Eyelet Curtain Guide for Bungalows

October 26, 2021

by ABBY LU

It goes without saying that one of the best things about living in a bungalow is the luxury of space. High ceilings, large windows, a garden of your own, patios, open spaces — it feels pleasing just to think about the possibilities of decorating those spaces and making it your own.

The windows and glass doors, in particular, present us with so many opportunities. Blinds, curtains, shutters, or drapes? There are simply so many options to choose from! Of course, if you are working with an interior decorator, he or she would be able to whittle down those options for you. But you will have to choose eventually and this guide will lay out some of the key considerations to help you decide.

In particular, we will be focusing on eyelet curtains and the rooms or areas where this curtain style will absolutely shine. Apart from that, we will also discuss the importance of choosing the right fabric, colours, and designs to accentuate space as well as lighting. So, let’s dive right into it.

Image

Blanquette / Collection

Everything you need to know about eyelet curtains

Eyelet curtains (also known as grommet curtains) are a type of window covering characterised by having metal-reinforced holes at the heading. The heading, in case you are wondering, is the top part of the curtain where it attaches to a track or a rod.

Eyelets are made by perforating holes in the fabric, which are then secured with round rings made of a sturdy material. You may wonder if there is a difference between eyelets and grommets. In strict, technical terms, there are differences between the two.

To a tailor, an eyelet is a smaller perforation that can also be threaded with ribbons or cords to reinforce the connection. If you look in your closet you may find belts with eyelets, for instance.

Grommets, meanwhile, are bigger rings that are used to secure perforations with bigger dimensions. So, heavier materials such as tents, tarps, and curtains tend to be reinforced with grommets instead of eyelets. Grommets for curtains can be made of either plastic or metal. The latter comes in gold, nickel, bronze, silver, copper, or brass.

Image

Draper / Collection

However, eyelet and grommet curtains are often used interchangeably to refer to the same thing. Therefore, we will simply refer to it as eyelet curtains for now.

And back to grommets: Although brass is most commonly used, you do have the option of choosing other metals to complement the colour of your curtain and its hardware. As eyelet curtains are hung by threading it through a curtain rod, the hardware here are the components of the rod. These include finials, the decorative end attached to the end of the rod that prevents your curtains from sliding off.

Select rods and finials that complement your existing decor — they will be visible and guests will be able to tell if you skimped on them. And you may think that there are limited options but a quick search on the Internet will show you that there are a lot of ready-made rods and finials that you can purchase for your home. Plus, there are companies that create custom curtain rods as well. Although plastic is also an option, it can end up looking tacky and plastic grommets and rods are best reserved for bathrooms only.

And though eyelet curtains can potentially match any decor, it is most suited for contemporary homes. Its simple and fuss-free style with deep, uniformed folds is great for spaces with a sleek and modern interior.

Image

Lombardia / Collection

Accentuating spaces with eyelet curtains

It is a given that your bungalow will be spacious but there are ways to make it feel more voluminous than it already is. There are many ways to do this such as choosing the right colour for your walls, laying out furniture in a way that promotes proper circulation, and, yes, choosing curtains in the right fabric, style, length, and colour.

First, let’s talk about colour. As a rule of thumb, loud and intense colours and dark shades can make a space feel small or enclosed. But that is not necessarily a bad thing because smaller spaces can feel cozy as well. Suppose you have a family room, an arts and crafts space, or even a nursery, coziness may not be a bad thing. In fact, it may be good for any kind of space that is intended to foster feelings or warmth or a sense of belongingness amongst family members.

On the other hand, light colours tend to make spaces feel bigger and more open. So, if you are picking an eyelet curtain for spaces where you intend to entertain or host guests, go with lighter tones. Examples of these areas include the dining room, living room, or openings to patios, balconies, or swimming pools.

Image

Artworks / Collection

As for length, always exaggerate the ceiling height with floor-length curtains. Besides the kitchen or storage rooms, where you may want to keep the curtains short and neat for practical reasons, floor-length curtains will work just about anywhere in a bungalow. The study room? Check. Bedrooms? Check. Living rooms? Check. Apart from making a room feel more spacious, floor-length curtains also create a sense of elegance and luxury.

Fabric design or textile choice, meanwhile, is really a matter of preference. Eyelet curtains can be made using almost any kind of light- to medium-weight fabrics. Therefore, anything ranging from ultra-light voile to medium weight brocade can be used to make gorgeous eyelet curtains. If you are someone who prefers something classic, plain fabrics in neutral colours could work in the long run. It will never really go out of fashion and it is extremely easy to match neutral curtains with furniture or fixtures that you might replace over the years.

However, the range of fabrics that is available in the market is astounding right now. For instance, even if you seek a neutral colour, it could be a neutral colour with a metallic finish. Or matte, too, if you prefer. And there are also fabrics with barely discernible micro patterns, grains, or weaves, which can look simple but rich at the same time. If you are shopping for a fabric, it may be worth your while to look at newer varieties to broaden your choices.

