Five Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring an Interior Designer

With the right interior designer, you can create a more attraction and functional home that entices guests in unexpected ways. However, you may still ask yourself, “Is an interior designer worth it?” Well, the answer is “Yes,” if you prepare beforehand and visualize your project. With this short guide, our experts at The Curtain Shop will help you get ready for your interior design venture by providing you with some simple questions to ask before hiring an interior designer.

What Inspires Me?

When formulating your taste, it helps to think about things that you love and that you want to express through interior design. Love the beauty of nature? Start looking for natural, earthy tones to fill your home. Even if you don’t have a complete vision, utilize an inspired theme as a starting point.

What Do I Want Out of This Project?

When hiring an interior designer, you want to make sure that you have an idea to present to them. That means understanding how you want things to work and fit around your home. Being clear and concise with your interior designer can not only help them understand your needs, but it helps them assess their skills on this project. Of course, it also keeps the project organized and hassle-free. 

What Is the Purpose of the Room I Am Decorating?

Interior design and decorating are not just about aesthetics. They are about the functionality of a specific room and how you’re going to utilize it. You may ask yourself, “Is this furniture appropriate for the size of this room?” Another question could be, “Is this curtain going to block an electrical outlet?” You will want to think about how accessible things are going to be in the final product, as well as how much you’re willing to sacrifice for practicality. 

How Much Am I Willing to Spend? 

There’s no denying it. Money makes the world and interior design projects go ‘round. No matter how big or small your project, it will help your interior designer immensely to have a budget ready before the project starts. They will be able to assess if they’re able to work under the parameters and offer more cost-effective solutions if not. 

Who Is My Designer? 

You don’t have to be afraid to research your interior designer before hiring them. It is beneficial to know what types of projects they worked on and their skill sets. It can make all the difference between someone who will give you precisely what you want and another who won’t.

Check Out Interior Design Curtains and Much More at The Curtain Shop! 

Are you looking for interior design curtain fabrics and more to start your project? Check out The Curtain Shop’s incredible selection of high-quality interior design curtains, valences, curtain rods, and more. Have questions? Feel free to give us a call at 1-866-886-3632 or visit our contact page for more information. Be sure to stop by our clearance page for new deals every day!

How to Rock With Rocking Chair Cushions

With their origins in the 18th century, rocking chairs have been at the forefront of classic European and Americana imagery for centuries. Even in our modern age, they make for a lovely and sturdy piece of outdoor furniture that will guide you through many hours of peaceful rest. What’s more, they’re extremely customizable. Aside from being available in every color of the rainbow, there is a variety of rocking chair cushions available everywhere that can majorly enhance your outdoor experience. Whether you’re making your own or purchasing from elsewhere, rocking chair seat cushions can elevate this classic fixture into an everyday relaxation spot.   

Rocking Chair Seat Cushions Make Everything Comfier and Kinder to Your Body

Designed for back comfort and support, rocking chairs provide an easily accessible source of comfort for many elderly and disabled people. This is in spite of the fact that it may not be so kind to other parts of your body. While a good rocking chair may be nice to look at and fun to sit in for a while, there always comes a time when that hardwood surface and your backside don’t agree. For most chairs, you may only have around an hour to appreciate its rustic comfort before things get sore. Of course, this experience varies from person to person based on their height and weight. Fortunately, that issue can be remedied by some quality rocking chair seat cushions. 

They come in any size and material imaginable and can easily be replaced and cleaned. If your cover is removable, simply spray with a stain remover, and throw in the wash. If it isn’t, vacuum up all loose debris and spray your preferred fabric cleaner. Steam if necessary.   

Customize Your Rocking Chair Cushions to Your Heart’s Content

One of the best parts of having cushions available is to be able to customize your chair to your heart’s content. It’s a way to add a bit of flair to your furniture and bring a new feel to the room without the expense of buying new furniture. Whether it’s a holiday or you’re just in the mood to try something different, you can find virtually any design imaginable. Of course, if you just can’t help but personalize and create everything you own, there is no one stopping you from creating your very own wooden chair rocking cushions. From spooky ghosts and bats to entertain trick or treaters to floral pastels for guests, the possibilities are endless. If you happen to keep your rocking chair outdoors, be sure you make sure to protect your cushions from the rain by bringing them in. 

Find a Rockin’ Rocking Chair at The Curtain Shop

If this has inspired you to think a bit more about interior decorations and you’re looking to give your home a new look, The Curtain Shop has everything you need to get started. From high-quality curtains to bedding, we carry a variety of beautiful items that won’t break the bank. Feel free to check out our clearance section for hot deals all year. If you see something you like but aren’t ready to commit, contact us at 1-866-886-3632 for free fabric samples.

