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ROOMS

Whether bold and dramatic, light and flowy or practically invisible, curtains create mood and movement and are

the perfect choice for cosier spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms. Always choose a style appropriate for your

home’s look and feel. Colour vs pattern Treat curtains as you would wallpaper in terms of ensuring the colour

and pattern is balanced with other textiles and furnishings. Go for solid colour with great texture if your room is

already “busy” with pattern. Hanging tips Unless it’s a cafe-style curtain you’re after (where the curtain covers

only the bottom half of a window), a curtain should fall to the floor, skimming it slightly, even if it’s a small window.

If there’s an obstruction to full-length curtains (ie, a piece of furniture), a blind may be best for that window. Aim for

your curtains to be two-and-a-half times the width of the windows when stretched out so they drape and gather

nicely when closed, and hang them slightly wider than your window – between 10cm and 15cm wider than the

frame – so they don’t block the window when open. If you can’t decide... A simple tab-top linen curtain in a soft

grey or white paired with matte black curtain rod will suit just about any room or style of home. Ikea’s Aina curtains,

$89 a pair, are good all-rounders, with hidden tabs that can be hung on a rod or with rings and hooks. A

CURTAIN STYLES

POLE POCKET A hidden seam at the top of the curtain that slips and gathers over

the rod. Best for sheer curtains you don’t plan to open as they don’t glide evenly.

TAB TOP An informal style that works well with most fabric weights and in any

room. Slips onto rods so choose carefully as they will be exposed even when closed.

Try tie-top flowy styles for a romantic or feminine feel.

PENCIL PLEAT Tight, even, pencil-width pleats hung on a curtain look great

when stretched over a wall of glass. Hung with hooks or rings.

BOX PLEAT Large, flat folds for formal settings but not ideal for some patterns

as a lot of it will be hidden in the fold. Can be hung with hooks or rings.

EYELETS Create large, almost wave-like folds that are easy for children to open.

text

belinda graham

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photography

peter krasilnikoff

real living

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