Shop for Curtains

Window treatments often provide a focal point for a room. So, whether made of lace, fabric, or another material, curtains are an inexpensive and beautiful way to complete a room. Bedbathstore.com has a vast selection of window treatment options so that it is easy to find curtains for every room. Whether a customer is looking for media curtains in cabernet, kitchen curtains in a floral print, or curtains for a child's room that are pink and purple, they have options.
Blackout curtains are so dense that they block out most sunlight, making them a great choice for bedrooms. Bedbathstore.com has blackout curtains in many colors, and feature popular brands like Commonwealth Curtains. Heritage Lace Curtains are a great way to add a sense of elegance to a room. The look perfect in older homes, but are equally lovely in modern homes, providing privacy but still letting sunlight in. For someone wanting the lightness of lace but prefer curtains with a more modern look, sheer curtains are a perfect alternative. The come in more designs and colors than lace, but still have a light appearance and feel. For those seeking a bolder statement than sheer or lace on their panes, Bedbathstore.com offers window treatments in a variety of patterns, from classic stripes to modern prints.
Perhaps even more than stylish living, a primary concern of homeowners today is energy efficiency. Many people are interested in "going green" at home, or at least saving money on their utility bills. Thermal curtains are one tool that homeowners can use to make their homes as energy efficient as possible. Thermal window treatments are dense curtains that keep drafts out of the home, insulating the area around a window. They look elegant and come in a variety of colors and designs, and can even be found in popular pinch pleating (curtains that have very visible pleats). There are also pinch pleated window treatments that are not thermal, so a homeowner can choose thermal pinch pleated drapes for the living room that coordinate with kitchen pinch pleated drapes in a lighter fabric.
Bedbathstore.com also carries more specialized types of curtains. French doors are beautiful, but often it is difficult to find a covering for them that provides adequate privacy. Bedbathstore.com carries a number of full panel curtains that are designed especially for French doors, such as Door Panels by D. Kwitman. As with all of bedbathstore.com's products, these come in a number of color selections. What's more, Bedbathstore.com's window treatments are not limited to the indoors. While many may not think curtains have a place in their backyard, quality window treatments offer multiple possibilities for indoor/outdoor use. For instance, for screened-in porches, gazebos, and pool decks, indoor/outdoor curtains provide both privacy and protection from the elements.





Window treatments not only serve functional purposes, but also play a significant role in determining the look and feel of a room.
Therefore, they should be chosen with care.
Selecting window treatments can be exciting and rewarding.
However, before making a selection you'll want to give careful thought and consideration to the space and function of the room,the lighting and room location, and the style and atmosphere you want to create or enhance

Shop at Bedbathstore for many Window Treatment Ideas, Kitchen Window Treatments, Kids Curtains, Blackout Curtains and Drapes, Sheer Curtains, Insulated Thermal Curtains,Lace Curtains, Outdoor Curtains, Pinch Pleated Draperies,Cafe Curtains, Window Valances and Swags, Curtain Rods and Window Shades.

Holiday Curtain Ideas

Space & Room Function

Lighting, Location & Energy Efficiency

Style and atmosphere help create a mood

Fabrics commonly used in window treatments

Measuring Tips

Styling Tips

Helpful Color Tips

Holiday Curtain Ideas

Festive Curtains in 20 Minutes

The Christmas Holiday is a perfect time of the year to redecorate with new window treatments. Bedbathstore.com makes this a stress-less experience and enables you to shop online with guaranteed quick delivery. We carry a large selection of Christmas kitchen curtains in complete sets or as open stock so you can buy just swags, tiers or valances. Open stock curtains also allows you to create wide and fuller window treatments by adding additional tier curtains and valances. The holiday patterns feature classic Christmas prints and novelty weaves and lace curtains. Use the Christmas tiers and valance to decorate your bathroom window or as a door curtain for added privacy. Our selection of Holiday lace curtains from Heritage Lace allows you to design new window treatments for any room in your home. Living room, dining room, den and bedroom windows can now be styled with a festive window treatment.

