What's the Deal With Grommet Curtain Panels?

Grommet curtain panels are everywhere.  Look at any home decorating magazine and you will find grommet curtain panels.  There is an abundance of fabrics, patterns, colors and lengths to choose from.  They’re not a new idea, so what gives?

First, what exactly is a grommet?  Grommet is used to describe the top of the panel.  A grommet is a reinforced eyelet made of plastic or metal through which a decorative rod is placed.  Grommet panels slide easily along a decorative rod and fall into neat, clean folds.  Ideal for french doors, sliding doors, or any window where you want the flexibility of opening and closing the panels.

A few years ago, grommet curtain panels were not that easy to find.  One had to either have them custom made or try to make them on their own using a grommet machine.  But today there are overwhelming sources for grommet curtain panels.  Not only are curtain stores selling them, but other retailers such as bed, bath outlets, department stores, warehouse type stores, and the list goes on.  Here’s the catch, not all grommets are created equal.  There is a massive difference in quality and workmanship.  It is true that you can get a grommet curtain panel for $10, I saw some today as I was shopping, but you really get what you pay for.  Buyer Beware!  Whatever your budget, there’s a grommet curtain for you.

Grommet curtain panels can be used in almost any application.  They are great for sliding doors, French doors, large windows, small windows, picture windows, and the list goes on. 

Here’s a tip on buying grommet curtains, the length and the fullness are most important.  Grommet curtains should go to the floor, but can end just below the sill or they can even puddle if using a luxurious fabric such as silk, faux silk or taffeta.  The standard length is 84”, but there are more and more companies that are coming out with longer lengths such as 95”, 108” and 120”.  Measure from the rod down to get your height.  The width is just as important.  You don’t want to end up with a window that looks like it was covered with a piece of fabric.  Make sure that your fullness is at least 2 times the width of the window.  If you have small windows, get a rod that is 4-6” wider on each side for the stackback of the curtain, giving the illusion of a larger window.  This also maximizes the amount of light coming into the room.  For larger windows, more panels may be needed, but make sure that they are even numbers, you don’t want to end up with a lopsided look.  For instance, have 2 panels on each side of the window rather than 1 and 2.  You can have these panels sewn together or they can be left as is.  If you provide enough fullness, chances are you’ll be the only one that knows that they are not joined.  Most ready-made companies and even some custom companies only offer grommet curtain panels in single 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: trendy and current in design, contemporary and not your typical grandmothers curtains, affordable, easily slide open and close, reveal a decorative rod for added décor, and most importantly one doesn’t need to be a professional to pull this look off.

Grommet Curtains are functional, stylish and affordable!!  You can’t say that about every window treatment.