Decorating Ideas: Eyelet Curtains

 

Eyelet curtains are a great way to change the look and “feel” of a room quickly, easily, and affordably. Changing out your curtains or drapes can have an amazing, immediate effect on the style impact of any room in the house. Why? Because the human eye is often drawn to light sources in a room. In the case of windows, the light is natural sunlight, of course, and your curtains or drapes serve as a frame for the light.

 

What are eyelet curtains?

 

Eyelet curtains are curtains that have metal-edged rings, or “eyes,” that run along the top edge. These eyes allow the curtains to be threaded in an accordion-like fashion directly onto curtain rods. There’s no need for hooks or curtain rings, although some homeowners prefer to use rings in addition to the eyes. When this is done, each curtain ring is placed through an eye before being suspended from the hanging rod.

 

What types of eyelet curtains are available?

 

Most types of eyelet curtains are long, floor-length styles, but shorter versions are also available. They come in a wide array of colors and materials, too. Choose from solid colors, stripes, embroidered designs, toile, jacquards, or whimsical prints like circles and polka-dots.

 

For a summer look, choose lighter curtains in cotton or lace. You’ll find plenty of colors to choose from, but for a summery look, you’ll probably want to stay with white, cream, or pastel shades. You’ll find cotton eyelet curtains in prints, solids, and panels with embroidered motifs.

 

For a warmer look and feel, heavier eyelet curtains are in order. Popular materials include suede, polycotton, crushed velvet, silk, and faux silk. Eyelet curtains can also be found in lined curtain styles, which are great for keeping out cold drafts in the winter, and for blocking sunlight on those lazy mornings when you want to sleep in.

 

How to use eyelet curtains

 

Like most curtains, eyelet curtains come in pairs of panels – one for each side of the window. These can be left to hang naturally, or they can be tied back for a different look. You can change the look of the curtains remarkably by changing out the tie-backs. Try using silk ropes with tassels, braided rope, or material in a contrasting color to the curtains themselves.

 

For a more dramatic look, instead of using just one pair of eyelet curtains for a window, use two pairs in contrasting colors or two different shades of the same color. Use one panel of each color on either side of the window.

 

The look of the curtains can also be changed by your choice of curtain rods. Remember: with eyelet curtains, the curtain rod itself is visible, so it gives you a chance to use the rod and the finials as an additional focal point in the room. Choose from rustic wood, ornate wood, wrought iron, pewter, brass, or brushed nickel rods and finials. You can even find finials in mother of pearl, crystal, and doorknob designs, so your choices are practically limitless.

 

Why and where to buy eyelet curtains

 

Eyelet curtains are tough and durable. Because the eyes are reinforced with metal and no old-fashioned hooks are used, you never have to worry about the curtains falling from the rods. They’re also incredibly easy to slide open and closed smoothly.

 

You can find curtains at many home improvement stores and department stores. For the widest selection and the best prices of eyelet curtains, shop online.