Silver Bells and Ribbons - One easy way to make your curtains festive for the holidays is to find some bells at a local craft store and ribbon that will match your holiday décor. Measure from the curtain rod to where you want the bell to hang. You will want to make the ribbon 2 ˝ times as long as this length so that you can make a bow. Loop the ribbon over the curtain rod. String one end of the ribbon through the top of the bell and tie a bow. Continue adding bells evenly spaced and at various lengths until you have completed a window. If bells don’t fit into your holiday decorations try ornaments, paper snowflakes or if you are going with an old fashioned holiday theme try apples or dried orange slices.

Garland Embellishments - Another quick way to dress up your draperies is to get garland. Use floral wire and nails to attach the garland to the wall at the corners of the window. Let the middle create a gentle curve and the ends hang down.

Cheery Tiebacks - If you have tie back curtains this is another way to create festive curtains quickly. Create a holiday tie back that will match the rest of your holiday décor. Some ideas are: attach pinecones to the ends of rope, use ornaments, a large bow with holly sprigs, miniature wreaths or fake flowers such as poinsettias.

Festive Swag - You can bring the charm of holiday nature to your curtains by creating a swag to go across the top of the window along the curtain rod. Use pinecones, berries, holly, ivy, and evergreen for the best holiday affect.

Holiday Greetings Garland - Create a garland of Christmas cards to adorn your windows. Find pretty ribbon to match the holiday décor you already have. Choose some of your favorite Christmas cards from friends for a varied look, or use all the same cards. Punch holes on the sides of the card so that when you string it onto the ribbon the card will be right side up. Tie bows at the ends and hang it from the corners of the window.

Winter Wonderland - Use fake snow to decorate your window treatments. Put some along the top, and anywhere else it would stay if snow had really fallen inside. For extra sparkly you could string white Christmas lights behind and underneath the snow.

Shelf Full of Winter Goodies - This fun idea is the perfect way to decorate all year long. Measure the width of your window and find a shelf that will be just an inch long on either side. Install the shelf above your window. Put fun Christmas trinkets, or if you collect winter villages put them here. When Christmas is over there is no need to take down the shelf simply trade the Christmas items for something that will better suit the season.

Space & Room Function

Expand a narrow window by extending the rod and treatment beyond the actual perimeter of the window. Using wider panels on either side will make the window appear larger. To create the illusion of a taller window, hang rods higher than the window (near the ceiling). Reduce the appearance of a large or wide room by using vertical blinds to create a focal point that provides height. Square-up wide windows by using narrow, floor-length curtains or drapes.
Diminish the height of a large room by selecting horizontal treatments such as wood blinds, aluminum blinds, or cellular shades.

Function - How the room is used will help define the most appropriate window treatment
Consider activities, level and type of usage, and any other special circumstances that may help as you select the best window treatment for your application.

Bath - Opt for simplicity that provides adequate privacy. Try soft shades or blinds combined with a top treatment
Certain drapery styles lend themselves to this space as well.
Depending on the location of the window relative to water sources and/or humidity, you may need to consider a washable material
Faux wood blinds are an excellent choice for the bathroom as they are not sensitive to humidity.

Bedroom - Anything goes depending on your needs. For room darkening consider blinds, blackout shades, or lined draperies.
A combination of blinds and a drapery treatment will provide privacy while maintaining a softened look.

Kitchen - Blinds or shades are a good choice, as the room won't be deprived of natural light.
Consider whether you want the window to blend in to the surroundings, or if you would like it to be a focal point
Matching the wall / trim color or using a neutral will cause the window to visually recede.
To draw attention to the window use color and pattern. Fabrics and materials should be washable.

Office, study, and family room - An important factor to consider is how casual or formal you would like this space to appear.
Easygoing Roman shades and woven woods provide a warm, cozy atmosphere.
A combination of wood blinds and a fabric treatment would be welcoming, yet more formal.


