If there is any essential that any home needs, it's curtains. Curtains just seem to be one of those things that homes cannot live without. In fact home or apartment without curtains or any other type of window treatment looks strangely inappropriate.

Of course, there are many different designs and types of curtains available today. In this article we will mention just a few. One of the most interesting types of curtains that you'll find anywhere are called blackout bedroom curtains. Sometimes called room darkening curtains, these are curtains that are designed to block out all light -- either light shining into the room from outside, or light shining out of the room into the out-of-doors. These blackout bedroom curtains, which were widely used during the war years, both in the United States and in Europe, are now used for a variety of purposes -- blackout or room darkening curtains help many people today to get a more restful, peaceful sleep at night.

Many older homes, and some new ones, are equipped with French doors. French doors are very lovely, incorporating as they do a lot of glass suspended between wood frames. To help set off your French doors in the best possible way, you can purchase curtains for your French doors. Usually taking a distinctive hourglass shape, these curtains for French doors add a delicate, refined touch to any home.

When we think of curtains, we must not limit ourselves to the kind which hang on our Windows. Another type curtain that is found in nearly every home today is the shower curtain. And of course you can purchase unique shower curtains in a multitude of styles, colors, and designs for both large and small bathrooms. If you like, you can purchase southwestern shower curtains, incorporating cowboy and the wild West teams -- on the other hand, if you prefer something more elegant, you can purchase designer shower curtains, that use luxurious fabrics.

And to keep your curtains, looking (and functioning). Their best, you will of course need to purchase good, sturdy curtain rods for each set of curtains in your house. If you prefer an old--world look of quality, you can purchase wrought iron curtain rods. Whether you choose wrought iron curtain rods or not, various types of decorative curtain rods can be purchased today. Curtain rods manufactured today are very sturdy and should give you many years of faithful service.

One thing's for sure: this world of curtains is an ever expanding world. Who knows what new designs, new fabrics, and new uses for our everyday friend, the curtain, will be developed in the future? Only time will tell… in the meantime, welcome to the world of curtains!