Curtain panels

In most of the homes, the traditional way of just adorning the windows with just curtains have given way to adding more window dressing which gives an interesting decorum to the windows. Curtain panels are nothing but the frames around the windows that give added attraction to the room. You get to buy ready to hang panels is a good alternate to curtains and draperies, if you are short of time and your guests are due shortly and the windows in spare bedroom are without curtains. Ready-made curtain panels are available in outlets, which sell linen, bedding shops and stores that sell home furnishing goods. Apart from the standard window panels, attractive door panel is also available to match the window headings.

Attractive styles
Panel styles range from casual to frilly ones. Laces, fringes, ribbons are sometimes incorporated with panels to make it attractive. Length ranges from long panels to short ones. Curtain panels can be rippled, slightly gathered or tightly gathered when mounted. Some of the fabric choices that you will encounter are gauze, scrim, lace, velvet, denim, canvas and sailcloth. Panels were available in limited range of colors and prints in the past but today it's a different story all together. The ready-made panels come in awesome array of colors, plaids, floral and geometric prints. You even get soft shades of white, which was not so common in the past. One thing you need to remember is that ready made panels are unlined and should be dry-cleaned to be prevented from shrinking and to preserve their look and finish. The panels made of bed sheets are also inexpensive. These panels are made the same size as the window and attached to the window with loops that match the hooks of the window frame. Panels cover the entire window or half the window as per the requirements.

Some tips

1. Ascertain the dimensions of the window you want to cover. The total panel width depends on the type of panel you choose. If the panel is flat panel you need little more than the actual measurement. If the panel is of gathered type, then you need twice the measured width. You need to take into consideration the length of the panel too.

2. Ready-made panels are available individually or impairs. You can get panels in a single width and several lengths. If you have doubts regarding the measurement of the panels consult the supplier.

3. Buy panels from reputable firms. Many firms will accept returns if you don't like the way the panel look when you install them. The colours shown in the catalog need not be reproduced, so to be on the safe side request swatches before ordering.