Panel Curtains  

A window dressing that truly compliments the room is a well thought out decorating decision.  Panel curtains are for blocking or diffusing the suns’ rays, privacy, keeping the warmth in and cold out and for interior decorating.  It’s a good idea to determine what you want in your window treatment, and then you can start searching for the perfect fit.

Curtains for complete sunblock can be one heavy piece with lining specifically for the sun blocking qualities or be two pieces - perhaps a sheer overlay for its beautiful flowing style and a heavy cotton underlay for its dense material.  Layering your curtains gives you the versatility of having the light completely blocked at times, diffusing the strong sunlight at other times and having a full view of the outside when desired.

For privacy coverage, pretty much any type of curtain will do but you can achieve different levels of privacy with different weights of fabric.  The thread count is traditionally specified on sheet sets, but the thread count can determine the density of any fabric.  You could get a thin (low thread count) cotton that allows light to pass through and makes it possible to see silhouettes, or a heavy weight, thick cotton (high thread count) that will be a complete block of light and visibility.  It’s nice to have the option of some privacy at times but a lot of windows are much more appealing with a light, flowing sheer fabric or lightweight cotton blend, which provides privacy when needed but not a total block.

Windows tend to be a big source of temperature issues, whether it’s letting in too much heat from the sun or letting in cold from the outside, windows are the connection to the outdoors.  This is definitely the appeal of windows, especially those big bay windows, but we really want the visual connection, a way to let in the fresh air and to let in the beautiful sunlight.  We have to take the good with the bad though and thankfully we have a variety of options to ward off heat or cold with window treatments.

Thermal insulating blackout curtains are the way to go for complete sun and cold blocking.  Any heavier type of fabric will work nicely to block sunlight and to be warming in the cooler months but there are fabrics that are constructed with innovative technology specifically designed to be more insulating.  They keep your home warm when needed, then they work just as efficiently to keep your home cooler in the hot summer months.

The more visual part of the curtains is what really sets the mood for a room.  Take into account the overall look you want for a room and incorporate that into the window treatment decision.  Going for a modern look, a more Victorian approach, or maybe a colourful dynamic, or a casual homey feel?  There are a great amount of options to create the most suitable atmosphere within your home and the panel curtains you choose will either add to this look or take away from it, so put a bit of thought into your overall finished look and choose your window dressings wisely.