Curtains

February 3 2024

Summer Curtains Ideas for South African Homes

Ash CarrimCurtains

Beat the heat this Summer – Your guide to the perfect set of summer curtains for your home in South Africa

The best Summer Curtain Ideas for your South African Home

By Ash Carrim

Updated Feb 2024

With summer in full swing in South Africa, did you know that choosing the right pair of curtains can drastically improve not only your comfort, but also help you save on your energy bills?

This article will give you some great tips and tricks to get immediate relief from our South Africa heat with some clever summer curtain design selection options. Making your home look fabulous will be the icing on the cake as well.

Light and Breezy Curtain Fabrics:

Summer is all about that light, fresh and breezing feeling. The fabrics you choose should match these summer vibes. The way to achieve this is to pick lighter fabrics such as sheer Curtains. These are your linen, cotton and voile options.

By choosing the above fabrics, you add a touch of quality to your living space and at the same time, allow great air circulation. Your rooms will be kept cool and refreshed at all times.

Cooling Summer Curtain Colours:

The colours you choose should also match the summer vibes we touched on. Choosing the perfect colours can be fun and your interior designer should be there helping you every step of the way. To give you an overall design tip for summer curtains, you should try your best to go for a design colour that will create the best visually soothing and summer atmosphere.

Go for your Lighter and pastel shades like soft blues, greens or even yellow for a bolder look. These lighter colours are great for the summer and they do an amazing job at reflecting the sun’s rays. They tend to give a great calming feel to your interior as well.

A big no would be your dark colours such as black as they absorb heat much easier. They are not a great summer curtain colour selection.

Dual-Purpose Summer Curtains:

Having the best of both worlds is an investment you don’t want to miss out on. Having flexibility in light control with your summer curtains will give you ultimate coolness.

The way to achieve the above is to opt for sheer curtains in the day as this will allow the cool air and light to enter but also give you privacy. When the sun goes down, your layer of heavier curtains (no matter what) will block out the night heat and maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. Sleep like a baby!

The best Style and Length for summer curtains:

The length of your curtains can most certainly help when it comes to creating a cool atmosphere in the summer. Go for floor-length or just above as this will help bring you that breezy and relaxed look. Choose curtain styles like grommet or tab-top curtains for easy opening and closing, allowing you to totally control the amount of sunlight entering your rooms.

Energy-Efficient Summer Curtain Options:

Us locals will know this one really well. We live in South Africa and at the end of the day, curtains with energy-efficient benefits like blackout linings or thermal options can always help. Not many homeowners know this but these features not only protect your home from the sun’s intense rays but also helps to regulate indoor temperatures, giving your AC that much needed break.

Tropical Prints and Patterns:

This option greatly varies from home to home and also depends on your existing decor and personal preference. However, as a general rule for South African homeowners, tropical patterns such as your florals, palm leaves and geometric designs is something you wont go wrong with as they are reminiscent of our stunning local natural landscapes. These curtain patterns can also liven up any space.

Summer Bedroom curtains – What’s the best design options?

One that we get asked a lot and we have the perfect answer for summer bedroom curtains ideas.

With your cozy bedrooms the most important thing to get right is striking the perfect balance between style and functionality (easy maintenance).

With that said, you can easily apply the above pointers for your initial design and choice. Basically this means choosing lighter fabrics, vibrant colours to match or contrast your existing décor, and practical functionality such as an inner lining to block out the sun if you enjoy those afternoon naps as well.

bedroom curtains Boksburg / Benoni

Over to you – Summary:

With the right summer curtains, you can turn your South African home into a cool, relaxed and stylish place in these warmer months. Always go for light fabrics, cooler or soft colours, and dual purpose design options. This will give you that perfect balance between style and functionality.

Give us a call or book an appointment. Our team of curtain experts in Boksburg are on hand to give you the advice that will suit you best. Get your free quote today. Call us: 083 778 6123

Get your FREE Quote

Call us: 083 778 6123

Or fill in the form below and Our experts will get back to you.

August 3 2023

Curtain Linings – Choosing the best one

Ash CarrimCurtains 0

Curtains Lining | Insulated And Thermal Curtains for your Home

The best Curtain lining options for your Home in South Africa

Author: Ash Carrim

Updated August 2023

What are Curtain Linings?

In a nutshell, curtain linings can be seen as that added layer of fabric that is attached to the rear of your curtains. They offer many advantages such as protecting you curtains from excessive wear as well as keeping cold air from entering your living space.

With the constant load shedding situation in South Africa, many home owners are looking for alternate ways to keep warm as we go into winter.

While using gas heaters, comfy blankets and dressing warm does definitely help keep the cold at bay, did you know that opting for specific curtain linings (Insulated And Thermal lining) can also help keep your living space warm?

In this post, we’ll dive into the 3 the best types of curtain lining options that will not only save up on your electricity bill and keep you warm, but also add a touch of elegance to your living space.

