So, what’s the appeal of curtains? Absolutely everything! I’ve just installed new curtains in my own home, and they have not only transformed the look of my space but my entire life. Think that sounds a bit dramatic? It’s not. If you’re wondering if you really need curtains in your home, I’m here to tell you that you can’t live without them. Trust me! 

In this Interior Design Glossary entry, I share an overview of window treatments, the difference between curtains and drapes, and all the benefits of curtains for your space and your life. 

 

What are Window Treatments? 

So, what is a window treatment, you ask? A window treatment is an all-encompassing term for anything used to dress your interior windows, including both soft and hard treatments. Hard treatments consist of shutters and valances, while soft treatments include shades, curtains, and drapes.  

 

What’s the Difference Between Curtains vs. Drapes? 

Folks often ask, “What is the difference between curtains and drapes?” It comes down to materials. Curtains are typically made from lighter-weight fabrics that allow varying degrees of light to pass through, filtering it but still allowing natural light into the space. Drapes are often made with heavier fabrics backed with blackout linings to prevent any light from passing through, which is great for bedrooms. 

For the rest of this interior design glossary entry, I will use “curtains” as a general term for simplicity. 

 

My Experience Hanging Curtains in My Own Home

I moved into my childhood home here in Austin after a renovation in 2019. I had quite lovely and functional shades added to all the windows, but I held off on curtain panels for cost reasons. It was workable for the time, but after four long years, I decided my space was well overdue for curtains. 

So, I got to work selecting fabrics and coordinating the production of custom curtain panels for all of my windows. Now that they’re installed, I can’t believe I lived without them! Curtains make an incredible difference to the experience of being at home. 

Our new curtains have improved the light quality, made the interior quieter, better framed our view outside, and ultimately created a more enjoyable space. Even how we move around our home and conduct our routines has changed! We all used to flock to our dark den when the light in the formal living room was too bright. Now, I find myself sitting in the space and enjoying the view because the light is so much softer. Not to mention, I lined those curtains in pink, which makes the whole room glow as the sun breaks in the mornings. It’s an absolutely magical spot to enjoy my coffee and start my day. To think, I used to avoid it altogether! 

 

The Benefits of Curtains and Why You Can’t Live Without Them

Before I hung curtains in my formal living room, I only used the space at night. With my new curtains, I can enjoy the sunrise and watch over my neighborhood street from my favorite chair. I can’t believe I was missing out on these moments. I think that speaks for itself. But if you need more convincing, here are all the benefits of curtains and why you need them in your home. 

Texture 

Curtains introduce texture into the space, and they have the visual feeling of covering the room in a cozy blanket. If you want a light and airy look, linen curtains would beautifully filter the light. Silk is another wonderful option for a more opulent feel. 

Color 

When selecting colors and patterns for curtains, the effect goes beyond the visual look of the panels. My pink-lined curtains completely changed the light color quality of my living room! When selecting a fabric, consider how the pattern will look across the folds as well as how the light will filter through the material. 

Framing  

Curtain panels can draw more attention to your windows (and your view) to create a focal point or strategically frame the view to eliminate less desirable sightlines outside. For example, a cafe curtain could hide the lower portion of a window, allowing you to see the beautiful treetops while blocking the view of the building next door. 

Privacy 

Sheer curtains provide a sense of privacy without blocking the view outside completely or eliminating natural light. Depending on the space, this could be a more effective option than blinds or shutters or a lovely complement to them. 

Sound Quality 

I remember the morning after we hung the curtains installed in our bedroom, my husband woke up to tell me he had the best sleep of his life. Curtain panels don’t just change the look of the room. They dampen the sound to provide a quieter home and a more relaxed atmosphere. If you can have a better night’s sleep, I’d say that’s worth the investment alone.

Light Control 

As I mentioned, before I hung my living room curtains, I couldn’t stand to be in the space during the morning because of the glare of the white house across the street. Now, the curtains fall right over the reflective house so I can sit and look out onto the neighborhood. The addition of curtain panels should be considered in the overall lighting design of the space because they will drastically change the natural light filtering into the room. 

Comfort 

And the most important reason: curtains make a home more comfortable. Since the installation, I’ve been sleeping better in my bedroom and enjoying spaces in my house that I previously avoided. Trust me, the curtains are so worth it. 

Still, Wondering If You Need Curtains? 

This is my plea to you. Please don’t turn your nose up at curtain panels. I know it can be tempting to leave the windows unadorned to reap in all the natural light and views you can. However, if you like a quiet, intentional interior experience, do yourself a favor and give curtain panels a try. The proper window treatments will make the light quality better and the views outside even more beautiful. Plus, all they require is a yearly vacuum, which I think we can all manage. 

 

Repeat after me: I need curtains!