Interior Decorating Ideas

One of the great things about fashion and interior design trends is that the old fashions always come back into style. The retro era was a particularly distinctive fashion era and was shunned in the 1980s as the epitome of bad taste. These days retro is coming back and rooms are being designed around the retro fashion designs. To finish off a retro room you should complete the look by hanging retro curtains on the windows.

Here are some great retro curtains available for sale. Click on a link to get more information.

Pair of vintage, retro, shabby, orange, yellow, and green woven cotton curtains.    US $80.00

Vintage 70's Superman Bed Sheet CURTAINS Retro Super-heroes Fabric Comic Hero    US $14.99

Vintage 70's Battlestar Galactica Bed Sheet CURTAINS Retro Star Wars era Trek    US $14.99

Retro Watermelon Rainbow Tie Dye Sheer Fashion Fabric 60"w BTY Curtains Clothing    US $6.95

Vintage Kitchen Retro Print Curtains/Drapes PR 43 X 32 Waverly Fabric Lancaster    US $22.00

MINIATURE DOLLS HOUSE RETRO FUNKY CURTAINS 11CM WIDE NEW    US $2.68

Vtg RAILROAD Train LOCOMOTIVE Curtains DRAPES Cotton PRINT Fabric 62" RETRO Pair    US $19.95

RETRO 50'S STEAMING CUPS OF COFFEE VALANCE CURTAINS    US $21.00

VINTAGE "RETRO" HAND SEWN NURSERY RHYME CURTAINS/DRAPES-CAPTAIN HOOK-PETER PAN++    US $5.99

AMAZING VINTAGE RETRO 60s 70s ABSTRACT PAIR of CURTAINS 48W X 53L    US $118.46

Vintage retro pair damask drapes curtains panels pleats 44x62.5 OR cutter fabric    US $45.00

Vintage pair retro pleated drapes curtains panels asian design? flowers fans    US $24.99

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Retro curtains have a distinctive pattern style about them with specific types of colors dominating the overall theme. Large, bold prints particularly with floral overtones were very popular in the retro period with no fear that the curtains might overpower the rest of the room.

In fact one of the biggest factors to come out of the late 1960s and early 1970s was the use of the floral print in all kinds of situations. The floral curtains were definitely a part of this and if you were trying to replicate this look you would have to go after some of the more funky types of curtains out there.

Take a look at the loud retro floral curtains for sale.

Vintage Retro 1960's Floral "Miami" 100% Cotton Curtain: Fabric Made In Paris    US $55.28

Retro Vintage White Floral Kitchen Curtain Panel Scene!    US $20.00

Croscill RETRO FLORAL Shower Curtain NEW    US $39.99

Curtain VALANCE Retro FLORAL Muted salmon rust peach green Cream Background    US $16.50

Curtain VALANCE Retro FLORAL garden Green Blue Brown w/ Light Green Background    US $15.50

Curtain VALANCE Retro FLORAL Lime green teal periwinkle Dark Navy Background    US $15.50

VTG 70'S RETRO GERMAN SHEER FLORAL LACE CURTAIN PANEL WEIGHTED 170X150CM 67X59"    US $15.00

CYNTHIA ROWLEY SHOWER CURTAIN PAISLEY RETRO FLORAL 70" X 72" BROWN GREEN PURPLE    US $19.99

Vintage/retro 1960s pair of small beige floral curtains    US $15.80

FLORAL Vinyl Shower Curtain HOT PINK GREEN ORANGE MULTI-COLORED RETRO    US $10.99

2 Panels Pair IKEA Renate Floral Curtain Drapes Retro    US $18.99

New Urban Outfitters Retro Aqua Turquoise Teal Floral Curtains ~ $39 ~ SOLD OUT    US $29.00

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There is actually a great deal more range of choice when it comes to types of retro curtains than with a lot of other fashion periods with virtually an “anything goes” policy. Paisley was a popular choice as we moved from the 1960s to the 1960s and it didn’t matter if the colors were burnt orange or mauve the retro curtains were still considered suitable for most rooms.

