Popular Curtain Styles

As you’re probably aware, there are many different curtain styles. Homeowners and decorators have a world of lengths, fabrics, colors, and styles from which to choose. Sometimes the number of choices becomes somewhat overwhelming. Perhaps you’ll be able to narrow down your search by viewing the different types of curtains available.

As a general rule of thumb, short curtains that come to the bottom of the window or just below the window molding are used with informal décor. For more formal rooms, floor-length curtains are in order.

Tab curtains

Tab curtains have tabs at the top – small “loops” of material that hold the curtain panels to the curtain rods. This type of curtain can be formal or informal, depending on material and length. They can be tied back or left to hang naturally.

Eyelet curtains

Eyelet curtains have metal grommets or “eyes” along the top of the curtain panels. The eyes allow the curtains to be thread directly onto rods, accordion style. Eyelet curtains come in many styles and fabrics for both formal and informal décor.

Tiered curtains

Tiered curtains are also called café curtains or cottage curtains. These are usually informal curtains that are generally used in kitchens and bathrooms. As the name implies, these are hung in two tiers and require two curtain rods. The top and bottom panels might be identical, or they can be different. For example, the bottom tier might be two standard panels that are topped by a one-piece valance curtain.

Café curtains are usually made of light materials.

Pleated curtains

Pleated curtains have pleats that run the length of the panels. This type of curtain is usually floor length, but not always. Pleated curtains are most often used in more formal applications. The materials used are generally heavier, so these curtains are popular wherever privacy is an issue, like in bedrooms.

Lined curtains

Lined curtains have a backing material, or liner. The liner makes the curtain panels heavier and thicker. This is a good choice for privacy, to block cold drafts from windows, and to block out sunlight.

Swag curtains

Swag curtains can be used alone or above another type of curtain. The swag is placed at the top and has a unique shape – it’s not level across the bottom hem. Instead, the sides taper down to a point somewhere below the center of the window. Swag curtains are often seen above simple café curtain panels.

Rod pocket curtains

This type of curtain has a pocket or pouch near the top of the panels for inserting a curtain rod. Usually, some of the material is left over the pocket to stand up above the curtain rod. By choosing curtain panels that are wider than the window, the curtains can be pushed tightly together on the rod to create a pleated look.

Valances

The valance is a curtain, a decorative piece of material, or an upholstered box that’s placed over the top of the window or at the top of the window. The box valances are often elaborate and formal and are usually seen in conjunction with long pleated curtains.

Another valance type that’s very popular is the balloon valance. With this type of valance, the material “balloons out.” Many other types of decorative valances are available, too.

Where to buy curtains

You can find curtains at department stores, home improvement stores, and retain giants like Walmart. You usually won’t find a large selection, however. For the most choices, shop online for different types of curtains and curtain styles.