Basic Things You Need to Know About Curtains

Introduction

Buying curtains is more than a finishing touch—it’s a decision that impacts light, privacy, mood, and even energy efficiency. At EZcurtain, we specialize in custom curtains, helping you achieve a tailored look that fits your space and lifestyle. Whether you’re decorating your living room, optimizing sleep in the bedroom, or just upgrading your home, this guide covers the essential things you need to know.

Curtains vs Drapes: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Curtains	Drapes
Fabric Weight	Light to medium	Heavier, often lined
Function	Light filtering, decorative	Light-blocking, thermal, privacy
Style	Casual, airy	Formal, luxurious
Best for	Living rooms, kitchens, layering	Bedrooms, dining rooms, large windows

At EZcurtain, both options can be customized to match your home's needs. If you’re decorating a living space that needs soft light and elegance, curtains may be the way to go. For complete privacy or light-blocking needs, drapes or blackout-lined curtains are ideal—especially in the bedroom.

Curtain Fabrics: What Works for Each Room?

Curtain fabric affects not just how your window looks but also how the room feels.

Fabric	Look & Feel	Best For	Pros	Cons
Linen	Natural, airy, breathable	Living rooms, dining areas	Timeless texture, eco-friendly	Wrinkles easily
Velvet	Rich, thick, luxurious	Formal rooms, winter insulation	Blocks light and noise well	Heavy, dry-clean only
Sheer	Light, translucent	Layering, kitchens, sunrooms	Softens sunlight, adds privacy	Not for light blocking
Blackout-lined	Any fabric with added blackout lining	Bedrooms, nurseries, home theaters	Total darkness, better sleep	Slightly heavier, pricier

EZcurtain's linen curtains are a favorite for casual elegance and pair beautifully with both modern and traditional interiors.

How to Measure Curtains Correctly

Getting curtain size right makes a world of difference. Here's a quick guide:

Measurement Area	What to Measure	EZcurtain Recommendation
Width	Rod Width (window to rod distance 6-15'' each side)	Multiply by 2–2.5 for fullness
Length	Rod height to floor or sill	Choose from: “hover,” “kiss,” “puddle” styles
Rod Placement	Height above window frame	Install 6-10" above the frame, or near ceiling

Need help? Visit EZcurtain’s How to Measure Guide for visuals and tips or contact our support team. Our custom service lets you pick your favorite style to pair beautifully with your decor.

Curtain Length Styles: Which Look Do You Want?

Style Name	Description	Room Style	Pros
Hover	½" above floor	Contemporary, clean	Easy to maintain, no dust
Kiss	Barely touches the floor	Polished, balanced look	Elegant and modern
Break	Slightly creased on the floor (1–3")	Classic, soft	Relaxed elegance
Puddle	Fabric pools on the floor (4"+)	Romantic, dramatic	Luxurious statement

Use a break or kiss length for living rooms. In bedrooms, go for a full puddle or blackout-lined break for comfort and darkness.

Curtain Header Styles: What Look Are You Going For?

The curtain header—also known as the heading style—is where function meets fashion. It not only affects how your curtains hang and move, but also sets the tone for the room’s overall look.

Header Style	Description & Look	Best For
Pinch Pleat	Structured folds sewn at the top for a tailored, formal look	Traditional or elegant spaces
Grommet	Metal rings at the top; slides easily	Modern interiors, high-traffic areas
Rod Pocket	Fabric sleeve fits directly onto rod	Casual, simple settings
Back Tab	Hidden tabs behind the curtain	Clean lines, transitional decor
Wave/Fold	Soft, uniform S-curves along the top	Minimalist or hotel-style interiors

Want a detailed visual breakdown of each style? Check out our guide: How to Choose the Curtain Header Style

Tip: For easy sliding and a clean, contemporary look, grommet or wave headers wook beautifully. If you're going for formality and elegance, pinch pleats are your best.

Matching Curtains to Room Function

Room	Key Needs	EZcurtain Suggestions
Living Room	Light filtering, style	Linen curtains or layered sheers + drapes
Bedroom	Privacy, blackout, insulation	Blackout-lined drapes or thick velvet
Kitchen	Moisture-resistance, easy clean	Short, unlined curtains or roller blinds
Home Office	Glare control, comfort	Medium-weight custom curtains with neutral tones

Lined vs Unlined: Do You Need It?

Curtain Type	Lined?	Benefits
Linen Curtains	Optional	Adds body, protects against sun fade
Velvet Drapes	Yes	Improves warmth and insulation
Blackout Curtains	Always	Essential for sleep, glare reduction, and privacy

Most blackout curtains for bedroom include lining, while linen curtains in living spaces may be unlined to allow a soft glow of natural light.

Tip: EZcurtain offers customizable lining options—including blackout, thermal, or standard light-filtering liners.

Custom Curtains vs Ready-Made

Feature	Custom Curtains	Store-Bought Curtains
Fit	Exact to your window size	Standard sizes; may not align
Fabric & Style	Your choice of material, header, color	Limited stock options
Overall Look	Seamless and elevated	May look too short or stiff
Price	Higher upfront, better value long-term	Lower upfront, less flexibility

With EZcurtain Custom Curtains, you're not just buying fabric-you're designing your space.

FAQs

Q: How do I choose the best curtain for my bedroom?
A: Go for blackout-lined curtains or thick drapes in calming tones. EZcurtain’s blackout curtains help regulate light, improve sleep, and insulate your room.

Q: Can linen curtains block sunlight?
A: Linen by itself is semi-sheer. For better light control, opt for linen curtains with a light-filtering or blackout lining.

Q: How high should I hang my curtains?
A: Install the curtain rod at least 4–6 inches above the window frame—or up to the ceiling for added drama and vertical space illusion. 

Q: Are custom curtains really worth the price?
A: Yes—especially if you value fit, style, and durability. EZcurtain custom curtains offer a flawless finish that ready-made curtains can’t match. More to know how to achieve luxury curtain looks on a budget.

Q: How long should curtains be for a formal room?
A: Choose a break or puddle style for a more elegant, formal vibe.

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Curtains

• Hanging too low or too narrow—mount rods closer to the ceiling and extend beyond window frames.

• Choosing the wrong fabric for the room (e.g. sheer curtains in a bedroom needing privacy).

• Ignoring light direction—south-facing rooms may need UV protection; north-facing may benefit from lighter fabrics.

• Not considering maintenance: some curtains are machine washable, others need dry cleaning.

Final Thoughts: EZcurtain Makes It Easy

Curtains are more than decoration—they define how a room feels and functions. Whether you’re looking for custom curtains for tall windows, breathable linen curtains for living spaces, or blackout curtains for bedroom serenity, EZcurtain provides high-quality, made-to-measure solutions that fit your style.

Ready to transform your space? Explore EZcurtain’s collection and find your perfect match today.