A big influence during this period was man’s adventure into outer space with the Space Age glaringly apparent in many of the designs to come out of the period. The curtains were not immune to the touches from the modern technology that came out of the space program.

The retro style is all about the era in which the curtains were designed and made. The 1950s, 60s and 70s are classed as the retro era and reflected the mood of the populace, the exuberance of post-war life and the experimentation with the many technological breakthroughs that were taking place.

You can really make a distinction between the early and late retro period curtains with a definite difference found between the curtains that came out of both ends of the era. The early retro era was distinguished by more solemn curtains that often featured pinch-pleat valances. The later retro curtains were more bold and explored color a lot more fully.

Although the retro period has long since passed, it is being revived through the love of progressive furnishings. Due to the comeback of the retro era it should not be too difficult to pick out suitable retro curtains that twill do justice to the retro room in which it will sit.

There are a number of ways to effectively use a window treatment to add softness and accents to a room. One of the simple ways to achieve this is to use what are known as sheers. Sheers can be defined as soft window treatments in that they are light and give an airy feeling to a room. Lace or voile curtains are examples of sheers and they allow a certain level of light into the room while still giving you the privacy you need.

Sheers may be hung singly or they may be layered in combination with a printed fabric or another type of sheer to create a more complex look. The purpose of layered sheers is to give you a best of both worlds scenario where you achieve the ability to allow some light into the room yet still maintaining the ability to increase the privacy by drawing the more substantial curtains.

A nice combination is eyelet curtains with layered sheers because the ease with which the eyelet curtains may be drawn and opened makes for a trouble free process of revealing the sheers when needed. The hanging process of eyelet curtains combine with layered sheers is very simple as well.

You can find sheers made of fabrics such as lace, silk, cotton or voile. It is also possible to buy sheers that are made from heavier fabrics. These are known as semi-sheers and may consist of a patterned lace. A semi-sheer might be required by someone who wants a sheer curtain but is uncomfortable with the level of privacy a full sheer will give them.

By understanding that hanging layered sheers is an extremely simple matter it may save you some expense when you decide that the single sheers are not providing you with the necessary privacy or light blocking ability. Simple hanging layered sheers can be bought at very little expense and can be added to the existing window treatment.

As mentioned at the start of this piece, sheers add a certain lightness and airiness to the room. The flowing fabric will catch the slightest hint of a breeze providing gentle movement in the room. Some find that movement very soothing. Should it become too windy the heavier layer can be used to cover them over.

Window treatments are always a difficult part of decorating a room, largely because if they are done right you hope that they will be barely noticed. If they help other parts of the room stand out and they are creating the right balance of light and privacy then you know you have made the right choice.

One of the lighter screening types of curtains is net curtains. They are important because they provide you with a little bit of privacy yet they are sheer enough to allow some of that important light into a room. They are a casual type of curtain that will catch any breeze that happens to make its way into the room and will wave comfortably creating a relaxed mood.

Net curtains provide a few benefits when they are hung in front of the right windows. They are visually appealing bringing that quaint, prettiness to the room. They are able to be customised, ordering them to be made so that they match the rest of the room. They are also quite inexpensive making them a cheaper alternative to dress the windows.

Don’t think for a minute that net curtains are all the same because the truth is that there is a wide range of net curtains available with subtle textures and woven patterns in the netting allowing you a range to choose from. A set of lace net curtains should appeal to most tastes with the intricate designs a feature that adds much needed texture to a part of the room where such things are sometimes lacking.

The following is a part of the range of sheer and net curtains that are available to buy at Amazon. They represent a range of designs and styles.

