Giving an air of comfort to the room, window curtains work hard at blocking
light, sound, heat and cold. They're also extraordinarily decorative and add
enormous personality to a room. Windows are treated to various types of
curtains such as a sash curtain used to filter light, a draw curtain used to
block out light and an over-drapery, which is purely used for decorative
purpose. In very formal rooms, all of these are topped with a cornice or
valance to hide the hardware.
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Window curtains are produced in a variety of materials, all employing
natural as well as artificial fibers such as linen, silk, cotton, wool,
polyester, rayon etc. Part of the rich appearance of curtains depend upon
proper lining and interlining. Interlining is most common on heavier weaves,
such as damask, velvet and expensive fibers, such as wool and silk. The rich
look is achieved by using silk brocade, damask, satin, taffeta, plush and
velvet. All these fabrics are further embellished with the help of prints,
dyes, applique work and embroideries.