Choosing Curtains for Daylight

Curtains change how light enters a room even when they are fully open. A sheer fabric softens glare and preserves a sense of daylight; a dense fabric gives privacy and darkness but can make a small room feel closed if it is always drawn. Many rooms work best with two layers, each doing a distinct job.

Before choosing a color, hold a sample against the actual window at different times of day. Fabric often looks warmer when backlit and darker when folded. Also check how much of the glass the stack of open fabric will cover. Mounting the rod wider than the frame can protect the daylight opening.

Choose a length that suits how the room is cleaned and used. Floor-length fabric may look calm, but in a working corner a shorter panel can be easier to live with. The practical detail is part of the design.