Curtains 101: What to Know About Panels, Sheers, Valances, Rods, and More

First things first: Curtains are almost always hung in pairs, but they are often sold individually. (Double-check before tapping "add to cart.") Most of the time, curtains with linings will feel more luxurious and block more light, which allows the color or pattern of the curtain to read more true in your home. You'll also want to think about how your curtain panels hang from a rod. Traditional pinch-pleat drapes, for instance, have experienced a resurgence alongside the midcentury modern revival — they look tidy and slightly formal. Some panels, like this Bee & Willow Textured Solid 84-Inch Rod Pocket/Back Tab Curtain Panel ($28), provide the option for rod pockets or back tabs, allowing you to scrunch up the top (or not) as you see fit. And then there are grommet curtains with metal rings, which tend to complement modern and contemporary decor.

If you want your room to be dark — as in "Dracula could take an afternoon snooze here" dark — you'll need blackout curtains. Popular among parents who just need the baby to nap already, this style of curtain typically has a light-blocking liner that dramatically darkens a room. A good blackout curtain, such as this Sun Zero Evelina 95-Inch Backtab Curtain ($21), will also muffle sound and may even help your room stay cooler or warmer (depending on the season) by insulating it against heat or cold.

Sheers are exactly what they sound like: curtains that let light in but still protect your privacy. Some people like them on their own for an airy look, while others prefer to layer them beneath heavier panels. (More on this later.) If you're intrigued, this Wamsutta Cotton Sheer Voile Panel ($12) is on clearance for a great price.

Cafe curtains, aka tier curtains, are used most frequently in bathrooms and kitchens. The idea is to create privacy while allowing for a bit of a view. They're positioned on the bottom half of the window, with two panels on a single rod, and they're good for a more casual farmhouse or traditional style. As with other curtains, there are different ways to hang them; curtain clips have a classic appeal, while the tab tops on these Bee & Willow Tie Top Linen Curtain Tiers ($35) slide onto a rod easily but look like they've been carefully knotted on.

A scarf valance is a window treatment that, as the name suggests, can be arranged on the curtain rod, giving the rest of your curtains a jaunty topper (and often hiding the hardware, too). They're a pretty traditional — some might say old-fashioned — look, but you have to admit, this Crushed Voile Sheer Scarf Valance ($30) has a certain boho-chic vibe. Side note: valances are often confused with pelmets, which are boxier and more structured.

A single curtain rod is the most common way to hang curtains. They come in a wide variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary, as seen in this Umbra Cappa Adjustable Curtain Rod ($40). They should be hung above — not parallel to — the highest part of the window. If you have the ceiling height for it, you can even mount the rod closer to the ceiling so you can choose longer curtains and make the whole room feel larger.

Double curtain rods, like this Cambria Premier Complete Adjustable Double Curtain Rod ($80), allow you to create a layered look with your window treatments. The inner rod typically holds a sheer or light-filtering curtain, while the outer rod holds a light-blocking curtain.

If you can't — or don't want to — install a full curtain rod, a tension rod can be an affordable alternative. Tension rods like this Oval Spring Tension Curtain Rod ($10-$13) adjust to fit a variety of window sizes, then lock into place with the twist of a screwdriver. Since they don't require holes, they're great for renters who don't want to lose their security deposit. The only downside? Tension rods are best for lightweight window treatments — heavier ones will drag 'em down.

Finials are decorative accents that screw into the ends of a curtain rod. They're optional, of course, but they can sometimes be the finishing touch you didn't know your room needed. These Cambria Estate Normandy Square Finials ($100) have an unapologetic glamour that would work well with a Hollywood Regency style.

Don't sleep on outdoor curtains this summer. A curtain like this Elrene Matine 108-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Tab Top Window Curtain Panel ($25–$45) provides privacy, sun protection, and style. Be sure to look for fabric that's made to stand up to sun, wind, and rain. (Indoor curtains won't hack it.)