Curtains Manage Light and Privacy
A curtain is chosen for what it does to a room's light and privacy first, and its look second. Decide the opacity you need, then the fabric, heading and measurements follow.
Choose by Opacity
- Sheer — light, translucent panels that filter daylight and soften a view while keeping the room bright.
- Semi-opaque — everyday panels that give privacy and moderate light control.
- Blackout — lined or densely woven panels that block most light, used in bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms.
Browse options in the curtain catalog.
Fabric Sets the Fall
- Linen — relaxed texture with a soft, casual drape.
- Cotton — versatile and easy to combine; a clean, familiar look.
- Velvet — heavier, with a rich fall that also helps insulate and absorb sound.
- Polyester and blends — hold pleats, resist wrinkling and are simple to launder.
For upholstery to match the drapery, see the fabric selection guide.
What Lining Adds
A lining improves drape, protects the face fabric from sun, and increases opacity and insulation. Blackout or thermal linings turn a light fabric into a room-darkening or heat-retaining panel.
Heading (Pleat) Types
The heading sets the fold and the hardware:
- Rod pocket — the rod passes through a sewn channel; simple and casual.
- Grommet — metal-ringed top that slides on the rod in even folds.
- Pinch pleat — tailored, gathered pleats for a structured look.
- Wave — continuous, uniform S-folds on a track.
- Tab top — fabric loops over the rod for a light, informal look.
Measuring: Width and Drop
Measure the rod or track width, then multiply for fullness (commonly 2 to 2.5 times the width) so the curtain gathers rather than pulling flat. For the drop, decide where the hem lands — sill, below sill, or floor length. Confirm the mount height above the window.
Care
Check the fabric's cleaning code and whether panels are washable or dry-clean only. Lined and pleated curtains often need professional cleaning to keep their shape.
Design It With the Room
Curtains work with the wall, floor and upholstery around them. Set the panel against those finishes on a Slab Site moodboard before you order.