Dressing Your Windows: Perfect Curtains for Bedrooms

Choosing curtains for bedrooms is one of the most important details that create the overall look, feel and functionality of a sleeping space.

They influence the ambiance, whether it’s breezy and bright or cozy and muted. For bedrooms, privacy and light control are also key factors that curtains address. With endless options from dramatic floor-length designs to pared-back shading, choosing the right curtains can be overwhelming.

This article will guide you through the key considerations for styling bedroom windows and survey the best curtain styles and materials for a flawless finish.

Prioritizing Privacy, Light Control and Insulation

Unlike living rooms where the priority may be purely decorative, curtains in bedrooms need to serve practical purposes. Blocking out light for sleep is crucial. Opaque blackout lining or tightly interlined curtains prevent light seeping in for nighttime darkness. Insulated curtains add an extra buffer against cold in winter.

Privacy is also key, especially in ground floor bedrooms or where windows are near walkways. Lined curtains that fully close and longer hemlines minimize visibility from outside. In children’s rooms, blackout curtains that darken the room for afternoon naps are a must.

Light control options like dim-out, room darkening and blackout linings allow you to manage sunlight and achieve the right ambiance. Light-filtering linings reduce glare and UV rays while still permitting outside views.

Measure Carefully for the Perfect Fit Curtains for Bedrooms

Even the most beautiful curtains will look lackluster if poorly fitted. Measure meticulously to calculate the finished length and fullness you require. Tracks and poles need measuring too. Consider your curtain style and check if your specific curtains need extra length for puddling, bunching or to accommodate finials.

Take measurements for every window, don’t assume they are uniform. Note down the exact width and height of each window frame. For floor length curtains, measure from the top of the track down to where you want curtains to finish. Add a mud flap allowance if puddling curtains on the floor.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to measure curtains for bedrooms:

How to Measure Windows for Curtains

Measuring windows correctly is crucial for curtains that fit beautifully and function as intended. Follow these steps:

Fabric and Styling Considerations

From lush velvets to breezy linen, the fabric sets the tone of your bedroom curtains. Velvet curtains create luxe, inviting sleep spaces that feel serene and cosy. Choose cotton or linen for relaxed, casual bedrooms with neutral tones adding flexibility. Floor-length velvet curtains framed with pole finials feel plush and elegant for traditional bedrooms.

Sheer voile under-curtains filter light beautifully while maintaining views. Pair with blackout linings for nighttime darkness. For children’s rooms, go for fun prints, vibrant colors and playful trims for exciting spaces.

Simple Styles for Flexible Schemes

Pencil pleat curtains for bedrooms work with most styles from modern to country cottage. Pinch pleat and goblet pleats have classic tailored appeal. For contemporary bedrooms, opt for eyelet curtains with sleek metal grommets topping understated linen or cotton curtains. Panel curtains have a minimalist look.

Maximize flexibility with neutral solids or simple patterns like checks and stripes in beige, white and grey. They work with colour schemes that evolve. Bold printed curtains make more of a style statement.

Extend visual height with floor-length curtains mounted close to ceiling height. They draw the eye up. Avoid cramping low ceilings with shortened curtain lengths. High ceiling rooms can handle dramatic floor puddling hems for opulent appeal.

Curtains for bedrooms: Layer your Look

Build gorgeous layered window treatments. Floor length curtains give structure, while soft voile sheers and sleek wood blinds layered on top filter light and add privacy as needed. Match your curtain heading style but vary textures and patterns.

Use cohesive colours like all white sheers and grey linen curtains for harmony. Introduce contrast with printed sheer panels paired with textured neutral curtains. Warm up modern spaces by pairing linen with cosy knit tie-backs.

Repurpose Character Curtains

Upcycle dated brocade, velvet or chintz curtains from thrift stores or your own home. Use grandma’s curtains again with new trims or as under-curtains paired with solids. Vintage florals and traditional prints add character to period homes and bring a sense of nostalgia becoming a perfect choice of curtains for bedrooms.

Functional Finishing Touches for your bedroom curtains

Complete your bedroom window treatments with the right functional additions:

• Sturdy curtain rods and tracks in metals like brass, silver or black iron suit most styles
• Smooth gliding rings or clips ensure easy drawing
• Tie-backs accentuate curtains when open
• Holdbacks keep curtains securely looped
• Weights or hem tapes for clean hanging

With the right design suited to your bedroom style, window measurements and layering, you can craft the perfect window dressings. Tailored curtains not only beautify your bedroom, they ensure darkness, privacy and insulation so you can sleep soundly in a space that embodies your decor taste.