Eyelet Curtains Guide for Fabric Lovers

by Wana Che Ujang

Eyelet Curtains and Their Advantages

Eyelet curtains (or also known as grommet or ring-top curtains) are placed directly onto a curtain pole without additional curtain rings or curtain tracks. As opposed to usual window treatments, which use a header tape, the metal rings on the eyelet curtain headings give you even and soft pleats. Starting from the metal rings and extending to the very last inch of the fabric, a wavy effect that is pleasing to the eye is created. The structure of eyelet curtains, which hang perfectly from top to bottom, helps to elongate your room and make it seem more spacious. Its sleek appearance always contributes to a hotel-like and corporate feel to the space. Many homeowners and office spaces have used these eyelet pleats to create a simple and refined ambience.

Many people also prefer using eyelet curtains as part of decoration items because they require little fabric to achieve their structure. Compared to folded curtains which require at least twice the amount of fabric as the width of the window, eyelet curtains require fewer fabrics which are normally one and a half size of your window. This makes eyelet curtains even more appealing since they are very cost-effective for both fabric manufacturers and consumers.

Additionally, it is very simple and straightforward to hang eyelet curtains – you just need to place it through a rod, and it’s ready to be used as your window treatments. Want that extra sunshine from outside? Simply slide your eyelet curtains to the side to let more light into the room. Is it too hot, and do you want to filter the light? Simply slide it close to prevent more light and heat from coming in.

What Designs and Spaces are Ideal for Eyelet Curtains?

Eyelet curtains are popular choices for modern-style connoisseurs because the material adds depth while the clean lines complement minimalist home tastes. There are limitless design options: you can either choose sheer, bold-coloured, plain-coloured or blackout eyelet curtains. Styles with a trace of glitter are ideal for adding a dash of grandeur to your space, whereas printed and patterned designs add character. Eyelet curtains are suitable for many areas in any contemporary home, but they are especially popular in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

Guides on Selecting the Colours

Eyelet curtains are typically used to achieve a clean and neat aesthetic regardless of where they’re placed. Therefore, people often choose neutral and plain colours when they decide to use eyelet curtains as part of their room interior. Eyelet curtains have a peaceful and relaxing impression on curtain fabric; therefore, it’s crucial to select the right colours that will contribute to its magical effect. You may choose from textured materials in pastel colours such as grey, beige, and white. However, if you want a darker theme and prefer to purchase blackout curtains, eyelet curtains can also be matched with darker colours like black, navy blue, and brown. Just keep in mind that choosing anything overly intricate and with a lot of motifs in the fabric can result in your curtains appearing strange. Now, who would want anything like that?

Do you personally think that neutral colours are bland? Well, you can consider using various colour combinations when selecting your eyelet curtains. If one eyelet curtain does not fit the dimensions of your window, you sometimes need two or more curtains. Therefore, you can try one colour on each side and add a different colour curtain on the centre. For example, you may choose two navy blue eyelet curtains on the left and right side, with a beige eyelet curtain in the middle. Simply use your creativity, but keep your colours coordinated to make sure your eyelet curtains still provide that clean and neat aesthetic. Also, keep in mind that materials might become discoloured with exposure to sunlight over time. Bright colours should be avoided if your space receives more sunlight since these colours appear to fade faster. Ideally, the colour of your eyelet curtains should complement the rest of the interior. For a polished look, you may choose curtains that match the colour of your ceilings.

Decorate the room with a curtain pattern that complements the décor

The curtains inside a room play a significant role in the overall visual impact of the room, so it’s important to take the existing interior style into consideration. For instance, it is best to use light, clear shades in airy, modern rooms. In contrast, the formal areas need to be accentuated with layered panels or heavy materials. Consider the current impression of the room and how you want to incorporate the curtains into it. Suppose, for instance, the decoration in a bedroom is already cluttered. Consider introducing a trademark wall design with a basic background color. You could then use it as a pattern in a monochromatic curtain. Curtains should still complement the aesthetic of the room. If privacy is the main priority for you, make sure the drapes cover the entire width of the windows and that nothing can be visible through them when closed.

How to Select the Fabric Type

Fabric is a key consideration when choosing eyelet curtains since it determines how well your curtains will age and hold up over time. They will not flow beautifully if the materials are too thick or too delicate. Thus, it is recommended to buy a large sample, at least 2 yards in length, because a little amount will not capture the true draping of the material. The best types of fabrics for eyelet curtains are cotton, linen, faux silk, and crushed velvet since they seem to drape flawlessly. Faux silk tends to be the most durable since it does not fade as quickly as natural silk in a brightly lit area. Some materials may be able to keep the cold at bay, such as suede, silk, tapestry, or corduroy. These types of fabrics are thick which aid in trapping sunlight and retaining heat. Note that just about any material may be interlined with a bump into a thick, insulation material. Interlining is a piece of fabric inserted between the lining and the face material, which helps to prolong the lifespan of the fabric.

Consider the Size and Flexibility of the Room

Avoid huge, heavy drapes in tiny rooms since they will make the rooms feel cluttered. Rooms with large, open spaces look wonderful with elegant, full-length panels. Consider the flexibility of each space to ensure that the curtains in that room seem appropriate. Do not apply the same design and colour palette in every area; instead, make each place unique and individually tailored. For example, avoid using similar colours for your bedrooms and kitchens. Kitchens typically require more sunlight than bedrooms, and the fabric should be one that can be washed on a regular basis. On the other hand, you can use curtains with less attention to light and durability in your bedrooms.

What is the ideal length?

Maintenance is a challenge when owning French pleat curtains. One of the problems is that they are made of heavy materials. When they become dirty, it is difficult to take them down and wash them. Apart from that, the pleats themselves are a source of inconvenience since they can accumulate dust and cobwebs if not cleaned on a regular basis.

The easiest route to keep French pleat curtains in good condition is to vacuum them on a regular basis, giving careful attention to the wrinkles and folds. It is undeniably a tedious task to take down your curtains and put them back again. You may, however, vacuum the fabric while it is still hanging up, as long as it is not made from a delicate sheer material. When vacuuming, you should also make sure that the suction power is gentler by adjusting your vacuum to a lower suction mode or, if this option is not available, you can cover the nozzle with a knee-high nylon. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on the end of the wand for optimal performance. Run the brush up and down the material of the curtain with a smooth sweeping motion, moving the wand among the folds and pleats. If you find it hard to reach certain area, you can use a step stool. Avoid pausing for too long over one area as the material may be drawn into the hose and becomes ruined. After you’ve finished vacuuming and switched off the machine, use the damp cloth to spot clean any filthy regions by gently rubbing the region. This vacuuming should be part of your weekly cleaning routine since it allows you to lengthen the time between needing to wash them.

Another maintenance tip for your French pleat is to give your drapes a gentle shake everyday. This can be done either in the morning when you are opening your drapes or in the evening when you are closing them.

While French pleat curtains need more care than other curtain treatments, most decorators feel they are worth the additional work. Dirt and debris cannot penetrate the material if they are kept clean. They add a special bit of grandeur to a space that other window treatments cannot match.