornice; The cornice is attached above the window space.

– planks; Using the handle, we open and close the slats that do not allow the sun's rays to pass through.

- chain; Using a chain, you can lower the slats or raise them to the top, you can also fasten them in the middle of the window;

– control handle;

Standard blinds scheme

Application.

Blinds are mainly used on balconies, kitchens and offices.

Blinds in the kitchen interior

Care:

Dust always forms in apartments and country houses, and this is very noticeable on blinds. Getting rid of dust on blinds is not at all problematic. Let's look at several ways to care for blinds.

Option 1. Remove the entire structure and wash it in the bathroom, then wipe it with a dry cloth and hang it back on the window.

Option 2. Take a wet rag and a special nozzle and wipe each row (each plank) on both sides.

Cleaning blinds with a wet cloth

Option 3. You can remove dust using a vacuum cleaner.

Blinds are easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner

Pros:

– there are photo blinds; – different texture and material; – darken the window space;

Minuses:

– deformed;

If there are flowers in clay pots (close to the blinds) or boxes on the window sills, then the blinds may become deformed and cannot be returned to their previous position; you will need to buy new ones.

Blinds can warp over time

– not a large selection of colors; Standard blinds that are sold in regular stores do not have a large selection of colors. These are mainly brown and beige colors.

– a certain size;

– rustling; When the wind flows, vertical blinds rustle and sway a little.

Over time, the mechanism may become loose and then the blinds will not be installed at the height you need the first time.

Rules for selecting curtains for the interior

Let go or pin. Short or long. Heavily wrinkled or with several folds. Curtains are an arrangement element that can not only decorate a room, but also optically enlarge, expand, raise or lower a room. So why not take advantage of this?

What rules should you follow when choosing curtains for your interior?

• Heavy curtains with a strongly emphasized pattern will look good in large, spacious living rooms. Hanging in a small room, they will create an overwhelming effect.
• When choosing fabric for curtains, you should take into account not only the arrangement of the living room, but also sunlight.
• Experimenting with composing curtains? Certainly! They can be used to brighten, darken, make a room larger or smaller.
• Velor, velvet and jacquard will darken the interior, so they are perfect for the bedroom.
• In the living room, hang curtains made of linen, silk and taffeta, they are best for the living room. After they close the windows, some light will still enter the room.

Application area of ​​fabric

The material of such curtains has a high density, so it can be used for various purposes:

• creating scenery in the theater and at various events;
• stage design;
• furniture upholstery, production of covers;
• sewing opaque curtains: curtains with such properties are used wherever it is necessary to periodically create the effect of complete darkness in a room (for example, in a children’s room, cinemas, conference rooms, nightclubs, hotels), since their main goal is to ensure the possibility of full rest in conditions where the room is not dark enough;
• the use of fabric with such properties on the street: due to its high density, it is not exposed to negative external factors, retains its attractiveness, and is used to create signs.

How to choose the color of curtains for the living room?

The color of the curtains will primarily match the color of the walls. However, please note that nowadays we mostly choose light neutral walls: white, grey, beige or ecru. Almost any color of curtains will suit this background. Everything will depend on whether we want the whole composition to be soft and consistent in one shade, or whether you are looking for a strong contrast.

How to choose the color of curtains for the living room?

• If you want your living room to be subtle with the walls already painted in cream, white or grey, choose curtains in soft pink, beige or white. To break up the color scheme, you can choose between glossy or structured fabrics.
• If you want to contrast with a light wall color, choose curtains in a distinctive color. Blue (or even better: turquoise), orange or yellow curtains hanging in the living room will give just such an effect.
• Are the walls in your living room bright? To soften and soften such colors, hang beige or gray curtains.
• The colors of the walls and curtains are in perfect harmony with each other in combinations of dark blue - powder pink or olive green.

Current color solutions

Since the main function that curtains for a loggia provide from the sun is to repel scorching rays, you will definitely have to say “no” to products made in dark tones: brown, blue, black, burgundy, etc. The latter are known for their tendency to absorb heat, which leads to to the creation of a suffocating atmosphere in the room.

Instead, it is recommended to pay attention to these colors:

• blue;
• light green and light green;
• beige and cream;
• ocher;
• lilac;
• white.

Among this range, it is worth choosing a shade that will correspond to the overall style of the loggia.

ADVICE. When choosing what to close the windows on the balcony with, it is not recommended to use products in bright orange and yellow colors: since they belong to a “warm” palette, they can lead to the psychological effect of an additional increase in sunlight and heat.

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Tartan, flowers and Moroccan clover

Curtains are a design element thanks to which we can not only soften the more saturated colors of walls or upholstery, but also enliven the interior in pastel colors. And we don't just mean colors. After all, curtain fabric can come in countless designs. How then to choose the right one for the interior?

How to choose patterned curtains?

• Interiors in Provence and English styles will be decorated with curtains with floral patterns.
• Curtains with flowers in a romantic style will bring a touch of joy and lightness.
• Checkered curtains will suit a rustic-style interior.
• For a classic interior, choose fabrics in harmonious, whimsical patterns.

What kind of interior do black curtains fit into?

Black curtains add elegance and a little extravagance to the interior. They are not found often, but if you choose them correctly for the interior, you can be sure of a stunning effect. And, besides, how well they protect us from too much sun!

Styles in which black curtains will add style:

• Classical,
• Glamor,
• Modern,
• minimalistic,
• Industrial (loft).

Custom curtains - some practical tips

Although there is no shortage of sewn, ready-to-hang drapes in stores, let's face it - very often they don't have the right size. Fortunately, you can order curtains not only from stationary ones, from a seamstress, but also from many online stores, for example on Yandex.Market. However, there are a few rules worth remembering that you may not be aware of. Especially when ordering custom curtains for the first time.

What to look for when ordering curtains?

• Blackout curtains may require fabric that is three times the width of our window.
• The material you buy must be from a single beam. Sometimes individual bales are slightly different in color, which may be visible after stitching and hanging.
• The height is measured from where the handrails are attached to the cornice (not from where the cornice is attached) to approximately 2 centimeters above the floor.
• If you want the curtain to fall freely to the floor, take about 20-30 centimeters more.

Custom curtains can be made from any material and you don't have to worry about them being too short or too long.

External roller shutters

These structures, which are not only protection from the sun, but also from prying eyes, mechanical damage to the glass on the balcony, as well as burglary and unauthorized entry of ill-wishers into the room, are designed on the principle of roller blinds. Can be adjusted manually or automatically using the remote control. They are most often made from aluminum or steel profiles that can withstand the negative influence of environmental factors - changes in air temperature, wind and dust, precipitation. In winter, they will serve as a means of thermal insulation of the room. At night, they help protect the room from the penetration of extraneous noise from outside.

IMPORTANT! When purchasing roller shutters as a sun protection mechanism, you should remember that they do not, like blinds, allow you to regulate the level of lighting on the balcony. Their canvas is integral, and the lamellas are motionless.

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