Lighting, Location & Energy Efficiency

Is natural light your preference?
Or is there a need for reducing the amount of sunlight to prevent fading and reduce energy costs.
Observe how and when the sun falls upon the windows.
What direction does each window face; north, south, east or west?

Southern or western exposure requires additional protection from intense sunlight.
Adjustable shutters or mini-blinds work best for shielding the sun without blocking out natural light. Roman shades are a good choice with their snug window-fitting design and plush folds.
Light-blocking shades and heavier weight, lined draperies work well when your goal is to completely keep out the sun.

Northern or eastern exposure call for treatments that retain warmth and provide insulation. Try a layered treatment such as cellular shades topped with fabric panels.
The honeycomb shape of cellular shades is naturally insulating, making them ideal for windows and doors that require additional insulation. Even adding a layer of sheers under draperies will increase insulation and help keep out the cold. Metal-backed pleated shades and thermal-backed draperies provide excellent insulation from the elements.

You'll want to select colors and patterns to reflect your personal tastes and to compliment the room design.

Style and atmosphere help create a mood


First, you must determine the style/look you're trying to achieve.

Casual - Consider wooden blinds, teamed with a treatment that has clean lines, such as a straight panel in brushed cotton with colors inspired by nature.

Traditional - Give rooms a classic look by using luxurious fabrics in swags and draperies.
Create a romantic feel by using sheers or soft valances.

Country - Wood shutters or blinds introduce a natural element.

Tab top draperies or ruffled curtains are at home within this style.

Color, pattern, and texture can set the tone and feel of a room
Light may be minimized or maximized, emotion is created, and energy is instilled. Start with the examples below.

Pastels in a sheer fabric of yellow or pink for curtains will maximize the warming effect of light
A large area will appear more intimate by using a heavier fabric in darker shades of plum or burgundy.
Tones of blue and white promote tranquility and in crisp cotton will take on a very clean appearance.
Green is commonly regarded as the single most welcoming color in psychological terms,
and can be used successfully in a wide variety of fabrics and settings.

Fabrics and texture serve distinct purposes and have both advantages and disadvantages depending upon their usage.

Curtain Styles -

Tab Top	Tailored	Poletop	Tailored Swag
Federal Valance	Scarf	Doorpanel	Blouson Valance

Fabrics commonly used in window treatments

Cotton - Woven fibers. This versatile fiber can be revered as a soft voile or beefy Sailcloth; brushed for texture or spur for softness. Pattern may be obtained by print or through weaving. This is a very versatile choice with easy maintenance.

Linen - Linen suggests sophistication, and is a beautiful choice for a more formal space. This fabric is most commonly found in solids, or with a slight pattern woven in. It has a tendency to crease and drape stiffly; consequently, linen is often blended with cotton to enhance its softness.

Polyester / Rayon - Polyester blends well with other fibers. It is wrinkle-resistant, resilient and easy to clean.
This fabric is very receptive to dye, and therefore is often available in a wide variety of colors and printed patterns.

Sheer Fabrics - This includes any soft, translucent fabric (i.e., muslin, voile, lace).
These fabrics vary in opacity and gently diffuse light. Most often these fabrics are used as an accent underneath
a more substantial fabric , but they can stand alone to create a look that is simple, but elegant.

Silk - Silk has a smooth, soft texture that is not slippery, unlike many synthetic fibers.

Taffeta - A crisp, smooth woven fabric made from silk or synthetic fibres, it is considered to be a "high end" fabric.

Voile - A light weight woven fabric, usually made of 100% cotton or cotton blends including linen or polyester.

Damask - A reversible figured fabric of silk, wool, linen, cotton, or synthetic fibers, with a pattern formed by weaving.

Jacquard - A fabric with an elaborately woven pattern produced on a Jacquard loom.

Flocked - Flocking is the process of depositing many small fiber particles (called flock) onto a surface.

