How to make curtains grow with your children? The 4 tips to consider before you order made to measure curtains.
As I was getting ready to write this post I came across this makeover blog post from Design Sponge, which really resonated with me.
I could not agree more that creating an interior that is childish is an easy trap to fall into totally unintentionally. When speaking with our clients about made to measure children’s curtains, the conversation often begins with a desire to design curtains that will be “colourful enough”, something “special”, “unique” and/or matching other item in a bedroom.
It is totally not uncommon to have a concern about buying accessories that just won’t look sufficiently child-friendly, too grown-up or sombre. As a parent myself, I have had that concern my times, however having seen how quickly my two year old daughter has changed I feel much more reassured that my instinct is right.
Kids indeed, grow very fast and inevitably you will end up having to update their toys, accessories many times. Unlike those tiny baby all-in-ones, updating a room isn’t just a case of picking up the next size up off the shelf. It may feel a bit like a domino, ie once you change something then the rest falls into pieces.
Just like Maxwell said, “It is very refreshing to see children’s rooms that are age-appropriate, but still designed to evolve over time—ones that can cater to a child’s curiosity and still provide an open canvas on which he or she can grow and change”.
And with children’s curtains being such an integral part of a room the exact same rule applies.
So, here are my four tips on how to choose made to measure curtains’ design that will follow smoothly that principle of being age-appropriate and at the same time will remain timeless and accommodating of future updates.
1. SOLID VS PRINTS
Printed fabric age quicker than solid ones. Cute and adorable clouds or fairies will stop being so after looking at them daily. But it does not mean resorting to adult-style curtains. By choosing a classic design like a nautical theme or classic stripes, or even a minimalist, gender neutral design it may perhaps feel less exciting but it will be far easier to coordinate them with other room accessories.
2. SPACE
As space will evolve-once dominated by the crib and nursing chair, it will become home to many colourful room accessories and toys. The curtains should be able to cope with more and not suddenly become yet another distractive object making the room appear cluttered or overwhelming.
3. SUN IMPACT
If you are going for an unlined version, then remember than the sun will have an impact on the fabric-it may make it fade-careful with prints or go yellow-ish. Solid, natural fabric like linen, which is well known for its durability (talking years here) will definitely be much better and certainly the safest option would be to add a lining.
4. PRACTICALITY
Think of the length and practicality-longer curtains may look lovely in the nursery but will they be practical enough when your child starts to walk and explore? Will you be keen to have them dry-cleaned often to keep them looking fresh and clean? Who is going to regularly volunteer to put them up and take them down without the job becoming a another chore? My view is that there is no right or wrong anwer here-this is purely comes down to your personal choice.
Over to you
Has your updating experience been an enjoyable journey or a headache? And have your curtains stood up to that transition test? Share your comments and best advice-it will be great to hear it!
If you do feel stuck, want some advice and are looking for made to measure curtains that will work in your child’s room and stand that test of time perfectly then get in touch and we can take this journey together with ease and enjoyment.
