Curtain calls

One way is by using curtains to make a definitive statement about your personal style. Giving rein to your imagination in terms of colour and fabric not only adds dimension to the inside of the room, but improves the exterior of your home.

Curtains can be your chance to really splash out. They are one of the main focuses of attention for anyone coming into the room, and a well-dressed window does much more than simply hide the window frame and provide privacy. It can define your decorative outlook.

There's a huge range of pelmet and gathering styles, so there's no excuse, apart from genuine indifference, for resorting to the ordinary.

One of the latest trends in window dressing is to use double layers to achieve an impression of depth, so if you already have curtains from a previous home which you like, but which aren't wide enough for your new home, then this is your window of opportunity.

One pair is generally used in a static arrangement, while the other, for practical purposes more commonly the inner, which tends to be wider, can be drawn across. The most important thing is to get the fabric combinations and colour groups right, so that there's no clash of patterns.

But isn't this all terribly complicated to work out in terms of curtain rails? How can two sets of curtains be hung at the same window without a clash of hooks?

There's a huge range of purpose-built rails and fittings on the market. If there isn't one to suit, simply cheat. Use stud fasteners to attach the outer curtains to the inner, or button them on for a more decorative effect.

And these looks need not cost the earth? Steal a trick from the professionals and use interlining to fill out even a cheap material. It's fairly straightforward to make a mass out of a very simple or fine fabric.

For windows which have a very open outlook, voile fabrics are being used increasingly to filter the light. These can be hung inside the window frame with heavier curtains outside. To complete the effect, the voile can be draped on top of the fabric pelmet, either full length or stopping slightly short of the end, or even slung loosely along the top of the rail, finishing with a flourish of decorative knot and drapery.

While it's generally wise to choose curtains which blend with the colour scheme of the room, it can sometimes be a good idea to take a different perspective, and choose a fabric which also complements some aspect of the view. So for example, if the colour scheme of the room is a warm pink, but the window looks directly out on to a grassy slope of parkland, a fabric with both green and pink may turn out to be much more striking.

On the other hand, if the view is particularly uninspiring, use voile to screen it out. There are lots of pale but interesting pastel tones available as well as white.

Curtains need not be used only at windows. If you have archways or open doorways sectioning off different rooms, curtains can both frame these to fine dramatic effect and on a more practical note, keep out any draughts in winter.

The colour schemes of each room can be successfully brought together using the double curtain technique, and if you find that the shades clash, perhaps it's time to take heed of that warning bell and rethink your overall decoration plan.

Of course, window blinds must not be neglected, for as well as appealing to people who like to keep things simple, they can give some very striking effects. They can be used alone to create an austere but very clean line for more minimalist decor, or they can dress up elaborate curtain schemes.

Again there's a huge range of styles on the go, either custom built or do-it-yourself kits depending on your skill and enthusiasm.

It's worth all the time and effort to get it right. After all that deliberation, it's going to be a long time before you have to think about curtains again.