Velvet Curtains Online
Velvet is considered to be a luxury fabric, originally made from silk, and requiring more thread to manufacture than other materials. A soft, pile fabric, it is woven as a double cloth on a special loom. Going back more than 4,000 years, velvet was once available only to royalty and the upper classes, who used it to demonstrate their wealth and status. Today, thanks to advances in technology and the use of cottons and synthetics, velvet is much more common and readily obtainable. Crushed velvet, which is often used to make crushed velvet curtains, is achieved by wetting and crumpling the fabric. Modern variations of velvet, including velour, velveteen, and corduroy, were invented to satisfy budget-conscious consumers.
Although velvet is exceptionally attractive and more accessible than it was in the past, it’s still not considered to be an everyday fabric, mainly due to its fragility and high maintenance. It requires special types of cleaning, such as steaming, dry cleaning or velvet boards, and if folded incorrectly or creased, it becomes unsightly. Usually designated for special occasions and uses, velvet has long been a popular choice for window curtains and drapery, bringing to mind images of Scarlett O’Hara and the dress she made from her mother’s prized green velvet curtains. Most often, velvet is found in rich colors like red, burgundy, navy blue or black, these bold colors can make a room very warm and inviting.
HUGE selection of Velvet Curtains in EVERY color and size
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From a functional viewpoint, velvet is a very heavy fabric to use for curtains, which has both its pros and cons. The weight and density of the curtain fabric pulls downward to create a “fall-like” effect, providing a sense of romance and intimacy. The features of a velvet curtain are not limited to providing a luxurious look to your room. Velvet also acts like a blackout curtain due to its incredible thickness and can help to darken a room for sleeping. And, another advantage of velvet curtains is that they absorb sound well, keeping you insulated from street noise. However, opening or closing these types of curtains becomes quite an endeavor. Furthermore, because velvet is heavy and generally dark in color, any room it’s used in will appear smaller than its actual size, so it may not be a good choice in an already small setting unless you are going for a small and cozy look.
Kitchens and bathrooms are probably the only two rooms in a house where velvet curtains would not be found. The steamy atmosphere is not good for them and they require a less formal look than that offered by these curtains. They are typically found in a more traditional setting, and are often used in bedrooms, sitting rooms and parlors to contribute to a feeling of warmth, comfort and elegance. Velvet curtains are also used in theaters and other similar venues, opening before the show starts to reveal the stage. And, now that home theaters are de rigueur, many people use similar, velvet curtains to obtain the desired theater ambiance at home.
Often used in the wintertime because of their thick, warm texture, velvet curtains look elegant when placed against virtually any backdrop. Velvet curtain fabric and curtains, can be bought virtually anywhere you would buy regular curtains, including department stores, specialty curtain and fabric shops, and on the Internet.
Velvet is perhaps one of the most dazzling fabrics available. The weave of the material allows you to see the different shades of light and dark along its surface area. It naturally attracts attention, making it the focal point while leaving everything else in the background. Its rich, vibrant colors and lustrous texture exude a feeling of elegance as well as warmth, making any room velvet is used in seem like the epitome of style and class. See the selection of velvet curtains for sale below or look HERE for even more choice, many with discount and free shipping.
 Maytex Black Velvet Curtains (CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAILS) |
These black velvet curtains are made from a thermal lined cotton fabric which blacks out any light. You can buy individual velvet curtain panels or buy a pair for traditional blackout curtains. The Maytex is a simple, straight cascade of fabric, without pleats or other ornamentation, just a simple rod pocket. Also available in other colors. Click here for details. |
 Grommet Top Navy Blue Velvet Curtains (CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAILS) |
These navy blue velvet curtains have wooden rings where the rod goes through the curtain for a contemporary look. They are made from polyester filament and are available in a number of sizes. Click here for more information.
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Deep red velvet curtains in a luxury 100% cotton fabric and fully lined. Sold in individual panels. See great discount and details here
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 Rodeo Home Bruges Velvet Luxury Curtain (CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAILS) |
 Park B. Smith Washable Velvet Panel (CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAILS) |
This is a beautiful chocolate brown velvet curtain with a pleated top that sells for a very reasonable price. Well worth consideration if you are looking for brown velvet curtains on a limited budget. As these curtains are washable you will save on cleaning costs too. Click here for additional colors and information. Matching valances available
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If you are looking for pink velvet curtains, look no further. These beautiful crushed velvet curtains will look superb wherever you hang them and are sure to make an impact. Low cost and easy care. Click here for details.
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 Pair Rose Pink Curtains in Crushed Velvet (CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAILS) |
 Black Velvet Curtains Tab Top (CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAILS) |
Black tab top velvet curtains in a number of sizes. Polyester filament fabric which is soft to the touch. Great for blocking sunlight. Click here for details and discount.