Customizing Curtains with Tiebacks

Why Curtain Tiebacks

Everyone knows that curtains of all materials are a subtle but surefire way to express your taste and complete an interior design look. However, there are times when you may want to change part of your home without disrupting your entire decorative scheme or spending too much money. For many, securing your curtains with tiebacks can make for a small and tasteful change, while still catching the eye of guests and adding a breath of fresh air to the room. Having more than one means that you can change up your curtain’s look depending on your mood or preference. There are even plenty of seasonal tiebacks for festive occasions and holidays! 

With curtain tiebacks, you can keep your heavy drapes neatly confined to the sides of your windows without blocking any light. They come in a variety of materials and styles, and you’re bound to find something that matches your specific taste. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to expanding your horizons with interior decoration. 

Tiebacks come in a diverse array of materials, such as: 

  • Rope
  • Metal
  • Fabric
  • Wood

While these materials are commonplace, you can create curtain tiebacks out of many things around your home. Old ribbon or unused cloth are great options for tiebacks, and they can customize an interior to match your unique style. Remember though that some curtain materials carry more weight, making some DIY tiebacks insufficient solutions.

How to Tie Back Curtains

When selecting a tieback, be sure to utilize one that matches your curtain and decor. That means choosing complementary colors and keeping patterns in mind. Be sure to install the hook around two-thirds of the way down the window and about three inches away from the window. Then, wrap the tieback around your curtain and secure it to your hook. The result will be your curtain casually tied back to the side of your windows. The curtains should be taut, yet loose, so they do not appear untidy or unkempt.

In the end, this should be an easy and quick process that keeps your curtains in place and prevents them from going astray. Be creative and enjoy determining how you want to customize and personalize your space. Learning about interior decorating is a journey, not a race. You do not have to adhere to some set of strict rules. The number of varieties and styles will surprise you! 

For the Best in Custom Curtains, Check Out The Curtain Shop

Want to try your hand at some interior decorating? We at The Curtain Shop proudly carry a wide selection of quality drapery and other interior decorating essentials. Of course, you can match all of our curtains with a variety of beautiful tiebacks to complete any room’s look. Check out our exclusive Almost Custom selection for quality curtains no matter your budget. We’re more than happy to provide you with a free swatch before you commit to an order. Save now by checking out our active coupons today!

Five Patio Window Decorating Tips Anyone Can Use

Sliding glass windows are big! In fact, they probably take up the majority of space on your living room wall. That being said, they do have a tendency to be somewhat plain for something that takes up so much visual room. What’s more, they can seem to be a hassle to decorate tastefully to most people. So, our design experts are here to help you tear down any barriers in your way to having fabulous windows with this short guide on how to spruce up your patio door curtains and windows.

Patio Door Curtains and Drapery

Easier to clean than blinds and much more customizable, sliding patio door curtains make for an eye-catching, affordable way to decorate. They also make for a cost-effective way to change up the feel of your living room without going too crazy on cost.

Of course, if you’re looking for high-quality curtains that can impress guests while staying friendly to your wallet, check out The Curtain Shop’s extensive selection.

Subtly Spice Things Up With Curtain Tiebacks

Curtain tiebacks are, as the name implies, a small bit of rope, cloth, or metal that keeps your curtain tied-up to the side. Overall, they are an affordable, super-easy way to spice up your curtains without breaking the bank. You can even DIY your own pretty easily if the mood strikes!

Choose the Curtain Shop for Curtain Rods Galore

While it may not seem like it, patio curtain rods make for a great way to enhance the visual presence of your patio door. With their variety of shapes and colors, these basic metal rods can be essential to completing a look for your room. 

Tip: Make sure that your curtain rod matches or compliments your drapes in some way. If your curtains are patterned, 

Light it Up!

While it might seem like the domain of kids’ rooms and college dorms, strings of light can absolutely be utilized anywhere and by anyone. Whether on top of your window frame or gently hung to the side with your patio door curtains, they can be set to whatever position you’d like at any time. 

Tip: A simple string of white lights can be an excellent way to add ambiance and mood to your room when the lights are dim and you’re settled on the couch. 

Get Festive!

Of course, there’s no limit of seasonal items that you can utilize for your patio door curtains and window. From stickers to specialty lights and even the curtains themselves, there’s no shortage of ways to spruce things up for the holidays! It’s one more way to get into the seasonal spirit, and your guests will love it!

