The bold prints and sizzling colors of floral curtains create a very bright and cheerful atmosphere. This is toned down by décor accents and furniture with more sedate color and designs to balance the overall look of the room. The most popular curtain color in the market is combination of cool blue and hot red or what is commonly called purple or aubergine as far as the industry is concerned. This color gives an air of mystery to a room at the same time draw out the elegance of the fabric. Other very popular floral curtains are floral prints in contrasting colors on striking and arresting fabrics.

Floral curtain trends for 2012 are not at all the traditional floral curtains of the past but are more contemporary or modern in keeping with the new wave of decorating styles or modes. The market for ready -made floral curtains has been deluged with a huge selection of floral curtains that range from low cost to the more expensive floral curtains. Fabrics of these floral curtains range from hemp, cotton, silk and other environmentally friendly fabrics, Said fabrics give the home owners a closer connection to nature, a trend in home building that has become all the rage.

Room walls as well as décor accents such as cushions, carpets and the like are coordinated with the floral curtains. Styles of floral curtains can be simple or elaborate – tab top curtains, box pleated curtains, café curtains, panel curtains, curtains with valances and other curtain styles are all suitable styles for floral curtains. This floral curtain trend for 2012 is as great looking in the living room as well as in the bedroom and even the kitchen.

Bamboo and matchstick shades
Bamboo and matchstick shades that are naturally woven is one of the latest window treatment trends. These bamboo and matchstick shades are made in varying colors with some coming with grassy matted accents. The popularity of this window treatment can be attributed to its facility to let in soft and mellow sunlight while allowing for privacy. This latest window treatment works perfectly in a lot of different setting and fits well with any décor theme.

Embellished curtains
Curtains embellished with beaded tassels, sparkling crystals and other luxurious trimmings is another one of the latest window treatment trends. The secret to this trend is the use of opulent fabrics such as velvet silk, suede and leather. The curtain design is inclined to be simple, What makes this trend lavish looking are the fabrics and embellishment used including elaborate hardware.

Couture detailing on drapes and blinds
Since soft and smooth fabrics are still the preference when it comes to window treatments, couture detailing such as ribbons, ruffles, lace, beads and cords are seen as the latest trend in window treatments. Grosgrain, a silk or silk-like material with crosswise ribs is made into a ribbon to decorate drapes or blinds. Another kind of couture detailing that is very popular is a velvet belt or strap and even used as a ladder tape to hide string holes on blinds.

Sleek and simple lines
Sleek and simple lines are becoming very popular window treatment style. A sleek outline against a window immediately gives a modern and neat look to a room or window. This look can be created with the use of a panel-track system.

Bedroom curtain trend in 2012 is a metamorphosis of fabrics and colors. Soothing blues and purples creating a subtle and elegant vibe and exciting reds rendering a stimulating air will all be very popular this year. Turquoise and lime green are also big favorites.
Another hot bedroom curtain trends for 2012 are non-color textiles such as cream, gray and white with raised appearance and structured knit. Although, floral prints top the list of bedroom curtain trends for 2012. Some more bedroom curtain trends for 2012:

String Curtains
String curtains are very trendy bedroom curtains. Strings, not only made of fabrics but also of other materials such as bamboo beads, plastic beads and even glitter beads are used to create a string curtain. This is the perfect bedroom curtain for a small bedroom since this type of curtain makes a space look larger. String curtains are also ideal for young girls’ bedrooms since this type of curtain imbue a dreamy and magical air to a room.

Tab Top Curtains
Tab top curtains are stylish yet simple in design. This is a great bedroom curtain trend for 2012 that is ideal for the master bedroom where the décor will be accented with some antique pieces. Tab top curtains have clean and simple lines that will add charm to a master’s bedroom.

Grommet Top Curtains
A grommet top curtain, another bedroom curtain trend for 2012 add style and charm to a room. The decorative finials and rods with brass or silver grommet connecting the curtain to the rod are perfect accents to a bedroom curtain.

