Curtains: Choosing the right type of curtain for office or home

If you've got an eye for colour, style, patterns, fabrics and design, if you can appreciate the requirements for insulation, protection from ultra-violet radiation, noise reduction and privacy plus a raft of other considerations, then go ahead and select your own curtains.

Getting curtains made

If you're particularly able you may be able to make and install curtains yourself, but if you're like most of us, it will pay dividends to seek out an experienced professional in the curtain trade and listen to their advice. They will take the above issues into account but should also ask you about:

• what effect you are trying to achieve - formal, modern, funky etc.
• what the view is like from your windows
• if you prefer hand-operated curtains on rods or tracks or motorised curtains
• your budget
• the style and type of your windows

How to narrow down the choice.

What exactly do you want to achieve? Your existing décor will give you a lead. You may want to match or blend in with existing colour schemes for walls, floor coverings and furnishings or you might want your curtains to make a stand-out statement.

Lifestyle factors can impact on your curtain choices. There could be a need for heavy curtains or drapes to block out sunlight - perhaps for a shift-worker trying to sleep or on an eastern or western wall.

You may simply want something 'gauzy' and sheer to admit filtered light to brighten up a dark room while affording some privacy.

Environmental considerations are never far from our thoughts today and may play an important part in your selection. The choice of fabric weight or lining will determine the insulating properties of your curtains - appropriate window coverings can add to the environmental efficiency of your home.

The logical approach

Do your homework. Get clear in your mind what you need in terms of functionality and fashion from your curtains and contact a few of the many specialist curtain stores. Get a free measure and quote. Compare prices. Have a look at a sample of the mind-boggling array of different fabrics, colours, patterns and styles and listen to the recommendations of those whose business is curtains.