How to choose your curtains?
How to choose your curtains?
Choosing your curtains curtains is an essential part of designing an interior. Far more than a simple textile accessory, a curtain shapes the light, softens the atmosphere and reveals a room’s personality. In the world of Bérengère Leroy, curtains become true statement pieces: a perfect drape, noble materials, a subtly chosen colour… every detail contributes to the harmony of a space. bespoke curtains Whether you are wondering
how to choose your curtains how to choose the colour of your curtains or , this article will guide you step by step. From the material to the drape, from finishes to the different types of curtains, we share our artisanal expertise to help you create a bright, elegant and perfectly balanced interior.Why is it essential to choose your curtains well?
Curtains
The curtains play a fundamental role in interior design. They define the soul of a room, influence the perception of space and softly modulate the light. Their presence transforms a living room, warms a bedroom, enhances a large picture window or emphasises the height of a ceiling.
A centrepiece of interior design
Curtains frame the window like a jewel box. They dress the room, reveal its proportions and make a striking aesthetic statement. In a bright living room, a linen sheer allows the light to breathe. In a bedroom, a heavier fabric offers privacy and serenity. In every space, they become a guiding thread of style.
A decisive role in light and atmosphere
A carefully chosen curtain softens the rays of daylight, subtly filters the evening light or creates a warm cocoon in bedrooms. Nothing matters more when creating a harmonious atmosphere. That is why how to choose your curtains well is a crucial question when you want to enhance an interior.
Choosing the material for your curtains: linen, velvet, sheers…
The material is the first criterion to consider. It determines the drape, transparency, luminous effect and decorative style. Here are the materials we favour at our Maison for their timeless beauty and ability to enhance an interior.
Linen: natural, elegant and timeless
The linen is the material of choice for refined interiors. Its lively, soft and slightly irregular texture brings natural elegance to every room.
Ideal in a living room or as a bedroom curtain, it lets the light through while providing a subtle veil. It is also one of the best choices for those looking for bedroom curtain ideas that combine authenticity and modernity.
Linen voile: purity and diffused light
Translucent and airy, linen voile offers delicate transparency and a fluid drape. It is perfect for large picture windows or rooms where you want to retain as much natural light as possible. For lovers of understated, contemporary interiors, it is one of the most sought-after materials.
Velvet: depth and character
The velvet brings rare intensity to a space. Its sumptuous feel and ability to catch the light and create a hushed atmosphere make it a favourite choice for a bedroom, an enveloping living room or a principal suite.
For a adult bedroom curtain, it offers depth of colour and incomparable elegance.
Light-filtering and blackout fabrics: comfort and privacy
For those who want greater control over the light, particularly in a bedroom, fabrics light-filtering or blackout curtains are suitable alternatives. They provide visual comfort, protection and warmth, while remaining attractive when chosen with care.
What colour should you choose for your curtains?
Choosing the colour of your curtains is the step that sets the room’s final tone. The shade influences the atmosphere, brightness and overall harmony of the space. It is often one of the most frequently asked questions: , this article will guide you step by step. From the material to the drape, from finishes to the different types of curtains, we share our artisanal expertise to help you create a bright, elegant and perfectly balanced interior. while respecting the existing decor?
Natural shades: softness and timelessness
Linen, ivory, sand and clay shades work with every interior style. They bring calming brightness and subtle balance, while highlighting natural materials: wood, stone, washed linen and lightweight velvet. These colours are ideal for a living room or a bedroom where calm and harmony are sought.
Deep colours: character and elegance
Curtains in rich shades — Havana, plum, khaki, mineral blue — create an enveloping, sophisticated atmosphere. Paired with velvet or a light-filtering fabric, they become a striking style feature, particularly in an adult bedroom curtain or in a room where a bolder decor is desired.
Tone on tone or contrast: which to choose?
Tone on tone creates a soft, refined atmosphere, with the curtains blending elegantly into the decor.
Contrast, meanwhile, adds definition: a dark curtain against a light wall draws the eye and gives structure to the space.
The choice depends on the effect you want to achieve, as well as ceiling height, natural light and the surrounding furnishings.
The right curtain length: the perfect drape
Length is crucial to achieving a high-end look. A curtain that is too short makes the room feel squat; an overly generous drape can weigh down the decor. Finding the right measure is the art of bespoke work.
A drape that just touches the floor: natural elegance
This is the most versatile choice. The curtain grazes the floor precisely, creating a clean, impeccable silhouette. It is the option we most often recommend for contemporary interiors.
The ‘break’ drape: a couture style
The curtain rests delicately on the floor, creating a slight break. This finish, much favoured in high-end interiors, adds an extra touch of charm and softness, particularly in luxurious bedrooms.
The floating drape: practical and pared-back
A few centimetres above the floor: ideal for high-traffic rooms or when you want a minimalist style. This option suits very modern interiors or rooms where practicality takes precedence without sacrificing aesthetics.
Finishes: a detail that changes everything
Finishes are the ultimate mark of craftsmanship. They enhance the material, refine the drape and give the curtain a unique identity. This is often where it all comes together, particularly with types of curtains and different hanging styles.
Pleats: Flemish, single or inverted
Pleats give the fabric structure and volume.
- Flemish pleats : elegant and generous.
- Single pleats : understated and contemporary.
- Inverted pleats : perfect for a fluid drape.
Each finish creates a different movement and should be chosen to suit the desired atmosphere.
Eyelets: modernity and fluidity
Eyelets create a regular movement and a modern look. Their smooth glide along the pole makes them particularly suitable for sheers or lightweight fabrics.