1. 100% Blackout curtain lining

full blockout Curtains boksburg

Image source

Lets start with full curtain blockout linings.

If you’re in the market for the best winter curtains or insulated curtain linings, than a set of 100% lined blockout curtains are your best option for several reasons.

They are designed such that they provide excellent insulation; meaning they do an excellent job at keeping the cold air out and keeping heat in your living space.

In addition, they also block 100% of the light giving you total privacy when closed – perfect for those days to sleep in.

Known also as insulated curtains, these curtains have an extra interlined layer to give you that extra layer of warmth. Sewn between the front fabric and the lining.

To add to your aesthetics, the lining of these curtains comes in a variety of colours and patterns. Perfect to match your inner décor.

Self lining fabric curtains

These comes in one colour only and the lining is attached to the curtain. These also provide 100% blockout.

2. 70% Blackout curtain lining

The second type of curtain lining you may opt for are 70% blockout curtains.

These curtains lining can also work well year round and are designed to block around 70% of the suns rays from outside; but at the same time, allowing some light to enter your room.

As for the blocking out the cold from outside, they may not be as efficient as the 100% option but they certainly will give your heating system some rest and provide you with a decent amount of warmth.

They also will provide you with a decent level of privacy by reducing glare but they wont completely darken your room.

Both 100% and 70% blockout / curtain linings are fully washable at temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius.

3. Polycotton linings

Cotton-lined curtains (280cm cotton lining) are curtains that have a layer of cotton fabric attached to the backside of the outer curtain fabric. Colours are in white and cream only. They are a lightweight fabric lining option for your curtains.

This lining serves several purposes and can enhance the functionality and appearance of your

curtains. Here are some benefits of cotton-lined curtains.

They protect your curtains from the sun to prevent damage (especially during summer)
Since it adds a weight factor, your curtains will hang more elegantly.
They do a decent job at blocking out noise as well, although not at good at the 100% and 70% options.
Theses are the best priced curtain lining option available.

Conclusion | Tips to choosing the best fabric for curtain lining

Functionality – If you seek total privacy and a total room darkening option, 100% blockout curtain linings are your go to option.

Fabric for lining curtains: Your design consultant should assist you with this, but as a general rule, choosing more dense or thicker fabric will be much more effective at keeping cold air out and is an overall better energy saving option.

Blackout effectiveness: Another areas your design consultant should help you with. Make sure that your curtain linings are labeled as “blackout” or “100% blockout”. This will ensure they effectively block the suns light from outside.

Décor – If you have the option, opt for linings that matches your décor as best as you can. The main purpose of linings are for functionality at the end of the day.

Price: Depending on your budget, opting for 100% blockouts curtains and the 70% blockout (options 1 and 2 ) can be more expensive although in the long run, they can benefit by helping you save on your energy bills. Polycotton (option 3) lining are the most affordable but may not be as effective as keeping the cold air out.

Book your Free In house Consult: With 30 years experience in Custom Curtains and in depth knowledge, give use a call for your free in house consult.

Give us a call: 083 778 6123

About the Author

Ash is an interior curtain designer at Sensational Interiors with 30 years of experience in interior design and curtain decoration. Over the last 30 years, he has served many clients across the East of Johannesburg and surrounding areas.

March 16 2022

Modern Curtain Ideas 2024 for living Room in South Africa

Ash CarrimCurtains

Modern Curtain ideas for your living room in 2024

The best modern curtain ideas in 2024 for your Home in South Africa

By Ash Carrim

Updated July 2024

2020 to 2021 has definitely been a year many people chose to redo their décor.

With lockdowns across the world, many opted to spend their time redoing their lounges, floors and kitchens etc and for great reason.

Redoing your window treatments can really make your living room stand out and create that special effect unlike other renovations that could cost you much more.

The good news is that unlike redoing other areas of your home, upgrading your window treatments can actually save you money in the long run by keeping your home warm in colder months.

With that said, below are the curtain ideas and designs that are in style in 2024 that are modern, great looking as well as affordable.

The modern looking Curtain Ideas and Styles for 2024

Layered Curtains

In a nutshell, combining a modern design sheer type curtain with a blockout is an excellent choice that is the trend this 2024. This is also known as Layer

Starting with the curtain heading type, the Wave heading is the popular and modern curtain heading type choice among home owners in South Africa.

Opting for a 37mm Pelmet that compliments the wave track is the way to go in and here’s why its the modern go to option for so many.

So why the above option for so many?

Going into 2024, many are looking for the best of both worlds and a style that is modern at the same time.

Wave type curtains are still most definitely the way to go for 2024 for your heading type but what about the texture and style and fabric type?

Amazing and versatile sheer curtains are an excellent choice as they allow for you to see the amazing view from outside as well as being a cool and lightweight option for the warmer months.

Sheers with patterns

Sheer curtains are amazing at controlling the light being let in as well as the general aesthetics of your room.

