Design Inspiration ·Apr 16, 2025

How to Choose Curtains for Common American House & Window Types?

Whether it is a single-family home, townhouse, Condo or apartment, its unique architectural style and window structure are the core elements that need to be considered when choosing curtains. At TWOPAGES Curtains, we specialize in custom-making the perfect curtains for your specific needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose curtains based on common American house types and their corresponding window styles.

Understanding Common American House Types and Their Windows

Accurately analyzing the spatial attributes and architectural features of a house (including window structure) is a prerequisite for selecting residential curtains. The functional requirements and decorative effects of windows in different living styles need to complement each other.

1. Single-Family Homes

As the predominant housing form in the US, single-family homes constitute approximately 67% of all housing units. These standalone houses commonly feature diversified window types requiring specialized curtains for home solutions:

Double-hung windows: Featuring dual vertically sliding sashes, this iconic design dominates traditional American homes.
Casement windows: With side-hinged operation and energy efficiency advantages, their aerodynamic opening mechanism suits modern aesthetics.
Bay windows: Characterized by angular projections and multi-panel compositions, these architectural elements demand custom curtains to resolve spatial challenges.
Picture windows: Fixed panoramic viewing portals that provide expansive views and requiring precise measurements for optimal light control.

Given the versatile window configurations in single-family homes, custom curtains prove critical for achieving both functional compliance and architectural style synchronization. Bespoke drapery allows dimensional customization for irregular window types while enhancing residential character through fabric patterning and hardware coordination.

Curtain Tips for Single-Family Homes:

Double-Hung Windows

Prioritize rod-pocket headings or grommet-top drapes with smooth glide mechanisms.
Opt for lightweight fabrics maintaining 150+ cycles/year operation durability.
Recommend weighted hem designs(minimum 200g/m²) for stable vertical movement.

Bay Windows

Implement custom-curved curtain tracks with 15-25° angular adapters.
Multiple panels configuration: Recommend a 1.5:1 width-to-window ratio for balanced coverage.
Floor-length curtains: Pair with 2-3cm floor clearance to prevent fabric abrasion.

Picture Windows

Daylight Solution: Sheer curtains with 30-50% UV filtration (recommended 300-350 GSM fabric density).
Night Solution: Blackout curtains using triple-weave construction (achieving 99% light blockage).
Installation Tip: Integrate a magnetic side-seal system to switch seamlessly between view preservation and privacy mode.

cr:@thekimmycox

2. Townhouses

As multi-level attached dwellings constituting 6% of US new construction (per NAHB), typically found in urban or suburban areas, townhouses present unique fenestration challenges with front/back window clusters and occasional bay window protrusions or smaller side windows. Implement these engineering-grade solutions:

cr:@designsbythandie

Curtain Tips for Townhouses:

Vertical Zonal Treatment

Ground Floor: Use full-height curtains (recommended 9-10 feet long) with thick blackout liners for a polished, elegant look.
Upper Levels: Use short, casual café-style curtains (24"-36" long) made of durable, sun-safe polyester-cotton fabric.
Transition between floors with coordinated curtain rod finishes (e.g., matte black iron → brushed nickel)

Light-Filtering Curtains

Select privacy-grade light diffusion fabrics (45-55% openness factor)
Implement dual-layer systems:
• Inner layer: 90% UV-blocking fabric to protect furniture from sun damage.
• Outer layer: Stylish see-through decorative sheer fabric that dims harsh sunlight.

Bay Window

Deploy curved track systems with 120°-150° radius adaptability
Multiple curtain panels configuration:
• Center panel: 1.2:1 width ratio
• Flanking panels: 0.8:1 ratio with weighted chain hems
For angular bays (≥110°), recommend magnetic corner connectors for seamless drape alignment

Technical Compliance

All treatments must meet NFPA701 drapery self-extinguishing flame retardant standards.
Rod systems require 1.5x wider than window (e.g., 72" window → 108" track)
Use eco-friendly curtain weights (no toxic chemicals).

3. Condominiums

Condominiums (Condos) are individually owned units within a larger building, often featuring windows that face one direction. Windows in condos are typically standardized, such as sliding or double-hung windows, depending on the building’s design.

Curtain Tips for Condominiums:

Condo windows usually come in standard sizes, so getting curtains that fit just right is key. Start by measuring your windows exactly, then check out custom window treatments – they’ll match your windows perfectly!
Curtains are an easy way to show your style in a condo, especially if your space looks plain. Try fun prints or bright colors to make your home feel special and different from others!
For sliding windows, which are common in condos. When choosing curtains, pick wide curtains or shades that: Fully cover the window, easy to open/close without blocking the window itself and let you control sunlight easily; for extra-large windows or ones that are hard to reach, go with motorized options—they open/close with a button or remote for hassle-free use!
For double-hung windows, choose curtains that are suitable for layered structures, do not hinder window opening, and balance privacy and light, such as our cordless top down bottom up roman shade.

cr:@sommerwhiteinteriors

4. Apartments

Apartments are rental units within larger buildings, and their windows are usually standardized across units. Common window types include sliding windows or double-hung windows, depending on the building’s age and design.

