Close Give Feedback
Resene Paints - home page
Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Pinterest Follow us on Instagram Follow us on YouTube

Top curtain tips from the experts

From the Resene decorating blog   curtains

Adding or updating curtains in your home can serve many purposes, the most obvious being a quick and easy visual transformation. But there's lot more to curtains than meets the eye!

Top curtain tips from the experts
Curtains in Resene Pause Voile

Before you update your drapes, take a look at these pro tips to ensure your curtains look their best all year round.

Selection

Probably the most important part of the entire process is selecting the perfect curtains for your room. You have both fabric and design to consider, so don't rush this decision!

When it comes to the weight and material of your curtains, different fabrics serve different functional purposes. Thick, thermal curtains (or any with a blockout backing) keep rooms much darker as they don't allow light to permeate through. This makes them ideal for bedrooms where a dark room is essential to a good night's sleep.

Thermal curtains also keep rooms warmer in summer and cooler during winter due to their ability to create a seal between the window and your room. Homes affected by changeable weather conditions may benefit from these thicker curtains for an eco-friendly way to stay cool.

Light, gauzy curtains such as Resene Pause Voile don't completely block out the sun, making them perfect for rooms where you want to create a light, airy atmosphere. They help protect furniture from the sun's harmful rays in summer, while still letting light into the room.

Once you've decided on the weight and fabric of your desired curtain, it's time to select the colour and pattern. Check out the Resene Curtain Collection for an extensive range of neutral, bright, patterned and metallic options bound to suit any interior design palate.

Installation

Once you've made your curtain purchase, it's time to get them home and hang them up. Installing pencil pleat curtains is fairly straightforward, but there are some tips and tricks to follow in order to make the job easier.

Firstly, draw three cords on the curtain tape. These should be drawn on one side of the curtain, and tied together in a knot. Then do the same on the other side, gathering the curtain to the desired width and spacing pleats evenly along the length of the drape. Once it looks correctly spaced, tie the three cords on this side.

Place plastic hooks into the tape's top woven pocket at every four pleats or so. Once these are all in the curtain, attach the hooks to the tracks on the rail.

Care

Washing and caring for your new curtains depends on the type of fabric used. Many varieties can be vacuumed regularly to eliminate dust, but for more specific care tips, follow these guidelines.

Polyester and polyester blend fabrics can be washed in warm water by hand. They are dry cleanable on a low temperature and on a short cycle, but shouldn't be bleached or wrung out.

Velvets and other specialty fabrics require a bit of TLC, but it's well worth it to maintain their lustrous finish. They're usually dry-clean only, and shouldn't be washed or ironed. Steam velvets and raised woven fabrics rather than pressing them.

Viscose, acetate, silk and wool blend fabrics are also dry-clean only, but can be ironed on a warm temperature. Don't wash them, though.

Finally, printed cotton, linen and hemp blends can be washed in warm water with a mild detergent, but avoid rubbing the fabric. Don't dry clean, bleach or tumble try these curtains – instead, let them drip dry in the shade, hanging by their hooks.

February 10, 2014

Visit your local Resene ColorShop for more colour ideas and all the expert advice and products you need for a superb finish on all your decorating projects.

Book a colour consult | Ask a Colour Expert | Ask a Paint Expert


Resene's decorating blog

Paint your home beautiful! Discover the latest decorating trends, tips and colour news.

Previous article
Previous «

Heater-free ways to keep your home warm this winter

Return to the blog home page
Blog home

View the latest trends, tips and news

Next article
» Next

How will a curtain’s fabric affect your room?

 

Order online now:
Testpots | Paints | Primers and Sealers | Stains | Clears | Accessories

Get inspired Get inspired ! Subscribe      Get saving Get saving ! Apply for a DIY card

Resene Paints Ltd

Can't find what you're looking for? Ask us!

Resene Paints Ltd   – www.resene.com

Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Pinterest Follow us on Instagram Follow us on YouTube
Videos on how to paint and stain your house
 

Colours shown on this website are a representation only. Please refer to the actual paint or product sample. Resene colour charts, testpots and samples are available for ordering online.   See measurements/conversions for more details on how electronic colour values are achieved.

What's new | Specifiers | Painters | DIYers | Artists | Kids | Sitemap | Home | TOP ⇧