A change in décor as simple as adding new curtains can do wonders to enliven the appearance of your windows. Whether you would like increase the magnificence of large bay windows or simply enhance a small bathroom or kitchen window, new curtains can provide that fresh look. Either light or heavy fabrics can provide that look, though each provides its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Whether you are shopping for curtains for style or comfort, they are a great addition to any room. Curtains also help improve airflow, which creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere in the room.

When shopping for new curtains, make sure you take note of the current color of the room they will be hanging in. Noting the color of your room is important because one of the most challenging aspects of purchasing new curtains is finding that color contrast that really brings the most out of your room. Matching colors is important because that will also provide a first impression to any visitor you may have. The wrong color choice can have a negative affect on your room and it is quite noticeable. Aside from color choice, there is much more to the process. The texture of the fabric you choose will greatly affect everything in the room. A heavy fabric such as velvet will keep most of the light out when the curtains are closed. This will give the room a very soft, elegant touch. A lighter, more lifting sheer fabric moves gently with the breeze, allowing more light to enter the room. This choice of fabric is important. A room with hardwood floors and lightly colored paint will most often be accented perfectly by a lighter fabric and color of the curtains. A room that is carpeted and painted with a darker color will have its sense of warmth increased by a heavier curtain.

These basic rules are a good starting point, but there are many ways in which these guidelines can be nuanced. Lighter fabrics come in a wide variety of styles. Sheer curtains allow a significant amount of light in, while giving your room a very light feel. This type of curtain is also known as privacy curtains. This is because one can see through sheer fabrics rather easily, but it is difficult to see inside through this type of curtain. Semi-sheer curtains have a similar affect on the window and room as sheer curtains would, but do not quite influence things as much as entirely sheer window coverings.

A third option for curtains featuring light fabric is translucent curtains. This particular style of curtain is not see-through like sheer curtains, and therefore allows for increased privacy. Because of their translucent nature, they allow a significant amount of light into the room. All three of these options do much more than simply provide color, they influence the way in which light comes into the room. The color of the curtain will have an effect on the color of light that comes in through the window. A gold or yellow curtain will make the light that comes into the room a yellowish or gold tint. Likewise, red or burgundy curtains will create a rosy hue. This use of light can enhance any room.

Heavier fabrics follow the rule of lighter fabrics in that color is not the only deciding factor when it comes time to choose a style for your room. These types of curtains find their niche in situations when the needs are privacy and light control. They can be extremely effective in homes with large windows. Glass does not insulate very well, and if a house or apartment features large windows, it can be easy for the heating bills to get very high. Heavy curtains can do wonders to solve this energy problem by increasing the insulation of the room.

The difficulty with choosing the best style is that one cannot get the best of both worlds. Heavy curtains work best during the winter months while light curtains are great during the spring and summer. Due to the change in weather during the year, people will buy multiple sets of curtains, and change them based on season. This allows for the house and windows to always look and feel the best.

Curtains can give your windows a fresh look no matter which style you choose. Heavy curtains can give your windows a regal, elegant and formal touch. They are warm and soft, giving a very comforting atmosphere to any decorative setup. Lighter curtains can give your windows a very relaxed disposition. They can calm any atmosphere and give your room a nice, homey touch. Whatever you pick, you are sure to find a beautiful way to spruce up your windows with new curtains.