Curtain Tips for Apartments:

In apartments, you may not have the freedom to make permanent changes, so opt for easy-to-install curtain rods that don’t require drilling.
Choose curtains for home that are versatile and can be easily removed or adjusted when you move. Light, airy fabrics work well in smaller apartment spaces to keep the room feeling open.

Measuring & Fabric Tips for Perfect Curtains

Accurate measurements and fabric choice are key for curtains for home success. For custom curtains:

Measure width as inside trim-to-trim (inside mount) or window + trim + 3–6″ extensions per side (outside mount).
Length depends on rod height (floor/sill/apron).
Ensure fullness by selecting curtains 2–3x your window’s width (e.g., 36″ window = 72–108″ curtains).

Need help? Follow our user guide.

Pair measurements with the right fabric:

Linen for airy casual spaces, velvet for luxe light-blocking, cotton for versatile patterns, or blackout for bedrooms.

Explore our select fabrics guide to match your style and function needs at TWOPAGES Curtains.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right curtains for home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By choosing curtains based on the characteristics of your room's window type and decoration style, you can not only achieve an upgraded decorative effect, but also take into account practical functions. Whether you’re looking for ready-made curtains or need custom curtains tailored to your unique windows, TWOPAGES Curtains has you covered.

Perfect ambience

Just the right curtains I was looking for, blocked all the light but lets the sun shine on the wall and ceiling a bit. The other curtains I had blocked only 75% of the light.

The material feels high quality and durable.

The only thing I need to do now is get them steamed so they look uniform.

Very fast shipping, came 2 days early. The turn around time from manufacturing to shipping wasn’t long either.

Love them but not true blackout

I was very excited to get these and love how they look with my kids rooms. Unfortunately, the way they are sewn together allows for a lot of light to get through. I ordered the blackout lining hoping I wouldn’t need to close the curtains but as you can see, the seams are super bright.

Sag at the end

They look nice but when they get to the edge of the recommended length they clearly sag at the ends, even without curtains. Not worth $75

Hello! Regarding the drooping issue you mentioned, it may be related to the installation method or the characteristics of the track itself. If you need any assistance or advice, feel free to contact support@twopagescurtains.com, and our customer service team will do their best to resolve the issue for you.

Great shades!

We love our Twopages Cinnamon Natural Jute Bamboo Woven Shade. The true color is a bit darker than photos depicted online but I got the sample booklet and anticipated that. I do really like it.

Amazing Workmanship and Embroidered Trim!

Two Pages has upped their game. My drapes came in a lovely branded zipper bags with a lovely message inside. Delivery was so quick! I have over a dozen curtains in my home from Two Pages. I recently upgraded my Isabella Paper White curtains in my living room to Isabella Paper White with R31 Trim. Oh my goodness- GORGEOUS!!! Firstly, my original Paper White drapes had a blue tinge to them, a very stark white. Which was fine, but I don’t know if they changed the sourcing, but the Paper White colour is now a lovely True clean white that is more soft, I LOVE the white. The R31 trim sample that I ordered in advance, also matched the trim tape on the curtains. Customer service was good to confirm with my enquiry that the sample did indeed match, as the website colour depicted was a bit different. It is a stunning sky blue (not aqua like the website picture). Moreover the workmanship and specifically how the tape was sewn onto the drape, was straight and aligned nicely with the thread. I was nervous when I ordered, because I saw a review where you could see that the sewing had gone outside of the lines and looked sub par; but I can assure you, the trim tape is sewn on beautifully. I plan to order Jawara Pink with Q21 or K61 next; which will make it 20 pairs of drapes from Two Pages that I own, LOL. The trim tape itself is such good quality, wide and stunningly embroidered. They rival designer named ones. I WISH I could order the trim tape itself so that I can add it to a throw pillow and at the bottom of my slip covered dining chairs, to coordinate the rooms. My style is Modern French Country I would say. Thank you Two Pages for my exquisite drapes

Hello! Thank you for your support! Open this link and you can order the trim border samples: https://twopagescurtains.com/products/choose-any-5-trim-border-samples-for-8 . If you would like a custom length of the trim border, you can contact support@twopagescurtains.com, our customer service team will assist you.

Obsessed with this texture!

Love how our shade turned out in both texture and color! It compliments our creamy white trim and oak floors perfectly!

Excellent curtains

I ordered the custom Liz linen curtains for my living room and dining room. Got the lightest liner as recommended by customer service because I was worried about fading of the curtain. Color is burlywood birch. They are beautiful curtains. The hook thats included makes them adjustable in height so you can make them longer or shorter as needed. Will definitely order again.

Good rod

Simple and elegant. Husband said it was sturdy and the screws were good quality. The reason why I gave it fours stars is because the color was off between different pieces.

So elegant

I just love how these curtains look in our dining room. They go perfectly with the wool rug under the table. I got the pinch pleated drapes from the Liz Collection in color Pale Aqua Blue with memory training and no lining. One thing I do think is important is to order the swatch first in order to have an idea what an actual color would look like. The curtain color looks exactly like the swatch but is different from the color online. The one online looks more green. So, do spend the $5 on the swatch and you will not be disappointed.