In your choice of a curtain design for your home, be sure to choose one that will complement and at the same time highlight the beauty of your home. Whether your home is a modern condo unit, a French style villa, a log cabin or a country home, make sure that the curtain of your choice will show your home to its best advantage.

Curtains are not only decorative, they are also very functional. They can be used as insulation against heat or cold and as a means to regulate the entry of light into the room. Curtains are also used to provide privacy to a room. So you have to decide what your reasons are for choosing curtains as window treatment for your home. This will determine the style and materials that you will use for your curtain.

Whatever your reasons are for choosing your curtain style, type and design, it is important that your choice should be a reflection of your personality just as your home décor reflects your own personal style. Your curtains should also be one that you and your family feels comfortable having around you day in and day out.

Bedroom curtains most specially should be a manifestation of your inner self. You bedroom is your inner sanctum, a place in the house where you can have total privacy and be your own personal haven. If you are the romantic type, choose sheer billowy curtains to adorn your bedroom windows. You can even hang bed curtains around your bed to intensify that romantic vibe. If you are the more conventional type, choose more traditional style curtains such as pleated curtains or even draperies.

• Create a custom-looking valance by folding a scarf panel over the curtain hardware

• Add a fringe to store bought curtain to give it a more elegant vibe

• Add an accent to curtains with the use of tassels

• Create a drape effect by setting up drapery tiebacks and folding a single drape panel over them. Tassels can also be added to the tiebacks for added attractiveness.

• For added visual height and color, sew a strip of contrasting design to the hem of a plain curtain.

• Affix some buttons on the hem of curtains or trim the edges of the curtains with lace.

• Add a patterned curtain to solid color curtains. Make sure that the patterns harmonize with the color and décor of the room and the solid color curtain.

• Provide some sparkle to your window curtains by sewing crystals and decorative beads along the side edges and hem of the curtain panels. Crystals and beads can also be added on the valance to give the curtain treatment a shinny and sparkly look.

• Add a wide block of colored fabric at the bottom of a plain standard linen curtain.

There are so many ways to upgrade your old and boring curtain to give it more life and beauty. You can create beautiful curtains with very little cost and effort and plenty of imagination.

Coat hooks in place of curtain rods
Instead of a curtain rod to hold your curtains, you can use metal or brass coat hooks. Attach these hooks above the windows and affix curtain rings on your curtain panel and hang the curtains on the hooks using the rings. You can even use fabric ties for the purpose.

Brass or glass door knobs
Another unique way to hang curtain panels is the use of brass or glass door knobs instead of curtain rods. You can look for old door knobs from thrift stores or antique shops and it does not matter if they are not matched. Attach these door knobs above your window or on a wooden base installed above the window and hang your curtains with fabric ties.

Spoons as an alternative to curtain rings
Don’t throw away your bent spoons; they will serve as unique and interesting curtain rings. If you do not have bent spoons but would want to try decorating your window, specially your kitchen windows with bent spoons for curtain rings, you can bend them with pliers and form S-shape hooks. Attach them to the curtain panel and hook them on your curtain rod.

Clothes wire
For a causal and unique way to hang curtains, you can use clothes wire instead of a curtain rod. This is suitable for curtains made of lightweight fabrics such as voile or chiffon or even lace. Attach eye screws on both sides of the window, slot through the clothes wire on the seam at the top of the curtain panel and tie the ends on the eye screws. Hide the eye screws and the ends of the clothes wire with ribbons or flowers.

A sash curtain is also a trouble-free window treatment to a French door or a narrow window. It is mounted both at the top and bottom of the window. The sash curtain normally covers the whole length of the window and is pulled together or “gathered” at the center with a sash or other kinds of tie creating an hourglass sash. The secret to a lovely sash curtain is to conceal the rod and highlight the “gather”. The rods to which a sash curtain is hanged is fitted flat on the inner molding of the door or window at the bottom and top, The ends of the sash, which should be longer and wider than the aperture, hide the rods and hold the curtain.

