How to Select Silk Curtains for Your Window Treatments?

 

If you're a fan of silk, there's no better option for your home than incorporating this luxurious fabric into your window treatments. Its soft, shimmery good looks make it a must-have for any room, whether your style is modern or traditional.

Choose from a variety of styles, colors and textures when selecting your silk curtains to fit the look you're going for in your home. The key is to pick a color that harmonises or contrasts with the rest of your decor and complements the fabric's texture.

For a more sophisticated look, try sizing your drapes to accommodate the width of your window frame. This provides a gathered, gathered effect that's especially flattering when you add tie backs or finials to your window treatment.

You'll also want to consider your space's lighting conditions when choosing your Silk Curtains fabrics, so opt for lighter hues if you have windows that receive plenty of sunlight. Lighter drapes are also easier to clean and will reflect the sunlight instead of absorbing it.

Lined & Interlined for Sun Protection

As with most drapery fabrics, it's best to purchase 100% silk drapes lined and interlined because it helps protect them from damage caused by the sun. A lining blocks the sun's rays and conserves energy, while interlining adds weight to the drapery fabric and accentuates the quality of your drapes.

A lining isn't always included with your silk drapes, so shop for the extra option when you purchase them. Silks that aren't lined or interlined are prone to mildew, water marks and fading in sunny areas.

To ensure your Silk Curtains last, use a gentle, dry-cleaning process and avoid using bleach or any abrasive cleaners on the fabric. If you do accidentally get a stain, immediately blot it with a clean, soft cotton rag to remove as much of the stain as possible.

Stack Panels for a Layered Look

For a layered look, pair silk panels together in different hues or patterns to create a sense of depth and texture to your window treatments. You can also mix and match different shades of neutrals to give your rooms a light and airy feel, or select blackout silks for bedrooms and media rooms that need to block out harsh sunlight.

Puddling Curtains for a Romantic Look

If you're looking for a romantic look in your bedroom, choose extra-long silks that can be puddled on the floor or gathered into a scarf valance to add a sense of lived-in luxury to your space. Darker, thicker silks offer an instant richness to the overall look, while lighter, thinner silks lend a dreamy quality to the room.

The right length for your silk curtains will depend on the width of your windows and door frames, but you'll want to allow at least 2 inches of room for each curtain panel when it's drawn back for a puddled look. You can create this effect by simply adding more fabric to the window's hem, or you can dress your curtains up with a decorative valance, which hides the rod and is typically seen in royal homes.