Sheers and drapery: thinking in layers

Choosing curtains starts with the window, but the decision belongs to the whole room. Before looking at fabric colours, think about when the room is used and what you want the window treatment to do.

Describe the daylight you enjoy

Sheers can introduce a softer layer at the window. Look at their weave and how they appear against the daylight, as well as the view you want to retain. Different fabrics create different impressions; compare samples in the intended setting where possible.

Discuss privacy as a room requirement

Tell the team where the window faces and when privacy matters most. Fabric, lining and layering should be discussed together. Appearance alone does not establish how a fabric will perform in every lighting condition.

Consider the shape of the curtain

Fullness, heading and the finished drop affect the way the textile reads. Also consider where it draws back, how it meets nearby furniture and the position of the mounting. These details help the window treatment belong to the architecture.

Prepare for the first conversation

Photograph the full window and the surrounding walls, then note approximate dimensions and any existing fittings you want to retain. Final measurements and tailoring details need to be confirmed for the agreed work.

A crystal chandelier, considered in proportion

A crystal chandelier can give a room a focal point through reflections, movement and the shape of its frame. Selecting one means looking beyond a close-up photograph to the place where it will hang.

Look at the composition

Consider the balance between the crystal and the structure that carries it. Airy gold-toned branches and hanging drops create a different impression from a denser arrangement. Think about the amount of visual presence you want in daylight as well as when the fixture is lit.

Relate it to what sits below

Above a table, consider the table’s shape and dimensions, the seating and the view across it. In a reception room, look at the gathering area and the room as a whole. The fixture should make sense from the viewpoints people use.

Include the ceiling and suspension

Share the ceiling height, the position of the existing point and any available drawings. Width and suspension drop need to be considered with the actual space. The selected fixture’s weight and mounting requirements also need confirmation.

Discuss the complete lighting setting

A decorative focal point is one part of the atmosphere. Tell the team about the other lights in the room and the way you use it in the evening. Confirm lamp specifications and any control compatibility for the chosen fixture before proceeding.