Believe it or not, a perfect curtain or drapery serve a number of useful purposes. They provide the important element of personal privacy while serving as a decorative expression of individual personality, taste and style. Their insulating qualities also help regulate temperature, light, and acoustics. All of which contribute to customizing your living environment for maximum comfort. The right window coverings can make small rooms feel larger and large rooms feel cozier. For all these reasons, the purchase of curtains and draperies is often considered an investment in the overall quality of life. The cost of which can be substantial. There are three simple things you can do to protect that investment and enjoy the daily dividends it provides for years to come.
Sunlight Damage Care
Yes, your window coverings help protect your home furnishings from the harsh effects of prolonged direct sunlight. You can extend the life of your curtains and drapes by protecting them from the damaging rays of the sun. Relatively inexpensive Roman shades are available in fabrics, colors and patterns to match any décor. And, can serve as a first line of defense against sun damage. Window film, with its ability to reduce UV filtration and glare while preserving the view, is also an increasingly popular choice for protection. Other options include sheers and motorized blinds, which can even be programmed to protect your home décor while you’re on vacation. Installing a curtain rod wider than the window also allows for the drapes to be completely out of the light when open. If your draperies are exposed to sunlight for part of the day, switching them from left to right occasionally can help prevent uneven fading.
Regular Curtain and Drapery Care
There are some things you can do to maintain the original beauty of your drapes. Shaking them gently when closing them each night can help remove dust before it becomes grime, which is harder to remove. Making sure that any heating or cooling vents near the drapes are closed can also help prevent the rapid accumulation of dust. Drapes should be gently vacuumed at least monthly with a soft head vacuum attachment. For more delicate fabrics, the head can be covered with another gentle, non-abrasive fabric like muslin. It’s a good idea to save vacuuming the drapes for last when cleaning, since dust that is stirred up during the process is likely to settle on the drapes. Before vacuuming, remember to check any accessories or decorative elements that could be damaged or lost. While vacuuming, always begin at the top and work downwards. After vacuuming, congratulate and reward yourself!
Professional Dry Cleaning
Even with daily maintenance and monthly vacuuming, professional dry cleaning is occasionally necessary. While opening, closing and shaking the drapes each day prevents dirt and grime from becoming embedded in the fibers. It also leaves behind natural oils that, over time, begin to attract dust. In addition to dust, cooking and pet odors also build up over time. The use of ozone generators causes oxidation that results in the elimination of odors. Another consideration is that many drapes are made of multiple fabrics. Each of which require different cleaning methods. Professionals have superior knowledgeability of fabrics. As well as the proper equipment and materials to keep even pleated multi-fabric drapes clean, wrinkle-free and looking like new. Professional cleaning with green non-abrasive products helps eliminate allergens like pet hair, dander, dust mites or mold. The high pollen content of the season makes spring an excellent time to have draperies dry cleaned.
Picking Out the Perfect Curtains and Drapery
The number of colors and styles of curtains and drapes available is astounding, and choosing the right ones can be difficult. Considering the purpose of each room, deciding upon a color scheme, and finding just the right fabrics is an investment of time and emotion as well as money. Taking these three simple steps can help ensure that your investments don’t depreciate over time. But, continue to increase in sentimental value. Colors can remain just as vivid and fabrics just as strong as when they were purchased, making future redecorating a pleasure rather than a necessity. If the sentimental value hasn’t grown too high, perhaps when it’s time to redecorate, those drapes can be described as “in excellent condition.” And, be purchased and enjoyed just as much by a kindred spirit with similar taste and style.