The most common form of window curtains are two panels which hang either side of the window frame when open and can be pulled shut to cover the whole window. Single panels cover the whole window and can be held to one side with tiebacks if required. The panels can be gathered or pleated at the top so they fall that they fall in folds.
Windows which have radiators under the sills should have drapes which come to just below the sill to allow the heat to circulate round the room. Floor-length window curtains look very smart but absorb the heat from radiators.
Sheer curtains allow the light in and can therefore be left covering the window as a permanent fixture. Heavier materials such as velvet are ideal as bedroom curtains as they are good for insulation and privacy. Lighter fabrics work better in bathrooms as they are less prone to retaining moisture and going moldy. Cotton drapes work well in bathrooms, kitchens or in kids' rooms as they can be put in the washing machine. Front rooms which look onto the street often have net curtains across the window for privacy. These are made of an open-weave fabric to let the daylight in and they stay in place across the window permanently.
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