They are also 100% polyester, self lined texture making them a durable yet an easy to maintain curtain idea for your living room.

The blockouts (with the sheers) are used for added privacy and to block out the suns rays.

Once closed, they also can provide warmth in the winter months.

Natural Fabrics are BEST CURTAIN COLOURS AND PATTERNS IDEAS TO GO FOR IN 2024

If you looking for a sleek, yet minimalistic option that’s trending right now, the above are all great design options for your sheer curtains going into 2024.

Other options to go for are your naturals, turquoise, blues, mint green as well as soft pastels are great modern looks.

Motorized Curtains

It may be South Africa and power cuts but smart homes are what home owners are leaning to these day and for good reason. Motorized curtains with give you the convenience and a sleek look. They can be easily controlled with your smartphone adding a high-tech touch to your living space.

Blackout Curtains

For home owners that are seeking to improve energy efficiency, blackout curtains are an excellent choice. They help to keep your rooms cooler by blocking out sunlight and are available in stylish designs that don’t compromise on aesthetics.

Conclusion

Pairing a sheer curtain that is breathable and lightweight with a blockout curtain, is the modern curtain idea for 2024.

Selecting a pattern to complement the above style will complete the look and feel of your living room.

Using a sheer also helps give a soft and relaxing look and feel to your living room.

The blockouts gives you total privacy and also an added layer of warmth when you need it.

At Sensational interiors, we design, measure and install all your curtain and blinds.

Call us for a free quote and we will bring the showroom to you.

Get your FREE Quote

Call us: 083 778 6123

Or fill in the form below and Our experts will get back to you.

October 7 2021

Ultimate Checklist before your next Curtains or Blinds Purchase..

Ash CarrimCurtains

The Ultimate Checklist before your next Curtains or Blinds Purchase

Did you know that many people find BOTH curtains and Blinds are the perfect option as each have their own benefits?

Additionally, it comes down to you, the home owner and what you are looking for.

The Unique 5 point Checklist will certainly put you on the right path to make your BEST Buy!

#1 Choose Between Curtains or Blinds

Choose Curtains if:

You want more of a sensational effect – they can make a feature out of a window.
You want to protect your furniture.
You want a more cozzy vibe.
Great for privacy.

Choose Blinds if:

If you have smaller window size than blinds can save you lots of space.
You’re Looking for a neat look.
You can choose the exact amount of light you want to enter
Rooms with lots of moisture like the bathrooms or kitchens.

#2 Do I want OFF-THE-SHELF or CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS?

Custom window treatments offer many benefits and endless design options.

With these options, though, you will pay more but get much more unique benefits like a classic or classy feel that ready made can’t give you always.

Ready Made are much faster to get and install – however, you limited by the designs and size.

Ultimate Checklist before your next Curtains or Blinds Purchase..

#3 What Fabric to go for?

This can vary from room to room and in general, for your bedroom, linen/Cotton would be your best option as its creates a relaxed look.

A more heavier option like cotton or silk is best for your living room. However, silk is more used for aesthetics rather than functionality.

If you are looking for a more rich look and feel, Velvet can be a great option. They are thick and heavy, and they block out cold air pretty well.

#4 What Designs / Colours to go for?

This is where it can get interesting..

The next decision is whether you’d like your curtains or blinds to blend into the interior or to make a statement with a bold print or colour.

Let us explain..

For a subtle and balanced look, select your curtains/ blinds with fabrics that are a shade or two lighter or darker than the colour of your wall. In other words, slightly similar to colour to your CURRENT Décor.

Or.. If your Current Décor / Furniture is more on the neutral side, your window treatments can be more bolder if you want your Curtains / Blinds to STAND out more.

For a modern look, monochromatic window coverings or tone-on-tone styles are your go to. A great option is to choose dark colour fabric roller blinds.

Lighter Colours also allows more of the light to enter while a darker tone will create more of a dominate space.

#5 Decide on a Curtain Heading

Pencil Pleat – The most common type and they create a classic and relaxed drape.
Wave – Made with unique fabric ‘wave’ folds that have earned it its name, wave style curtains will add a touch of timeless elegance along with a contemporary feel.
Double Barrel – Get that modern feel and also maintain fabric efficiency with Modern Classical Double Barrel Curtains.
Pinch Pleat – Formal heading style and creates an luxurious full curtain. Requires more fabric.
Eyelets are threaded through the curtain rod to create a modern and wave like look.

We hope that this easy to understand, The Ultimate Checklist before your next Curtains or Blinds Purchase helped you in someway to get your dream curtains or blinds a step closer.

Remember that at the end of the day, your Window treatments should be something that your are proud to showcase.

In summary, choose a window treatment that you love, is functional, and not only reflects, but also enhances the look and feel of your space as your custom curtains will play a key role in the overall aesthetic of your home.

ASH from Sensational Interiors