curtains: the ultimate guide

This method involves attaching the lining across all edges of the face fabric, creating a ‘bag’ like structure. It can include either lining fabric or an interlining within.

This is the measured space between the curtain hem and the floor, crucial for achieving the desired look and function.

Describes fabrics milled in wide widths (typically over 2.8m), which allows them to cover windows without needing joins, providing a seamless appearance.

A decorative base hem often found on sheer curtains and favoured in European designs for its elegant finish.

Refers to traditional furnishing fabrics typically woven between 137cm and 150cm in width. These designs run down the roll and require joining when used for wider window treatments.

The main decorative fabric visible from inside the room – it’s what you’ll see day in and day out.

The amount of fabric used in relation to the width of the curtain rod or track. More fullness results in a richer, more luxurious look but requires more fabric. For example, a 2x Fullness is 2 metres of fabric used to cover a 1 metre track.

An MDF and aluminium headboard designed to neatly cover track gaps at the top, reducing light bleed for a cleaner look.

The top section of a curtain that determines how it attaches to the rod or track – this can vary greatly in style and function.

The part of the curtain that moves first when drawn; on centre-opening curtains, it’s the inner edges, while on one-way draw curtains, it’s opposite to where they stack back.

A separate layer attached or added behind the main fabric, enhancing properties like light blocking, UV reduction, and sound absorption.

Curtain hems are stitched at a 45-degree angle which are important for thick fabrics that cannot be folded multiple times due to nap or pile considerations.

The raised surface texture of certain fabrics that require careful handling. Consistency is key as nap direction affects how light plays off the material and its overall appearance.

How you open or close your curtains – options can include corded tracks operated by pulleys or wands used manually on runners at the leading edge.

Excess fabric at a curtain’s centre opening that hooks into arms on a track system, ensuring neat finishing and minimising light bleed where they part.

Ensuring continuity of design when cutting patterned fabrics into sections (drops) so they align perfectly once hung side by side.

A decorative box that conceals curtain hardware and reduces light leakage from above; often upholstered to coordinate with curtain fabric for an elegant touch.

Intentionally allowing extra length so that curtains spill onto the floor – creates a relaxed aesthetic but comes with functional considerations, such as cleaning challenges due to potential dragging and dust collection.

Orienting fabric so designs run down rather than across; useful when avoiding joins for longer drops in continuous fabrics without distinct patterns.

The end portion of a curtain that bends back toward or against the wall at each end of a track or rod helps conceal hardware ends and provide additional insulation against light leaks.

When curtains are lined with their own face fabric, sometimes adding an interlining between layers for enhanced draping quality or blackout properties.

Edges formed during weaving that are not included in usable width measurements; selvedge forms top/bottom edges in continuous fabrics but sides in traditional widths (drops).

All refer to S-Wave style curtains using wave tape with runners; some brands may use specific terms like “S-Fold” uniquely, so always clarify exact requirements with suppliers.

Lightweight translucent fabrics ideal for diffusing daylight while maintaining some level of privacy within interiors.

Non-translucent yet non-blockout fabrics which often serve as decorative elements requiring additional lining if UV protection is necessary.

Designates which side (left/right) curtains retract towards when opened.

Folded angles sewn into curtain returns, which accommodate the shape of cornices while maintaining aesthetic flow.

Describes tactile quality of the fabric varying across different materials, contributing unique visual dynamics within interior spaces.

Functional decoratives used for holding curtains aside; fixed onto walls framing windows attractively.

Layout scheme determining how curtains are arranged upon tracks e.g., center opening versus left-hand stack.

Rods/rails supporting suspended curtains available in various mounting configurations including wall ceiling pelmet/reveal installations.

Short decorative pieces atop windows that add stylistic flair while potentially hiding unsightly hardware aiding further light blockage; attachable/fixed via separate tracks depending upon design intent.