The right curtains can add to the ambiance of the room. It can breathe an air of beauty, restfulness or excitement to the room. However, if you make the wrong choice, it can spoil the entire feel of the room.

Window curtains have to be room specific. So, the curtains you use in the sitting room will be different from those in the children’s bedroom, which will certainly be different from those that you’ll be using in the kitchen. Window curtains have to reflect the atmosphere of the room. For example, dining rooms can carry off a dramatic look, while the children’s bedroom can make use of a vibrant and colorful look.

The color for the curtains must blend nicely with the color of the adjacent walls. Do not use a very dark color right next to a light colored wall as this may create a severe effect. Try to reduce the impact of a dark window curtain by using a lighter trim or alternating it with a sheer, light colored curtain. Small windows can do without large, overwhelming prints. Instead go for self prints or small prints.

In any room, the material on the windows must be in line with the material on the upholstery or furniture. Sheer materials are in vogue these days and they are a fine choice because they impart an airy look to the room. However, sheer curtains allow a lot of sunlight and afford little privacy. So you need to combine them with drapes. While selecting window curtains that are always exposed to sunlight, choose a material and color that does not fade over time. South facing rooms are particularly prone to this problem.