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Gingham Curtains
There is something about the simplicity of gingham which appeals when it comes to decorating. It has a homely country feel to it which makes gingham window curtains ideal for the nursery or kitchen especially in a country style home. You can easily imagine the sun shining through your window and smell the wheat in the fields when you add yellow gingham curtains!
Gingham check fabric also has a freshness about it due to the simple mixing of the shades of one color with white in a tiny check. This fabric mixes well with other designs in similar colors so you will find some curtains mixing a floral pattern with a similar shade in gingham, for example. This works very well to give a coordinated look. You could take up the same idea and use the gingham from your curtains in a border for a cushion cover or two, for example.
If you are looking for gingham curtain panels, take a look at the selection below where you will find them in several colors. Even if you do not find the color you are looking for displayed here, you will find many of the curtains are available in different colors and sizes so be sure to check out the details.
 Red Gingham Check Window Curtains (Click Image for Details) |
Classic gingham fabric red window curtains in 100% easy care polyester. Rod pocket insert for easy hanging. Great with country decor. Click here for sizes, alternate colors and pricing. |
 White and Blue Gingham Curtains with Tie Up Valance (Click Image for Details) |
These tiered gingham kitchen curtains in white with blue gingham trim and matching valance would look fantastic in a country home. Also available in yellow. Click here for details.
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Set of 2 pink gingham curtain panels, full length in easy care polyester cotton. Insert takes curtain rod or pole up to 1.25″ diameter. Click here for further details.
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 Pink Gingham Curtains (Click Image for Details) |
 Sage Green Gingham Curtains (Click Image for Details) |
These sage green gingham curtains by Tadpoles. In eight different colors and a matching valance is available. Part of the Gingham Classics collection which provides a number of coordinated products specifically for the nursery although these gingham check curtains would look just as much at home in other rooms. You can see the whole collection here
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Blue floral and gingham country curtains for the kitchen, tiered style, each part (swags, valance insert and bottom tier) sold separately. Click here for details.
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 Blue Floral with Gingham Check Kitchen Tier Curtain (Click Image for Details) |
Choosing Fabrics for Window Curtains
There are so many fabrics available for window curtains that the choice can be overwhelming. But there are a few factors which will help you narrow down your choice so that you know what you are looking for when you go shopping. Follow this simple process to find the right materials for your fabric curtains
1. Formal or Informal
Some curtain fabrics lend themselves naturally to a more formal setting. For example silk, satin, velvet, chintz and jacquard weaves and man-made fabrics designed to imitate them are good for formal settings whereas cotton is in the informal category.
This will often be determined by the type of room you are designing for. It’s usual to have an informal look in kitchens, bathroom and kids’ rooms with a more formal look for lounges and bedrooms.
However it is also affected by the style you are aiming for – maybe your little girl’s room is going to be a boudoir fit for a princess or you want a very casual lounge style with denim curtains. Either way you know the type of fabric to look for based on the level of formality of the room.
2. Durability and Maintenance
The type of fabric you choose can affect how you care for your curtains and how long they will last. Cotton is washable and hard wearing though it does tend to shrink (Make sure you choose pre-shrunk cotton or wash and press before making into curtains) Natural silks need to be dry cleaned and may shred and rot over time – you are better using man made equivalents for durability. Linen (hemp) and linen union (a cotton linen mix) are durable but they require good pressing with a hot iron and tend to crease.
Modern Stripe Design for Curtain Fabric
3. Draping Quality
When creating window coverings some fabrics drape better than others. Cotton and linen drape quite well but if you want a billowing effect silk, satin and taffeta and equivalent man made fabrics work better. Some fabrics are firmer or thicker and are better suited to tab top curtains where you are not looking for a full gathered effect.
4. Color and Pattern
Most of us choose our curtains based on the design and color of the fabric and of course this is important.
Choose a plain coordinating color if the drapes will be surrounded by pattern. Patterned window treatments work best with plain walls as too much pattern can be overpowering. Or if you prefer choose matching or contrasting plain curtains with plain walls.
If plain curtains seem a little dull choose a fabric with texture. Man made fabrics are being made now with fantastic weaves and textures so you will be spoiled for choice.
Make sure that the design on the fabric is in keeping with the type of room that you are decorating (whether formal or informal) and with the theme of the room - a retro room requires retro curtains from the same period, a minimalist lounge requires simple plain curtains and so on.
5. Cost
And of course there is always your budget to think about. Large windows can be prohibitively expensive to buy curtain panels for especially if you need more than one pair and that may limit the types of fabrics you can choose. Sometimes it is better to use a cheaper fabric in volume however than skimp and not have enough fullness in a luxury curtain fabric.
When looking at potential fabrics for your window curtains be sure and weigh up each one against these criteria so that you are sure you are buying a suitable fabric before you invest in curtain sized lengths of it!
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