Image

Blanquette / Collection 

Eyelet curtains can also be made with printed fabrics. Broadly speaking, however, fabrics that sport motifs, soft florals, and geometric prints are best for eyelet curtains. Loud, fancy prints are best avoided. To check if the print will work as an eyelet curtain, you could hold the fabric up with your hands and make a few folds to see if the print looks distorted or not.

Lastly, it is always best to choose blackout fabric for curtains in the bedroom. Apart from ensuring that your room is pitch black at night up until the moment your alarm goes off in the morning, the thicker material will also help to insulate against sound and heat. This will ensure solid nights of restful and comfortable sleep, which is important for general wellbeing.

 

How to layer your eyelet curtains like a pro

Curtains in a bungalow need not be an identical copy of one another. Even if you were to go with eyelet curtains only, there are many ways to create variations. One of the ways you could go about this is by layering your curtains.

One of the most popular iterations is the solid over sheer layer. As its name suggests, the solid curtain will be hung in front of a sheer curtain. This style will give you a lot of flexibility in terms of lighting and privacy.

At night, you could choose to keep both layers drawn shut. During the day, you could either draw the solid layer open, leaving the sheers to filter some of the light, or draw both layers open for a burst of sunlight. This style is best in bedrooms, living rooms, or dining areas. It is also great for West-facing areas because you could simply keep both layers closed when the sun is at its most brutal in the afternoons.

Image

Wilderness / Collection

Another option is the sheer over solid technique. This is basically the reverse of the above, but it creates a completely different look. While both layers can still be drawn shut or open, this works best if the sheer curtain is drawn to the sides while the solid layer remains fully or partly closed. The elegant draping effect becomes a decorative element that softens the look of the window.

In areas where you are not overly concerned about privacy or the harsh sunlight, it is also possible to use two sheer curtains. You could either layer them the conventional way — one layer over the other. For this style, it would be best to select sheer fabrics in two different shades or colours to create depth. Alternatively, you could also cross two sheer panels (made of the same fabric) so that it creates an X-shaped pattern when it is drawn to the side.

There are many other ways to layer eyelet curtains. Curtain over blinds, for instance. Or using a sheer panel draped over the rod like a scarf. Some looks are more complicated to achieve and it would be best for you to consult with an interior designer or a curtain/fabric provider to work out what you need. They would be able to advise you on hardware (length and type of curtain rods, holdbacks) and fabric selection to attain the look that you want.

Image

Oblix / Collection

Other ways to jazz up your eyelet curtains

Though eyelet curtains are usually appreciated for its clean, minimalist look, it is possible to add a trim to the edge of the curtains for an extra touch of detail that is not too loud. Trims, known in interior design as passementerie, are made of woven, twisted, plaited, or hand-stitched threads.

Although it was popularised by French aristocrats in the 17th century, trims (braids, borders, pom poms, fringes, etc.) can be used outside a classical or period interior style. Some simple borders and fringes, for instance, can look right at home in a contemporary scheme. It can add a little whimsy to playrooms or bay windows, example.

Sheers, in particular, can look extra stunning with a trim. Nevertheless, there is always a delicate balance between ornamentation and keeping things simple. And if you are going for sleek and modern all the way, trims may not be ideal for your curtains.

Image

Vineyard / Collection

If that is the case, you may want to experiment with other elements such as tiebacks and holdbacks. The former is a separate piece of material that can be made of a variety of materials including fabric, cord, rope, and tassels. Tiebacks can gather the curtains in the middle or draw them to the side. .

Holdbacks, on the other hand, are stationary u-shaped hardwares that are installed on the wall near a window frame. It holds the curtains open and are typically made of rigid materials such as metal or wood.

Of the two, tiebacks are a more flexible option because they are easily replaceable and can be made using virtually anything that is strong and sturdy enough to create a bind. It is also easy to personalise a tieback. You can, if you like, attach small objects like a unicorn plushie to a tieback for a child’s bedroom.

References

Kumar, M. (2017, August 1). Difference Between Eyelet and Grommet. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects.

De Castella, T. (2014, June 4). The Plague of Light in our Bedrooms. BBC News Magazine.

Unknown. (Unknown). How to Hang Grommet Curtains & Drapes. Country Door.

Unknown. (2020, October 23). How To Layer Curtains And Sheers [6 Suggestions].

Unknown. (Unknown). Curtain Tiebacks 101.

Carponen, C. (2020, January 1). The Allure of Timeless Trimmings.

Hawkes, C. (2017, May 20). Which Window Treatment Works Best For Your Home?

Looking for quality sofas with creative fabrics and easy maintenance? Find the nearest showroom at acaciasofa.co
If you are searching for the perfect curtain to express your personality at home, find our nearest boutiques at acaciacurtain.co