Pencil pleat tape: a versatile finish
Ideal for those who want to customise the fullness and volume of the curtain. The tape offers great flexibility and suits most tracks and poles.
Poles or tracks: discreet or decorative?
- An exposed pole highlights the curtain and can become a decorative feature in its own right.
- An invisible track creates an architectural, modern and pared-back effect.
Which curtains for each room?
The needs of a light-filled living room, a bedroom and a study are not the same. Choosing curtains well is above all a matter of understanding the purpose of each room and the atmosphere you wish to create.
Living room: light, warmth and elegance
The living room calls for fine fabrics that diffuse light softly: linen, linen voile and lightweight velvet.
For a warm atmosphere, a lightly light-filtering fabric is ideal.
Large picture windows are particularly suited to bespoke curtains in extra-wide widths, for a beautifully fluid drape.
Bedroom: privacy and softness
In a bedroom, the balance between aesthetics and comfort is paramount.
Light-filtering and blackout fabrics, as well as velvet, create an enveloping effect and preserve privacy.
For a bedroom curtain, choose rich fabrics, calm shades and a slight break in the drape for an elegant, soothing atmosphere.
Master suite or adult bedroom: depth and character
Velvet, rich shades and couture finishes create a refined cocoon.
This is the perfect room in which to dare a bold colour, a generous drape or double-layer curtains.
Study, dressing room or multi-purpose room
Here, the aim is to define the space.
Light-filtering curtains or structured voiles dress the room without overwhelming it.
An invisible track or a tone-on-tone finish enhances the minimalist, orderly effect.
Bespoke or ready-made curtains?
Choosing between ready-made and bespoke curtains depends on your expectations in terms of aesthetics, quality and precision. In a carefully considered interior, this choice makes all the difference.
Ready-made curtains: practical but limited
Ready-made curtains appeal for their simplicity, but come in standard sizes that are rarely suited to ceiling heights, large picture windows or unusual openings.
The fabrics are often less refined, the finishes more basic, and the drape sometimes lacks elegance.
They may suit an occasional need, but quickly show their limitations in a high-end interior.
Bespoke: precision, harmony and exceptional finishes
Choosing bespoke curtains means choosing a perfect drape, precise proportions and the finest fabrics. It is also a way to create an interior that reflects you, where every detail is considered to create a unique atmosphere.
At Bérengère Leroy, the bespoke is an art:
- dimensions perfectly suited to your windows,
- a choice of premium fabrics (linen, linen voile, velvet…),
- hand-finished couture details, made in our workshops,
- an impeccable drape, generous or architectural, according to your wishes.
Bespoke becomes the obvious choice to enhance the proportions of a room, bring out the beauty of the light and express a refined decorative style.
Our professional advice to help you make the right choice
Our artisanal expertise has taught us that a successful curtain is one that complements the space, respects the light and reflects the character of the setting. Here is our advice to guide your choices with confidence.
Observe the natural light
The light in a room is your best guide.
A very bright living room will welcome natural linen or linen voile.
A bedroom calls for a denser fabric to preserve privacy and encourage restful sleep.
Take account of volume and proportion
Ceiling height, window width and the presence of a picture window: every detail influences the final effect.
Bespoke ensures a perfect balance between fabric, volume and drape.
Harmonise fabrics and colours with your existing interior
Curtains should neither dominate the room nor disappear entirely. They should complement it.
Look at the tones of your sofa, floor and walls, then choose a colour that extends or visually defines the space.
Take care with the finishes and hanging
Pleats, eyelets, braid, poles, tracks… these are details, but details that change everything.
The more precise the finish, the more elegant and harmonious the overall effect.
Request samples to confirm your choice
Light transforms fabrics. Seeing, touching and comparing is the best way to ensure that your chosen fabric perfectly suits the atmosphere you wish to create.
FAQ — How do you choose curtains?
- What are the essential criteria for choosing curtains well?The main criteria are the material, the colour, the length, and the finishes. Each element influences the drape, the light and the harmony of the room. The choice also depends on how the curtains will be used: a living room calls for a light fabric, while a bedroom requires greater privacy.
- Which fabric should you choose for elegant, durable curtains?Velvet linen is ideal for a natural, timeless look, while linen voile for soft, diffused light, while velvet adds depth and character. Light-filtering or blackout fabrics are recommended for restful spaces, such as the bedroom.
- How do you choose the right colour for your curtains?The colour should harmonise with the style, fabrics and light of the room.
- The natural shades create a soft, soothing atmosphere.
- The rich colours add character.
You can opt for a tonal elegant one or a subtle contrast to define the space.
- Why choose bespoke curtains?Bespoke ensures perfect proportions, a an impeccable drape and premium finishes. It suits every ceiling height, large picture windows and unusual openings. At Bérengère Leroy, every curtain is handmade to offer a unique, refined aesthetic.
- What length should you choose for a high-end finish?A curtain that just brushes the floor or has a drape that breaks slightly is ideal for an elegant look. A floating hem, a few centimetres above the floor, suits very contemporary interiors or rooms with heavy footfall.
Conclusion: curtains that elevate your interior
Curtains are much more than a decorative feature: they shape the atmosphere, reveal the light and bring lasting elegance to your interior. Whether you are highlighting a living room, dressing a bedroom or enhancing a large picture window, choosing them deserves careful consideration.
By choosing fine materials, refined finishes and bespoke craftsmanship, you can transform your windows into truly elegant compositions. At Bérengère Leroy, every curtain is a unique creation, designed to complement your space and blend harmoniously into your everyday life.
Because a thoughtfully considered interior begins with the beauty of detail, let your curtains become the signature of your décor: delicate, timeless and imbued with the poetry of fine materials.