Eyelet - Eyelet patterns are those in which the holes make up only a small fraction of the fabric and are isolated into clusters.

Blackout - A fabric that blocks most or all incomming light.

Thermal Weave - A cellular weave of a wool blanket that creates small air pockets to trap heat.

Thermal Foam Back - A thermal insulation that traps heat inside the room while keeping out the cold air outside.


Measuring Tips

Purchasing window treatments can seem like an insurmountable challenge.
You'll have to make decisions - what type, what style, what color, and now, what size. You'll need to measure.
You'll need to know which measurements to take. You'll need to do math.
Don't Panic.
The good news is you can do it, and we're here to help you with detailed instructions on how to hang curtains in your home.
Begin by reading these tips.
Then, arm yourself with paper, pencil, and measuring tape (almost as good as paper, rock, scissors).
Next, you'll need to choose your type of treatment from the How to Measure page (the page you just came from).
Finally, follow the directions provided to determine what size treatment you need to insure a fabulous fit.


Styling Tips

Create an Illusion
The type of treatments you select and how you place them on your windows can play a starring role in the appearance of a room.

Type - Reduce the vastness of a wide room by using vertical blinds to create a focal point that provides height.
Diminish the height of a soaring ceiling by selecting horizontal treatments such as wood blinds, aluminum blinds, or cellular shades.

Placement - Where you place your treatment on the window can make a difference in it's appearance.
For example, squaring-up windows that are not perfectly square by camouflaging imperfections.
Make a narrow window appear wider by placing panels and corresponding hardware beyond the actual perimeter of the window.
Make a wide window appear narrower by using floor-length curtains or draperies and placing them to just cover the window and as little wall space as possible.
Add height to your window by placing curtains or drapery panels closer to the ceiling rather than right at windows top edge.
Keep the view from your window by using short rods mounted on each side of a window
(rather than one long one that runs across the entire window). Problem windows of unique shapes or sizes will particularly benefit from this versatile approach.

Ask For More- One of the simplest techniques to improve the look of your window treatment is to just add more to it.
Fullness - More panels shirred together on a window will give a window a full, designer look.
Layering - By adding more layers to a window, you can give it an entirely different look.
For example, if you've started with sheers, make them the undertreatment by adding drapery panels.
Top It Off - Top treatments are a wonderful addition to any window.
There are many different types to choose from which adds to the fun.
You may want to keep it simple, or your top treatments can really dress-up your windows.
Some of the most creative and versatile top treatments are scarves. They're the perfect choice for challenging, hard-to-fit windows.
To begin adding scarves to your window, have the hardware securely mounted into position.
Sconces, decorative poles, holdbacks or scarf holders all work well to hang scarves.
Place your scarf on a flat surface and gather the fabric into soft pleats by hand. Use your fingers to comb through the folds.
This will allow you to adjust the pleats and overall style.

Embellish - Add the finishing touch to your windows with embellishments.
For major impact, use decorative poles and sconces rather than just the plain, basic hardware.
Pulling panels back with ties, or tassels is simple and adds interest to any window. Your own jewelry (brooches, pins, and even earrings) can be used to add a little sparkle.

Style - A fluff here a puff there, sometimes it just takes a little arranging to achieve the look you desire.
Don't be afraid to try different placements with your window coverings.
For example, pulling all the panels to one side of the window.

