Voile Curtains

Unless you are in the window treatment industry, or have needed to do some research on the various types of window coverings that are available out there, you may not have heard the term "voile" before, or understand what it means. Never fear, because in this article we will give you a good rundown on this highly underrated style of curtain. We'll look at what the material can be used for, the benefits of using voile on your windows, and the different ways that it can be displayed to great effect in your home.

The word voile is a French word that has been adopted by us westerners as a part of our own language. It literally means "veil", which immediately conjures up images of secrecy, purity, elegance and beauty. And this is exactly the type of feeling that will be portrayed in your home by using this style of curtain. The material is usually made from cotton (although there are other, more expensive materials such as silk which are sometimes used, but obviously more expensive. The defining characteristic of this style of curtain is its translucent nature. The curtains are opaque enough to keep prying eyes out of your home, while still allowing enough filtered light in to keep your rooms bright and cheery.

Curtains are not the only thing that this material is used for, although it by far the most popular use. Manufacturers also use voile in the design of bedding and mosquito nets, and fashion designers use it to great effect in the art of dressmaking and the creation of lingerie. The soft silky feel of this material lends itself to luxurious items.

When used as a curtain, voiles are generally gather together to give them more fullness on the window. This enhances their allure, and creates a bit more privacy in your home as well. For this reason, the material should be at least two and a half times the width of the window that it is being installed on.

There are two common ways to hang voile curtains. The first is just as you would a normal curtain panel, off a rod with rings. The other way is to drape the curtain over the top of the rod and let it hang down either side. This style is called a "scarf", and in the right situations can create a wonderful look in a bedroom.

Another style that is not so well known, but can look great in the right environment is “pooling”. This is the process of buying a curtain material longer than the length of your wall, and allowing it to pool on the ground. This is a very elegant look, but one that most people don’t opt for because the curtains tends to get dirty on the floor very quickly. It is definitely not an option if you have pets or toddlers as well.

The popularity of voile curtains continue to increase with every passing year, and you there are many different shades to choose from in this style. If you can't find exactly what you're after, then you should be able to approach a business that offers custom window treatments that will create the look you desire.