Looking For More Patio Door Curtain Ideas? Check Out TheCurtainSop!

If these simple decoration ideas have given you some inspiration for your own interior decorating, feel free to check out our collection of items! Be sure to check out our clearance section for unbeatable deals on some premium stuff. If you have any questions or would like to request a fabric sample, contact us today!

Straight or Ruffled: Which is Best For Valances?

Have you ever wondered why there are windows in some homes that don’t have window valances? If so, you aren’t alone. Every window should have a valance above the curtain, shade, or blinds. Why? A valance accents the window treatment improves the decor and adds another layer of design to the rooms in your home. Here’s how to decide between a straight or ruffled valance for your home.

Ruffled Valances for Curtains

Does your family room have curtains hanging in front of the windows? Do you have a large bow or bay window with curtains on either end? If so, you will likely want to go with ruffled valances for these windows. 

Ruffled valances just look better when they are hanging over curtains. The materials are the same, so it’s easy to match the color and design. Plus, curtains are bunched up when they are pulled to the side. A ruffled valance on top of a pulled curtain just looks aesthetically pleasing.

Straight Valance for a Blind

When you have blinds installed in front of your bow or bay window, it’s best to go with straight valances. Straight valances installed over blinds just make sense. Blinds are straight objects that don’t ruffle or collapse. Instead, they are solid and straight, which means they will match well with straight valances. 

What About Shades?

If there are shades installed on your windows, do you really need valances above them? The simple answer is yes. A window just looks naked without having a valance on top of it. A shade is typically installed in the interior of the window frame, but that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be a valance to top off the decor. 

Do All Windows Need Valances?

You technically don’t need to have valance curtains installed on every single window in your home. However, valances do improve the look of every room where they are installed. Even the largest windows in your home should have a valance on the top You can hang more than one valance to cover the length of the window. 

What About Valance-Only Windows?

You also have the option of decorating your windows with only valances when changing things up in your home. You don’t necessarily need to have blinds, shades or curtains hanging on a window. If you only want to hang a valance because you want as much sunlight to shine through as much as possible, you can do just that. In this scenario, you can’t go wrong with either a straight or ruffled valance.

Have You Picked a Valance Yet? Visit The Curtain Shop Online Today

As you plan to redecorate your home, whether it’s just one room or all of them, you cannot skip on the valances. In business since 1953, The Curtain Shop is dedicated to helping our customers find the window treatments and valances that match their lifestyle. Call us at 1-866-886-3632 or browse our available valances and choose the style that is right for you.

Four Decorating Tips for Pairing Curtains with Blinds

Are you decorating your new home? Do you want to update the decor of your bedroom, living room or den? If so, it’s time to consider pairing curtains and blinds together. This can easily be done and it’s not as taboo as many people might think. If you follow these four decorating tips, you should have no trouble finding curtains with blinds to match for every room of your home.

Tip #1: Pick the Blinds First

The most important thing you can do when hanging curtains with blinds to match is to pick the blinds first. You need to pick the type of blinds you’d like to hang in your kitchen or living room first. Do you want Venetian blinds or roller blinds? Make sure you pick blinds that are solid in color and that the color compliments the rest of the decor in the room you are redesigning or decorating.

Tip #2: Hang the Window Treatments High and Wide

If you are interested in hanging both curtains and blinds, you will be at an advantage, especially if you live in a smaller home. Combining these two window treatments can help make the rooms look larger. Hang the blinds just below the ceiling, then hang the curtain rod at the same height as the blinds. This makes your room look taller than it really is.

Tip #3: Be Sure to Match Colors

When it’s time to hang curtains and blinds together, don’t forget to match the colors as much as possible. Match the color of the rod and any other hardware you use to the colors of the blinds and curtains. Try to purchase hardware that has a matte finish so that the overall look of all the window treatments match as closely as possible. Avoid a curtain rod that is finished in gold or bright silver. These rods can take too much attention away from the curtains and blinds.

Tip #4: Never Hang Print Over Print

If you must have a pattern on your blinds or curtains, choose which one will have the pattern and then pick a complementary color for the other window treatment. You should never have printed on both of these – it can become very overwhelming looking at them constantly.

Pairing Curtains with Blinds? The Curtain Shop Can Help

When you decide it’s time to pair curtains with blinds, look no further than The Curtain Shop. Our team is here to help you pick the right curtains and blinds to add flair to each room in your home. Contact us today at 1-866-886-3632 to discuss your decorating ideas. Find an answer to the question, “Should you have curtains and blinds?”

