Window Treatment Style Education

This is the first of many educational posts to come. The purpose is to educate you on different style of window treatments and help you decide what is best for your home and also your needs. This educational post will be every Wednesday. So stay tuned!

Today we are going to talk about curtains. There are many types and styles of curtain. Today we are going to learn about the flat panel, the rod pocket and the hidden tab. There are variations on each of these, but these are the curtains in their most basic form.

1) The Flat Panel Curtain

Flat panels allow you to use any type of fabric. Some fabrics are too "fancy" to use as a rod pocket or hidden tab. But rings allow you the freedom to use any fabric choice. Ideal for a formal room.

When a curtain hung from rings is pulled to the side it holds its own and doesn't require the use of tie backs. They flank windows nicely and also are nice accents to be stationary beside windows with inside mount roman shades or underneath valances.

Ideal fabrics: any

2) The Rod Pocket Curtain

Rod pocket panels slide open and closed with ease. They are a standard curtain that is best used for a more casual look. Medium weight cotton are best for this style, but not limited to.

These curtains are ideal to stand alone. They could be used under a valance but valance plus curtain plus tie back can get a litte busy.

Rod pockets do require a tie back as they have a tendancy to inch toward the center of the curtain rod.

Ideal fabrics: Medium weight cottons, linens, cancas or duck 

3) The Hidden Tab Panel

Hidden tab panels can be used with any material. Linen drapes nicely with this style as they pleat. This style is versitile as it can be used in either a formal room or a casual room. The fabric choice would make the difference between formal or casual.

This curtain does not require a tie back as the tabs and pleats help it hold its own when pulled to the side. However, tie backs can be used.

Ideal fabrics: medium weight cotton, linen