Grommet curtain panels are everywhere. Look at any home decor magazine and you will find grommet curtain panels. There are a plethora of fabrics, patterns, colors, and lengths to choose from. They are not a new idea, so what does it matter?
First, what exactly is a buttonhole? Grommet is used to describe the top of the panel. A grommet is a reinforced plastic or metal eyelet through which a decorative rod is placed. Grommet panels slide easily along a decorative rod and fall in neat, clean folds. Ideal for French doors, sliding doors, or any window where you want the flexibility to open and close the panels.
A few years ago, grommet curtain panels weren’t so easy to find. One had to custom make them or try to make them on their own using a buttonhole machine. But today there are overwhelming sources of grommet curtain panels. They are not only sold by drapery stores, but also by other retailers such as bedding, bath stores, department stores, warehouse-type stores, and the list goes on. Here’s the problem, not all buttonholes are created equal. There is a big difference in quality and workmanship. It’s true that you can get a grommet curtain panel for $10, I saw a few today when I was shopping, but you really do get what you pay for. Buy Beware! Whatever your budget, there’s a grommet curtain for you.
Grommet curtain panels can be used for almost any application. They are great for sliding doors, French doors, large windows, small windows, bay windows, and the list goes on.
Here’s a tip on buying eyelet curtains, length and fullness are the most important. Grommet curtains should go all the way to the floor, but they can end just below the windowsill or can even get waterlogged if luxurious fabrics like silk, faux silk, or taffeta are used. The standard length is 84″, but more and more companies are releasing longer lengths such as 95″, 108″, and 120″. Measure from the rod down to get your height. Width is just as important. You don’t want to end up with a window that appears to be covered with a piece of cloth. Make sure its fullness is at least 2 times the width of the window. If you have small windows, get a rod that is 4 to 6 inches wider on each side to stack the curtain, giving the illusion of a larger window. This also maximizes the amount of light that enters the room. For larger windows, more panels may be needed, but make sure they are even numbers, you don’t want to end up with a crooked look. For example, have 2 panels on each side of the window instead of 1 and 2. You can have these panels sewn together or they can be left as they are. If you provide enough fullness, you’ll likely be the only one who knows they’re not attached. Most ready-made companies and even some custom companies only offer grommet curtain panels in individual widths (50-54″). There are custom companies that can make wider grommet curtain panels, but the cost is extremely high.
The advantages of a grommet curtain panel are: modern and on-trend design, contemporary and not your typical granny curtains, affordable, easy to slide open and close, reveal a decorative rod for additional decoration, and what’s more importantly, you don’t have to be a professional to pull off this look.
Grommet curtains are functional, stylish and affordable! That can’t be said for all window treatments.