When choosing drapes, there are many things to consider. You may want your drapes to blend in to the rest of your home, or you may want them to be the focal point.

If you are choosing drapes for your home, these are a few things you need to know to help you pick the perfect fit:

Type of fabric
The type of fabric you choose will make an impact on the overall look and feel of the drapes in the room. Traits that should be taken into consideration when shopping around for fabric include how it hangs, pleats, whether it is wrinkle resistant, if it's washable, and how durable it is.
There are natural and synthetic fibers:

Natural

• Natural fibers include cotton, wool, linen, and silk. Cotton, wool, and linen are the most durable of the natural fibers, whereas silk is the most delicate, so if you have pets and children running around, your silk drapes may be prone to more snags than a studier fabric.


• Synthetic


• This includes polyester, acrylic, acetate, and nylon. All of the synthetic fabrics are very wrinkle-resistant, a trait that natural fibers don't necessarily have. Polyester washes well, and acrylic is wool-like.

Whether or not you want to line your drapes is something to consider as well. Lining can help prevent fading on your fabric, and it gives a uniform look to your home from the outside, since drapery colors can vary from room to room.

Where to buy
Choosing where to purchase your drapes is another important consideration. Custom made drapes will fit your home exactly, and you can design them to look the way you want. However, you will also end up paying significantly more than you would with ready-made drapes.

Ready-made drapes can be purchased at a variety of places, from Target to Pottery Barn to department stores. Ready-made drapes are a nice option because you can see in person at the store or showroom how they hang and how they will look in your home. They also come in a wide range of styles, colors and fabrics.

Measuring your windows
When shopping for drapes you will also need to measure your windows. Measure from top to bottom, but don't forget to take into account that you will be using a curtain rod, which goes about 6 inches above the window frame. Draperies themselves typically fall 2-3 inches above the floor.

You will also need to measure from side to side. If you have doubts about your measurements, or if you are unsure, talk to the salesperson and they will help you determine whether you are measuring correctly or not.

Ready-made drapes come in standard sizes, so if you have odd-shaped windows, you will have to have your drapes custom made, or at least do a little more digging for a place that sells drapes in different sizes.

Choosing the right drapes for your home can make a big difference on the overall look and feel of your home. These guidelines will help you find the perfect drapes for your home.