Draperies and curtains can be the most inexpensive way to add flare, warmth, and style to a room. It is all based on the look you want to accomplish and the fabric you choose. Paint and other wall coverings add to the interior of the room, as do the accessories that are placed throughout. Think of the draperies or curtains as being window decoration, jazz it up a bit. Curtains and draperies not only add beauty and character to a room, they are also functional in that they provide privacy, block out light, and insulate against the cold and heat.

There are so many different fabrics out there to chose from it can get very confusing, especially when picking one for draperies or curtains. When selecting a fabric there are also several things to take into consideration; such as how will it stand up to direct sunlight, will it insulate against the heat or cold, how much light will be blocked out, how easy is it to care for, does it wrinkle or shrink, and of course does it go with the theme or style of the room.

Deciding on the look of the fabric is up to you and can be done by the theme, color, or furniture that is placed in the room.http://www.homeinteriorszone.com/home-accessories/windows/basic-steps-to-follow-in-curtain-selections-for-adding-grace-to-the-windows/

Color is the most important aspect to look at when deciding on the fabric for curtains or draperies. A color wheel can be a helpful tool when choosing between complementary colors, analog colors, and monochromatic colors. You want to be sure that the colors you pick match those that are in the room, and will compliment them without taking from them. The most common choice is that of white (which matches everything) with a floral print. If possible hang the fabric in the window, take a step back and look at how it matches with what is already in the room, such as color of the furniture, wall color, floor color, and color of accessories.

Ask yourself these questions then decide on the fabric:

• Does the fabric matches with the other colors?
• Does it contrast with the colors?
• Does it look awkward and aloof from the other colors?

All fabrics come with pros and cons to using them especially when used for window treatments, since they do come in contact with the damaging rays of the sun, other weather elements, children and pets.

• Cotton: Is a strong fabric and comes in a large selection of colors, prints, weights and weaves. However it can shrink, wrinkle easily, or stretch out of shape and can be damaged by the sun.
• Linen: Strong, but prone to shrinking if not treated, also wrinkles easy and expensive.
• Silk: Can be very pretty, however it is expensive, the sun will rot the threads, and it is prone to water spots.
• Rayon: Drapes nicely, but like others it shrinks and stretches if not treated.
• Acrylic Blends: This may add a nice look for wool, but like wool can pill (form small ball wads on the fabric).
• Polyester Blends: When choosing these make sure they are blended with cotton; it is wrinkle resistant, strong, drapes well and easy to care for.
• Nylon: Is used for sheers, for its durability, price, and easy care.
• Acetate: Steer clear of this; although it is inexpensive, it is also weak and damaged easily by the sun.http://www.ehow.com/how_13732_select-drapery-fabric.html

When making your choice in fabric, you will need to take the weight, weave and the pattern (if you chose to have one) into consideration. Most fabrics for window treatments can come in widths of – 54 inches, or extra wide at 110 inches to 118 inches. The wider fabrics are normally meant to be hung sideways with the salvage at the top and bottom instead of on the sides, this is also known as “railroading”.

• Weight & Weave – Light weight to heavy – the lighter weight the more light will come through. One way to decide if the fabric will work for draperies or curtains is to hold it up at the bias and see how it drapes if there is no draping you don’t want it.
• Patterns – Working with patterns can be tricky, because they need to match up when sewn together. Patterns run in two different directions, vertically and horizontally. Pay close attention when looking at patterns on the fabric; you want to steer clear of half-drop repeats. This type of repeat can end up costing more then you intended because it is harder to match up when connecting 2 pieces of the same fabric. To see how the pattern will match up look at the same point of the salvages this will show how easily the patterns will match up and also reveal if it a half-drop repeat.http://www.denverfabrics.com/pages/static/curtains/sewing-curtains.htm