Tier curtains are available in a variety of styles and prices. The best tier curtains will meet your specific needs, which depend on the size of your window, your personal preference and style, and the surrounding room's décor. You might be able to find these curtains in stores, but there is a greater selection through online retailers. In addition to the curtains themselves, you will also need hanging hardware.
Tier curtains are traditionally used in kitchens and cafe restaurants. They let in a lot of light, but are not suitable as privacy shades or thermal window coverings. Cafe curtains may be appropriate in other rooms, like a sitting room or sun room and are a simple way to enhance a room's décor.
Before you begin your search, measure the length and width of your window to determine the size of curtain you will need. Tier curtains should be long enough to skim the window sill, but no longer. Gathered curtains will need to be 1.5 to 2 times wider than the width of your window. It is possible to hang tiered curtains inside or outside the window frame.
If you would like to mount your curtains inside the window frame, measure the window's depth. There are inside mounts for tier curtains as small as 3/8 of an inch (9.5 mm). Be sure to measure the width of the window as well. For outside mounting, plan to place the supports directly above the corners and to extend the rod knob no further than 4 inches (10 cm) beyond the corners.
If you choose to mount the curtain outside the window frame, you will need a rod. A thin rod is best, since you do not want to overpower the delicate style of a tier curtain. Look for rods that are less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter and have small, decorative ends. Match the color of the rod to other metal or wood finishes in the room.
After measuring your window, decide what color or colors you would like your curtains to be. If the room is simple, consider a tier curtain with a print. If the room already has a lot of colorful accessories, choose a color that blends with the wall. Whatever color you choose should complement the rest of the room's décor.
The style of the room should dictate the style of your curtains. Tier curtains can be contemporary with geometrical shapes or abstract patterns and grommets or rings for hanging. They are also available in more traditional plaids, paisleys, flowers and stripes with gathered rod pockets.