Sheer with lace curtain panel with built-in valance    US $21.99

NEW SHEER ANTIQUE WHITE SHOWER CURTAIN WITH GREEN ACCENT STRIPES 100% COTTON    US $19.99

2Pc BEIGE CURTAIN SOLID SHEER VOILE WINDOW PANEL NEW 58"x84" A15482    US $16.99

SILKY SHIMMERY SEMI SHEER SQUARES SHOWER CURTAIN BLUE BROWN BEIGE NEW    US $19.99

American Living Sheer Curtain Panel - Glitter Stripe White    US $27.50

Lichtenberg Sheer Embroidered Curtain Panel - Lindsay Gold    US $35.00

Lot Of 2 Pair PINK Sheer Curtains~40X78~4 Panels    US $12.99

JC Penney Lisette Sheer Curtain Panel - Yuma Rose    US $15.00

Gorgeous SAILING BOATS Sheer Lace Curtain NEW    US $17.37

Sheer Voile, White, Curtain Window Treatment Panel - Choose Size Drop Down    US $14.00

Elegant Flower Print Home Decor Drape Sheer Curtain    US $79.39

Leaves Jacquard Pinch Pleat Tailored Sheer Curtains    US $85.82

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Here are just a few of the better known patterns that you can get when you buy net curtains. The embroidered net curtains are always popular with the patterns made with either simple understatement or bold showiness. You may also get jardinières, voile panels, café curtains and window sets each of them in a net curtain that will look lovely.

In general you will have to hang your net curtains using the traditional stitched seam pocket that has been threaded onto a curtain rod. However there are a growing number of net curtains that have been made as eyelet curtains making them even easier to hang than they already are.

String curtains are a great casual alternative in window treatments to curtains or drapes allowing you to get creative with your design aesthetic. As well as on external windows string curtains can be used as room dividers and in doorways. This style of curtain is available in a wide selection of solid and multicolored designs. A high quality string curtain has at least 18 strings per inch, and can be purchased at a reasonable price.

String curtains are perfect on high windows. This is an eye-catching approach to achieving privacy while also allowing the light in as they give an appearance of a sheer finish. They will also be very effective used in brighter rooms such as sunrooms. For larger rooms they can be an effective means of dividing the room up on a temporary basis while still allowing an airy feel to it. Use string curtains to section off the room without having to undertake a major remodeling project.

Look at the selection of string curtains that are available below.

String Curtain Fringe Panel Room Divider Drapes Window Curtains-Purple 2Panel    US $19.54

Beaded Curtains Panel Fringe String Room Divider Beige Romantic X-Mass Party    US $14.99

Pair(2 Panel) Beaded Curtains Panel Fringe String Room Divider Wine X-Mas Party    US $22.99

Orange String Curtains Fringe Room Divider Pair (2Panels) Add a Romantic    US $23.50

2 PINK STRING CURTAINS / DOOR DIVIDER 32"X67" 1 NEW- 1 USED    US $39.99

Beaded Curtains String Panel Fringe Room Divider 2PCS    US $22.49

String Curtain Fringe Panel Room Divider Drapes Window Curtains-Green 2Panel    US $24.66

2 x HOT PINK STRING TASSEL DOOR WALL WINDOW DIVIDER PARTITION FRINGE CURTAINS    US $28.29

STRING Curtains door window panel blinds vertical room    US $11.99

Black pink purple white red string curtains or Hamper    US $19.99

String Curtains White 3' W X 12' L EXTRA LONG (240" Inches) Make Backdrops!    US $79.99

String Curtains Black 3' W X 12' L EXTRA LONG (240" Inches) Make Backdrops!    US $79.99

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Another popular use of string curtains is to install them in office interiors. Instead of the dull dividers that are often spread throughout the building, bright colored string curtains bring a fresh setting. No-fray string curtains are available, and can be cut with a scissor for a custom fit. Shorter strings may be necessary to frame a piece of furniture, or an arched walkway might need to be fashioned.

String curtains that surround an outdoor area such as a spa or barbecue will generate a relaxing and private atmosphere. These also work very well for creating a party area from what would otherwise be an exposed patio or porch. Try giving your glass doors a decorative boost with the contemporary look of string curtains. These are such fun, reasonably priced, and easy to install. The wide array of colors and styles will provide a scheme that is perfect for any room.