Sash curtains are a favored design for door window treatments, particularly if there are two narrow windows flanking the door. These narrow windows are called sidelights, and sash curtains look quite good on sidelights. This type of curtain is also preferred for front window treatment since the view of the “gathers” from the outside is quite appealing. Sash curtains can be made from any fabric, but the most common and favored are sheer fabrics such as voile, or batiste since sheer fabrics allows as much light as possible but at the same time provides some privacy. Sash curtains are hung on sash rods. This type of curtain rod is thinner than other kinds of curtain rods and is very decorative.

Illuminating curtain rod

Blome International introduced “LED Let There be Light” curtain rod that has a built-in light that is lit from outside. It lights up curtains and draperies from above. The advantage of LED light is its longevity and that it does not heat up or emit heat. This illuminating curtain rod not only brightens up an uninspiring window it is also an eco friendly window treatment.

Ceiling mount curtain rod

This novel and unique curtain hardware of Pottery Barn that is mounted on the ceiling lets your window reach new heights. The eye of a curtain is drawn up to give the window an elongated look that is great for short windows. This window hardware gives hanging curtains a new meaning. In addition, the ceiling mounted curtain rod is also very attractively modern since they come in pewter and bronze finish.

Tension curtain rod

Cozy rooms in many homes are now given an automated expediency with the introduction of curtain hardware made of futuristic metals with clean lines. An example of this convenient and ultra-modern hardware is a tension curtain rod also called spring rods. This tension curtain rod allows you to hang shower curtains, wall curtains and window curtains without mounting a curtain rod on the walls. A spring rod is suitable for lightweight fabrics such as cotton or organza. A tension curtain rod is virtually invisible and holds up curtains almost unnoticed. You can even use it in your patio or porch since it is made of rust-proof steel. It is also offered in black, antique gold and pewter colors.

Stylish Curtains for 2012

Neon shades
Celebrate the new year with neon shades like yellow pink or green combined with neutral shades such as gray or white to soften the effect. This brilliant curtain color combination will deliver a new accent factor to your rooms. It will achieve a stunning atmosphere that is truly one of a kind.

Elegant color combination
Think of elegant color combinations such as silver and black, gray or black, gray and light blue, white and emerald green, white and gold, gray and orange white and lavender, black and tan. The possible combination is endless, it only takes a little imagination and creativity to think of one. Making your curtains blend with the colors of some accent furniture such as a modern armchair done in brown velvet or black leather is a perfect interpretation of the minimalist trend in home decorating.

Romantic ambiance
How about giving your rooms a romantic ambiance with white curtains or veil drapes with pink or gold floral prints, this romantic look will never go out of style. To deepen the mood, combine them with thin pastel carpets and accent your walls with prints or art work of a pastoral scene.
Colors to reflect your personality

Your home should reflect your personality. The best way to accomplish this is with your curtain colors. If you are bold and daring – blue for the serene you, orange if you’re on the conservative side, red if you’re the active type, pink if you’re sweet yet playful. Photo by http://www.halfpricedrapes.com

Photo by http://www.countrycurtains.com

Bedroom curtains
If you want to create a romantic ambiance to your bedroom, choose sheer curtains as window treatment for your bedroom windows. They can even be used as bed curtain or bed canopy. A billowy sheer curtain is the perfect décor item that will provide your bedroom an air of fantasy and romance.

Shower curtains
A sheer shower curtain with a plain shower liner is a fanciful way to custom- design your bathroom. Try hanging a flowered sheered curtain in vivid colors to add texture and color to the space. Form an abundance of sheers to create a luxurious, full layered design. Another way to express this design is to switch the designs – hang a plain white sheer curtain over a colored liner. The colors peeking through the sheer curtains will give a whimsical touch to the treatment.

Sheer curtains for doors
Sheer curtains as door treatment add a delightful finishing touch that provides beauty to your doors as well as privacy to the room. The light-providing features and the lightweight characteristics of sheer curtains are a big favorite design by homeowners from years past. It can be hanging alone to create a cozy and cheerful ambiance. It can also be combined with panel curtains or pinch pleated drapes for a unique and one-of-a-kind door treatment.