Here are few popular styling techniques to try:
Bishop Sleeve - A Bishop - Also known as a bishop sleeve, is one of the easiest techniques you can use to create a designer look.
Start with panels or a scarf made with a lightweight material.
(You will need about ten inches extra length for each bishop.)
Gather the fabric and secure with a ribbon or tie.
You may need to support the bishop by attaching a cup hook to the wall and hanging the ribbon or tie off the cup hook from the back of the panel. If the fabric isn't too sheer, you may create a fuller look by filling the pouf with tissue paper.
Finally, arrange the bishop sleeve by fanning and blousing the fabric.
Puddling - An easy decorating touch, puddling is arranging a portion of the panels or scarf on the floor.
For best results, allow an additional six to eight inches in length for each puddle.
Balloon shade - A fabric shade that puffs or "balloons" as the shade is raised.
Cornice - A shallow, box-like structure, usually made of wood, fastened across the top of a window to conceal drapery hardware.
Wood may be finished or covered in fabric.
Pinch-Pleat Drapery - A traditional pleated drapery, often used under a decorative top treatment, such as a valance, cornice or scarf.
Scarf - a flowing fabric that is swagged or looped across the top of the window with free flowing panels down the sides.
May use a single scarf or several scarves in a symmetrical or asymmetrical design. Use a wood or metal pole, sconces or scarf rings.
Sconce - Decorative hardware used to hold a scarf. Usually made of plaster, wood or metal.
Swag & Cascade - A fabric top treatment that drapes and overlaps itself across the face of a window.
Usually installed with side panels called cascades.

Tab top drapery - Fabric loops slip over rods, taking the place of rings. Use wood or metal poles, or cafe rods.

Go Alternative - Treatments can be utilized in various ways around the house other than just on windows. Be creative! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
As a Room Divider - Create a simple room divider. To soften the look of a doorway or for just a little more privacy within your home, try using window treatments. Leave them open for a rich and inviting look. Blockout light, dampen sounds, or accomplish a sense of privacy by creating a temporary wall where there isn't one.
As a Door - Panels work well as doors where sound and complete privacy are not factors. A closet is a perfect place to use curtains or draperies as you would a door. They can enhance the door with a burst of color or pattern, and save space in areas where a door on hinges seems to take up too much room.
Around the Bed - A cozy, canopy effect can be created using any one of several techniques. A few of the ways you can achieve this look are by using ceiling mount rods to drape panels over the bed, by using L-shaped rods at corners of bed, or by using finials or other hardware to gather panels on the wall at the center. Another technique is to use panels behind the bed as a headboard.


Helpful Color Tips

Not sure what you want? Begin saving pictures from magazines that appeal to your tastes. Soon, you will notice a pattern developing with regard to style, and color preferences.
When initiating a color plan for your home, think about the colors that make you feel comfortable. (A quick look in your closet might give you a jump-start.)

Accent colors may be introduced into a space as subtly as with fresh flowers, or bowl of fruit.
-Pink is very flattering to skin tones.
-Neutrals make a perfect background for contrasting colors, or for one vivid accent color.
-Use at least three shades of a color in a monochromatic scheme.
-Be sure the mid-tone values are represented.
-Recognize that color is mood-altering, and select accordingly.
-Use cool colors to make an area appear larger.
-Opt for warm colors when a cozier atmosphere is desired.
-These colors are also great to use when there is a lack of natural light.
-Use similar values of different hues to create a flow from one room to the next. The result will be unified, yet different.

It is just as important to consider where the colors are going to be used, as it is to consider which colors are going to be used. For instance, a color on the wall has much more impact than it would in a piece of art.
Use an inspiration piece, such as a favorite patterned fabric or wallpaper for clues as to which colors to integrate, and in what quantities.
Cool colors are at their best when used in areas with plenty of natural light, as they can create a dank atmosphere in dark spaces.
Use contrasting colors at full intensity only if the effect you are after is lively and active.

For a serene and calming effect in a space such as a bedroom, use cool colors.
Yellow, at full value, is not a restful color. Use this color sparingly, especially in an infant’s bedroom.
Color appears in areas of a room other than just the paint and fabric. Consider coloration of all materials to be located within the same area.
Ceilings don’t have to be white. If you have color on your walls, one idea is to mix a cupful of the wall color into each gallon of white ceiling paint, for a subtle cohesiveness.
-Begin your project only after you’ve developed your color plan.
-Spread your favorite colors around.
-They might not all work in the same room.
-Window frames and sills painted a glossy, bright, white allow the sunlight to radiate.