A creative idea in a loft or warehouse is to use string curtains as camouflage on ductwork and rafters. These innovative curtains are also a clever touch at trade shows and exhibits. String curtains are the solution to countless decorating challenges. They aid in correcting eyesores, and lift spirits with cheery zip. Check out the potential of string curtains. The price is right, and installation is a snap.

You will find string curtains in a number of different materials such as cotton, rayon or polyester, occasionally they might be laced into beads for effect. This is a window furnishing that would be appropriate in a more casual setting such as a beach house where they might be hung as a means of allowing a breeze in while deterring insects.

For a particularly cheap method of securing your home’s privacy while still letting in the light, a set of string curtains will fill the bill.

Floral curtains can be a hit or miss kind of choice and it can all come down to the size of the floral pattern as much as the color that the pattern is in. In the 1970s we went through a period where the bigger the floral print the better we liked it and some of those hibiscus curtains were simply ghastly. But when they are done right, floral curtains can look graceful, beautiful and extremely tasteful.

As a means of subtly bringing out color accents in the rest of the room, nothing can beat a tasteful set of floral curtains. The idea is not necessarily to find floral curtain fabric in which your primary color is featured as the main color. Used as an accent color among a largely black or white background it will help to highlight the same color used in other pieces in the room.

One of the most interesting effects is to place floral print curtains in a room that is otherwise largely bare of patterned design. The various colors in the curtains can then show off the plain pieces used in various parts of the room such as the sofa fabric, the cushions or even the walls. It’s all a matter of balance and being restrained without being boring. Floral curtains can add that bold statement that you’re looking for without compromising the rest of the room.

AMY BUTLER GORGEOUS FLORAL SHOWER CURTAIN W/BORDER GREEN SALMON-CORAL NEW    US $29.99

Arpella Floral Window Curtains 2 sets 4 panels    US $80.00

GORGEOUS HAWAIIAN KIKI TROPICAL FLORAL SHOWER CURTAIN BLUE PINK GREEN NEW    US $27.99

PARK B. SMITH PEONY FLORAL SHOWER CURTAIN ANTIQUE SILVER & WHITE NEW    US $27.99

Antique Floral Chintz Cut & Lined for Curtain Plus Panel 85 x 50 & 27 x 62    US $9.95

NEW Park B. Smith Peony Midnight Blue Floral Shower Curtain w/grommets    US $24.95

SILKY EMBROIDERED FLORAL SHOWER CURTAIN & HOOKS BLUE NEW    US $19.99

Brown Multi Squares Floral 15 Pcs Shower Curtain with Hooks Bathroom Rug Set    US $24.99

NWT Simply Shabby Chic Floral Scroll Shower Curtain 100% Cotton Embroidered NIP    US $35.99

VICTORIAN FLORAL SHOWER CURTAIN ROSE PINK GREEN NEW    US $24.99

Country Curtain Valance - Floral pattern - 5 pieces    US $20.00

PINK / TAN FLORAL FABRIC SHOWER CURTAIN w/ HOOKS ~NEW    US $17.99

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Not only can floral curtains help to give the room a focal point they can also help to bring the room to life with a splash of color. The mere sight of these curtains can lighten the mood of the room with a fresh feeling of the garden brought indoors.

The danger with the floral design is that it is easy to overdo it. Too many different types of florals in the one room can become too busy with the eye being bombarded by the conflicting patterns and colors. It’s always a good idea to obey the less is more maxim and only choose to hang floral curtains in a more sedate room.

Generally speaking if you are putting floral curtains in the room you are making a conscious effort to use your curtains as a focal point. By their nature they are a busy design that demands attention and for that reason you’ve got to make sure you have chosen your design carefully. If they clash with anything in the room they just won’t be performing the function you want them to.