At Chloe Jonason Interiors, we believe that handmade, bespoke curtains are more than just window treatments. They are investments in your home, your comfort, and your future. We’re proud to offer quality and sustainability in every product we make, and our curtains are designed to last a lifetime and beyond, becoming family heirlooms that can be passed down through generations.
If you're considering handmade curtains, you're making a choice that combines craftsmanship, style, and functionality. Here’s my expert advice to help you choose wisely and make the most of your investment.
1. Fabric and Material: The Foundation of Longevity
The fabric you choose is fundamental to the look, durability, and performance of your curtains. Whether you prefer light, airy fabrics like cotton or linen for a casual feel or heavier materials like velvet or brocade for a more formal, luxurious look, this decision will influence both the aesthetics and functionality of your space.
For a timeless choice, I suggest opting for plain or striped fabrics. These styles won’t date and can easily adapt to any room's changing decor. For instance, interior designer Rita Konig recently mentioned in House and Garden how she had custom heavy wool striped curtains made by C&C Milano. She loved them so much that when she re-designed her flat, even moving her kitchen to a new location, she designed the new space around the existing curtains. That’s the power of choosing the right fabric—it's a long-term investment that can stand the test of time.
Linen and silk, for instance, bring a romantic, timeless elegance with their natural textures and subtle sheen. However, both fabrics have their quirks—linen is prone to creasing, creating a relaxed, slightly crumpled look that some adore for its organic feel. Silk, while luxurious, also requires careful handling, as it can wrinkle and is sensitive to sunlight. If you appreciate this casual, lived-in elegance, these fabrics could be perfect, but if you're after a more structured or low-maintenance style, you might want to explore other options like cotton or polyester blends.
2. Purpose and Function: What Do You Need From Your Curtains?
One of the most important questions to ask yourself is: what role will the curtains play in your room? Are they purely decorative, or do they need to block out light and provide privacy?
For bedrooms, where you may need total darkness, blackout curtains are ideal. If, like me, even the smallest crack of light disrupts your sleep, blackout lining is non-negotiable. On the other hand, if you enjoy waking up to natural light, sheer curtains may be the way to go, allowing sunlight to filter through while still providing some privacy.
When considering fabric, don’t forget about linings and interlinings. Linings like cotton twill will protect your curtains from sun damage, which can cause fading over time. Meanwhile, interlinings such as domette or bump add insulation, making your curtains feel luxurious while also helping to retain heat in colder months. If you’re looking to block out light entirely, blackout lining is essential for bedrooms, offering both privacy and a more restful sleep.
When selecting a curtain heading, it's essential to consider both style and functionality, as the heading plays a crucial role in shaping the overall look of your curtains. For a cost-effective and charming option, tape headings such as a cottage heading are ideal. These create a soft, gathered look that complements more relaxed, informal settings and bedrooms. On the other hand, hand-sewn headings offer a more refined, tailored appearance. Euro pleats, single pleats, and pinch pleats (such as double or triple pleats) are better suited to more formal settings. Single pleats provide a cleaner, more contemporary feel, perfect for modern interiors, while triple pleats, with their fuller and more structured appearance, are often used in traditional spaces where a more opulent, classic look is desired. Each heading type not only defines the aesthetic but also impacts the way the fabric hangs, making it important to choose a style that aligns with both the room's design and practical needs.
3. Positioning of the Room: Sunlight and Temperature Considerations
Where your room is positioned in relation to the sun can have a big impact on your curtain choice. A north-facing room, which tends to be cooler, will benefit from curtains with interlining to keep the space warmer and more energy-efficient. South-facing rooms, which receive more sunlight, might require lighter curtains or even sheer options to prevent the room from feeling too warm. However, sunlight can also be extremely damaging to fabrics—I've seen firsthand how UV rays can fade and destroy the finest materials over time.
4. Length and Width: Generosity is Key
When it comes to sizing your curtains, the goal is to maximise both light and style. We recommend a generous stack back, allowing the curtains to sit well outside side of the window reveal when open, letting in as much light as possible during the day.
Curtains should ideally be longer than the window frame for that elegant, floor-to-ceiling look. We generally recommend a 3cm break at the floor, which not only adds a luxurious feel but also helps keep drafts at bay. When we measure width, we calculate 2-3 times the width of the window. This creates a fuller, more opulent effect when the curtains are closed, ensuring the fabric drapes beautifully and evenly.
5. Hanging System: Tracks, Poles, and Finishing Touches
Finally, don’t overlook the hanging system. The right hardware can make a big difference in both functionality and style. Do you prefer a track or a pole? Would you rather have a sleek metal finish or something more traditional, like wood? There’s no shortage of options, and your choice should complement the overall design of the room.
For a clean, minimalist look, tracks can be an excellent option, especially if you want the curtains to glide effortlessly. If you prefer a more decorative approach, poles offer more opportunities to showcase the hardware as part of the room's design. Whether you choose modern metal finishes or classic wooden poles, aim for something timeless and sturdy.
Recently, covered lathes and fascias have become particularly popular, offering a discreet way to conceal the track and enhance the room’s aesthetics. For bedrooms where total blackout is required, consider adding a pelmet. Not only do they add an extra touch of elegance, but they also prevent light from seeping in through the top of the curtains.
However, if you're looking for the ultimate in convenience and efficiency, motorized systems are worth exploring. These systems allow you to open and close your window treatments with the push of a button or even through smart home integration, adding a modern touch to your space. Ideal for hard-to-reach windows or large homes, motorized systems ensure you're staying up-to-date with the latest technology while also enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, and Your Curtains Will Last a Lifetime
At Chloe Jonason Interiors, we believe that quality curtains are more than a functional piece; they are a lasting investment in your home. Choosing bespoke, handmade curtains allows you to create something truly personal, combining timeless design with the finest materials and craftsmanship.
By considering factors like fabric choice, purpose, room positioning, size, and hardware, you can ensure your curtains not only enhance your home today but will also be cherished for generations to come. Our mission is to provide you with curtains that last a lifetime—curtains that become part of your home’s history. So, take your time, choose carefully, and enjoy the beauty and comfort that well-made curtains can bring.
