How to Choose the Right Curtains for Your Home

What’s the purpose of your curtains?

Before fabric or colour, define the job. Privacy points you towards heavier or blockout curtains, light control points you towards sheers, and insulation points you towards thermal or lined options. If energy efficiency is the main priority, our guide to keeping your home warm in winter explains which products perform best and why.

If you’re deciding between curtains and blinds for a particular room, our curtains versus blinds guide breaks it down room by room.

Which fabric suits your home?

Fabric affects both function and appearance. Cotton and linen are light and breathable, velvet is luxurious and insulating, silk suits formal spaces but needs extra care, and polyester blends are affordable and low-maintenance.

For a full breakdown by Australian climate and room type, see our guide to the five best curtain fabrics.

What colour and pattern works best?

Neutral tones blend easily with most palettes, bold hues create a focal point, and patterns add personality when balanced against solid furniture. Whether you’re leaning towards soft sheers or something heavier, our curtain trends guide explores the latest styling directions in more depth.

How wide and long should your curtains be?

This is where many curtains go wrong, even when the fabric and colour are right. Aim for 1.5 to 3 times the width of your window for proper fullness; anything less can sit flat, while too much fabric may lose its shape.

For length, floor-length is the classic choice. A crisp finish just grazes the floor, while a softer look allows the fabric to puddle slightly. Avoid stopping short of the floor unless it is an intentional design choice—it tends to look unfinished rather than deliberate.

What header type should you choose?

The header—the top of the curtain—affects how it hangs and functions, not just how it looks.

• Rod pocket: simple and casual, although it can be harder to slide open and closed.
• Eyelet or grommet: slides smoothly and hangs in soft, even folds.
• Pleated: structured and formal, and holds its shape well.

Match the header to your track or rod and how often you will open the curtains, not just the aesthetic.

How do you keep curtains looking their best?

Fabric determines care. Cotton and linen are often machine washable, while velvet and silk usually require dry cleaning. Regular dusting extends the life of any curtain. For a complete routine by fabric type, our curtain care guide covers cleaning, spot treatment and professional care.

Bringing it all together

The right curtains come from working through purpose, fabric, colour and fit in that order, rather than starting with what looks appealing and working backwards. Take the time to get the practical decisions—size and header—right alongside the aesthetic ones, and the result will function as well as it looks.

Ready to find the right curtains for your home? Explore our collections or get in touch, and our team can help you make every decision with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I start when choosing curtains?

Start with purpose—privacy, light control, insulation or décor—before fabric or colour. It narrows every decision that follows and helps you avoid choosing on looks alone.

How wide should my curtains be?

Aim for 1.5 to 3 times the width of your window, measured across the track or rod. This gives enough fullness for the curtains to hang properly rather than sitting flat.

What’s the difference between rod pocket, eyelet and pleated headers?

A rod pocket is simple but can catch when opening. Eyelets slide smoothly through metal rings. Pleated headings are more formal and hold their folds well. Choose according to your track or rod and how often you will use the curtains.

Do I need custom sizing for an unusual window?

Bay windows, high ceilings and oversized windows often do not suit standard sizing. Custom measurements prevent gaps and ensure the curtains sit correctly.