How to choose curtains for your room

Start with what the room needs: light control, a particular heading and a size that fits. Choose width and length before treating a room photograph as a size reference.

Choose the light level

Blackout fabric is intended to stop light passing through the cloth, while room-darkening fabric dims daylight. Edge gaps remain important with either. Ona's velvet pair is room-darkening; the three textured styles carry listed blackout claims. Ona has not independently measured their light transmission.

Choose the heading

Grommets show the metal eyelets and create broad folds. Back tabs hide the loops behind the fabric, while a rod pocket gathers the top around the rod. Check the rod fit and heading allowance for the style you choose.

Plan the width

Measure the usable rod span. For softly gathered curtains, start with total flat width about twice that span. A pair of 52-inch panels supplies 104 inches of fabric. A single 70-inch panel supplies 70 inches. The width on the label is not the gathered rod coverage.

Choose the drop

Measure from the fabric top to the intended hem and account for how the heading sits on the rod. Decide on a float, floor kiss or planned puddle. Measure in more than one place, and keep curtains clear of doors, heaters and busy walkways.

Check the details

Read the pack count, current price, care information and delivery terms. A linen-texture or linen-look description describes appearance; it should not be treated as a verified linen fiber percentage. Room styling images are illustrations, and screens and lighting affect color.

Compare all curtains, use the size calculator, and read the blackout guide if darkness is your priority.