Shades or Blinds: Which Are Better For Summer?

The heat during the summer along the East Coast can be absolutely unbearable. Mix in the humidity and it will be downright impossible to keep the heat out of your home. If you are trying to beat the heat this summer with shades or blinds, do you know which option is better for your home? The battle between blinds vs shades rages on and the team from The Curtain Shop is here to shed some light on which of the two you should choose.

Why Choose Shades?

Are you considering shades to help keep the heat out of your home this summer? If so, you will need to keep them closed all day in order to save energy and prevent the heat from entering your home. Shades will need to be installed as close to the glass as possible in order to seal the window. Choose reversible shades with white on one side and black on the other. White can reflect the sun away from the home in the summer and black can draw the sun in during the winter to help heat the home.

Are Blinds the Better Option?

When it comes to windows blinds vs shades, blinds can help to reflect heat away from your home, but they have to be closed completely. When closed entirely, blinds can reduce heat in your home by up to 45 percent. 

Both Window Treatment Options Work

Even though you are trying to decide between blinds and the best window shades, both of these window treatment options work when it comes down to keeping the heat out of your home in the summer. It all comes down to your personal preference, the options available, and how the window treatments will match your home’s current decor. There are plenty of options for both blinds and shades when trying to beat the heat along the East Coast. 

How to Choose Window Treatments

When the time comes to choose new window treatments for your home, you need to take specific things into consideration:

  • The measurements of the windows
  • Whether you want to install treatments inside or outside the window frame
  • If you want to use curtain rods
  • If you need double drapery rods
  • The materials you would like to use
  • The functionality of the window treatments
  • The sheer of the window treatments
  • Your budget
  • If you want to add valances
  • The styles available for your home’s decor

Window Coverings Help Beat the Heat – Order Online Today

Window coverings, no matter which type you choose, help to beat the heat along the East Coast. Whether you go with blinds or shades, you will never go wrong when you order online from The Curtain Shop. We have been providing window coverings, bedding, and custom materials since 1953. Visit us online to place your window covering order today.

Why You Need a Bed Skirt

Decorating the bedroom is a right of passage for any new homeowner, renter, kid headed off to college, or even if you still live at home. There’s nothing like changing your bedding or other aspects of your bedroom after things have gone stale over the years. The next time you decide to change the bedding, make sure you include a bed skirt. This is one of the most overlooked ensemble pieces on a bed and it truly ties in the decor of the entire room. Here’s why you need a bed skirt.

What Is a Bed Skirt?

The bed skirt is an item that looks very much like an oversized sheet. It is placed on the bed between the mattress and the box spring. The bed skirt is so large that the fabric reaches the ground on both sides of the bed, so long as it is placed evenly on the bed. It used to be called the dust ruffle in the past.

They Simply Look Great

A great bed skirt can improve the decor of your bedroom. They simply look great. They can add a pop of color to the room that might otherwise be dull, hide unsightly legs of a bed, or help hide the items you are storing under your bed, unsightly box springs and anything else you want out of sight.

Bed Skirts Keep the Bed Clean

A bed skirt can help to keep the underside of the bed clean. This is why they used to be known as dust ruffles. The bed skirt is long enough to touch the floor, creating a barrier between the dust and dirt of the room and the underside of the bed. Dust mites can appear when too much dust accumulates under a bed. Avoid this unfortunate problem by purchasing a bed skirt. Beds without bed skirts often have a lot of dust on the floor underneath them.

Easy to Clean and Swap

Tired of the bed skirt on your bed right now? No worries. It can easily be swapped out with a different one. Bed skirts are also easy to clean. If you don’t want to take it off the bed and throw it in the washing machine, you can use an attachment on your vacuum to remove dust and other debris.

Ready to Add a Touch of Flair to Your Bed? Buy a Bed Skirt Today

If you walk into your bedroom each day and feel like something is missing, it might be a bed skirt. It can add style, class, and color to your bedroom. If you are ready to add a touch of flair to your bed, visit The Curtain Shop. Established in 1953, The Curtain Shop has been providing expert decorating advice to clients all along the East Coast. Contact us at 1-866-886-3632 today.

Four Ways Decorative Bed Pillows Can Complement Your Room

You’ve put a lot of work into getting your bedroom to look and feel just right. It’s comfortable, cozy, and inviting, but is it really complete? Maybe you’re noticing that it’s not quite what you want it to be, but you don’t want to go back to the drawing board and start over. Essentially, you’re at a crossroads, if you will, with your bedroom, and you need a little push in the right direction to achieve the ideal look. Look no further than decorative throw pillows for the bed to tie the room together and get the feeling of completion you’re after. 

