b'The way youdress a window can greatly influence the style and character of a room. Blinds, for example, offer cleanlines and a contemporary look, while curtains contribute softness and warmth. How you dress a window depends on the function ofFinials - the decorative pieces at the ends of the rodsDon\'t know your French the room, the position of the window, and your taste and- come in a staggering array ofand figures, frompleat from your eyelets? shapesThat\'s what the curtain lifestyle. It\'s a great opportunity to inject personality andcontemporary knobs and dassic curls to ram\'s heads andexperts arefor. there life into a space - go for something sleekly modern, suchpomegranates. as striped taffeta hung using chrome eyelets, or opt forWoodenrodscanbepaintedtomatchthewallsor something more lavish, like jacquard in swags and tails. curtains,andaluminium rodscanalsobe colouredto "Fabricssuchastaffetaareverypopularattheblend or contrast. Traditional iron -whether the real thing moment,"saysJanBarker,aconsultantatLahoodor an imitation -works well in both old and new homes. Window Furnishings. You can choose either a rodandrings combination or "It\'s shiny and glamorous, and adds colour and texture,"a track rod. Wooden rings create a lovely clatter as the she says.curtains areopened,but becauseringscan\'tget past There are a number ofces when it comes to hangingthe brackets holding the rod up, it\'s better to use a track choicurtains, too. The heading of the curtain (the top fourrod for long distances, otherwise the rod may sag. Rods inches) can be gathered or pleated in a variety of ways.can be bent to go around corners, which is ideal for bay A French pleat is very structured andwilladd formality.windows, as the pulled-back curtains don\'t bunch in the while a reverse pleat works in any style of house. For acorners blocking the light and view. dassical look, swags - which drape over the top of theAs well as creating ambience, curtains and blinds serve curtains - add romance and softness to a room. Althoughpractical purposes that also need to be considered when this may seem old-fashioned, it does work well with themaking your choice. Curtains are best for warmth and you tall, elegant windows in heritage homes, says Jan.can line them in a variety of fabrics for extra insulation. Your choiceof curtainrodallows you to enhancetheThis is important in colder climates and in older homes look of the curtains and the overall theme of the room.where windows can be draughty. 94habitat'