Curtains
The Spruce / Almar Creative
Curtains are fabric panels that are often sold and hung in pairs. You’ll find curtains in a wide range of widths, lengths, fabrics, colors, and patterns. They're a versatile and popular choice for every room of the home, even bathrooms and kitchens. They can soften a space, as well as add pops of color and texture.
Curtains hang from a rod, which can be plain or decorative. Some curtains have a fabric pocket sewn at the top that will slip over the rod, hiding it when they're closed. Others have metal grommets or fabric tabs sewn at the top to slide over the rod. There also are rings or hooks that clip to the top of curtains to attach them to the rod.
Some curtains are referred to as sheers because the fabric offers minimal light blocking and privacy. For example, the short, sheer curtains that cover only the bottom half of a window over a kitchen sink—frequently matched to a valance across the window’s top—are called café curtains.
Other curtains are made of heavier fabric and might be marketed as blackout curtains, as they filter out most light. Curtains also can be used in conjunction with blinds or shades for optimal light blocking, especially in bedrooms.