Interior design
Pencil pleat headed curtains are a popular type of curtains that are suitable for most environments
curtains and blinds away from the window is a crucial benefit. The way to achieve this is by ensuring that the pole or track extends beyond the window’s width, and the stack of the curtain fits within this width, meaning that none of the window is covered by the curtains. For narrow spaces, adjusting the fullness of the curtain can reduce the stack and thus, the pole or track width required. Another choice to help maximise light is to install voiles behind curtains in bedrooms, particularly for ground floor rooms or those that are overlooked. This means that curtains can be fully pulled, leaving the voile in place for privacy, but still allowing light to filter through into the room. This can be handy in summer too, as voiles will provide some shade, but not trap the heat inside a room in the same way a curtain would. Voiles may also be installed for a stylistic choice, appearing behind curtains for a layered, elegant look. Bedroom curtains should of course be
blackout when pulled to help facilitate year-round peaceful sleep, whatever time of day. This can be achieved either by using a blackout base cloth, or by adding a blackout lining. A lined curtain, or one with a dense, blackout weave, can also help to keep the room a little warmer in the winter, and may even help reduce noise disturbance to some extent.
What about blinds?
Curtains are a standard choice for most care homes, but there are some areas where blinds are more appropriate. Most blinds can work well in this environment – the only style to avoid is Roman blinds. These have a string mechanism for raising and lowering the blind that can tangle or break easily. Sometimes, a bare window may be decorated with a dummy Roman blind, where the mechanism is static and the blind itself cannot be raised or lowered, but provides visual interest and style. This is not
An above the sill curtain can provide a stylish, minimalist look when combined with feature windows
recommended in a care home environment as people may try to lower the blind, not realising that it is a non-functional decoration. It is an unnecessary deception that could even feel like an intentional trick to someone in a vulnerable position. Instead, roller blinds are a simple window dressing that can be made to measure to complement an approved interior design scheme or even reflect brand colours. However, they are rather binary when it comes to blocking light and providing privacy. They do not provide the same nuance or softness that a curtain and voile would. On the other hand, a PVC roller blind
would be an obvious choice for kitchen areas and bathrooms, as the fabric can be easily wiped. It is possible to choose matching or complementary fabric to that used for bedroom or recreation room curtains. The fabric can then be laminated and made into a roller blind. The control chain would be secured with a P Clip, or a breakaway chain may be used to reduce strangulation hazards.
Voiles can help to give privacy while helping to maximise light 32 For areas such as staff rooms and offices,
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com April 2025
A pencil pleat heading behind a pelmet is a traditional choice
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