Using Throw Pillows to Change the Feel of the Bedroom

What makes using throw pillows such a great idea is the fact that they don’t have to stay there forever. You can change them out to match your room, highlight the season, or create a color counterpoint to the dominant color in the room. Don’t overlook using a pillow with an unusual print even if it doesn’t seem to blend in with the rest of your decor. And if you’re running out of ideas, there’s always social media sites like Instagram, where countless numbers of people are sharing how they use bedroom throw pillows.

Pick Different Pillow Sizes

Bedroom throw pillows range in size from 18 to 24 inches, but don’t restrict yourself to these two sizes. Using and arranging pillows in a wide range of sizes breaks up the visual lines of the room and generates interest for the viewer. Consider getting pillows in colors that match the least dominant colors of your bedroom or a color in your curtains. This may cause a bit of difficulty when trying to figure out your throw pillows storage as they won’t fit in the same container, but it’s a small consideration when compared to the benefit of adding color to the room.

Create Interest With Textures and Prints

The bedroom is a place that’s supposed to be inviting, comfortable, and relaxing. Decorative bed pillows can help achieve this feeling through the use of soft textures mixed with gentle prints and complimentary colors. Use your best judgment when selecting prints and textures as it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. For example, bedroom throw pillows can feature faux fur on one side but that fur can sometimes overwhelm. Add in a print to draw the eye from the pillow and surround the rest with subtle colors to balance everything out.

Don’t Let the Pillows Overwhelm the Bedroom

You want the pillows to add to the room by giving it color, texture, and “flavor,” but it’s easy to go overboard because there are so many kinds of pillows out there. Make sure the pillows you pick won’t be the only thing you see when you walk into the room. Look at each pillow with a critical eye and examine how it will look in the room and with other pillows. If it feels like the pillow will be too much, put it back and find one that works.

Check Out Our Selection of Bed Pillows at the Curtain Shop

We carry a large selection of bedroom throw pillows and more at The Curtain Shop. Contact us today at 1-866-886-3632 or check out the website for a look at the pillow options we offer. Our experienced staff is ready to help you make the perfect choice of pillows for your bedroom today.

What Is The Difference Between Curtains and Drapes?

Curtains are drapes and drapes are curtains, right? Well, not quite. Both are sections of fabric that hang from rods and cover windows, but not in the same fashion. You’d be forgiven for thinking that the two words are interchangeable and somewhat generic. It’s true that both are window coverings, but one has a purely decorative function while the other has a practical function. It is possible to have one without the other, but a well-dressed home really should have both on the major windows. Here’s a look at drapes vs curtains and why it’s important to understand the difference.

The Definition of a Drape

Drapes are considered a formal window covering due to the types of fabrics they’re made from and the amount of construction used in their creation. They’re also heavy and tiebacks are frequently used to hold the drapes away from the window to create a visual entryway, if you will. Drapes are usually longer than the curtains to help define the difference between the two. And while many types of drapes can be drawn across the windows to close them off from the outside, you may prefer drapes that are narrow and won’t extend across the window but do give balance to the curtains. 

Defining a Curtain

Curtains are made from lighter materials and have less construction than a drape. Just about any kind of fabric can be used for a curtain as long as it can fold or pleat with ease. People typically pick materials that are easily washed by hand or in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. Curtains have the purpose of covering up a window and block out light, protect privacy, and add color to a room. They’re used anywhere and everywhere someone wants to have the option to preserve privacy or keep the outside world from coming in. 

Should You Have Drapes or Curtains?

There’s no one answer to this so much as it depends on your intended use of the room and what kind of visual effect you want to achieve. Curtains by themselves can be formal or informal, but drapes are almost always formal. You might want to use the combination of drapes and curtains in a room and take advantage of the extra thermal protection offered by drapes at night while enjoying the light that comes through the curtains by day. And sometimes, drapes aren’t necessary because thermal curtains can do the work on their own. Or, if you want to maintain a formal appearance in certain rooms and a casual look in others, try using the combo in some places and not in others.

Not Sure What’s Best for Your Windows? Talk to Us at the Curtain Shop

We at The Curtain Shop can help you figure out what looks best for your room and your needs. Our design experts are ready to talk to you over the phone or in-person to discuss the benefits of drapes and curtains. Our experts will also help you pick the right fabrics and designs for your home. Contact us by phone at 1-866-886-3632 or browse our extensive collection online. Let us find the ultimate accouterments for your windows today!