Complete Guide to Curtains in UAE: Types, Installation, and Buying Tips
Living in the UAE is wonderful. But the sun can be very strong. It heats up our homes and makes our air conditioners work extra hard. Finding the right window coverings is not just about style. It is about comfort, privacy, and saving money. This guide will help you understand everything about curtains in UAE.
We will look at the different kinds of curtains. You will learn how to measure your windows perfectly and give you tips for buying and installing them. By the end, you will be an expert on choosing the best curtains for your home.
What is Curtains?
First, let's talk about what curtains are. Simply, curtains are pieces of fabric that hang over a window. They can be opened and closed to control light and privacy. They come in many colors, fabrics, and styles.
People often ask, do the curtains match the drapes? This question can be confusing. Curtains and drapes are slightly different.
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Curtains: Usually made of a single, lighter layer of fabric. They are less formal and are meant to filter light.
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Drapes: Made of heavier, thicker fabric. They often have a lining to block out all the light. This makes them great for bedrooms.
So, drapes are a type of curtain, but a much heavier one. Think of curtains like a T-shirt for your window and drapes like a thick winter coat. The choice between drapes vs curtains in UAE often depends on the room and what you need.
Why Curtains Are a Necessity in the UAE
In many places, curtains are just for decoration. But when you're choosing curtains in UAE, they do some very important jobs.
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Blocking Intense Sunlight: The number one reason is the sun. The UAE sun is bright and hot all year. Good curtains protect your furniture and floors from fading away. They also stop your home from feeling like an oven.
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Improving Energy Efficiency: When you block the sun's heat, your home stays cooler. This means your AC doesn't have to work as hard. According to a 2025 report by the Emirates Green Building Council, proper window shading can reduce cooling costs by up to 20%. That's a big saving on your DEWA or SEWA bill.
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Ensuring Privacy: Many of us live in apartments or villas that are close to our neighbors. Curtains give you a sense of privacy and security. You can relax at home without feeling like you are on display.
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Reducing Dust: The UAE can be dusty. Curtains act as a barrier, trapping some of the dust that would otherwise settle on your furniture.
Most Demanded Curtains in Dubai: Popular Types
When you start shopping, you will see many types of curtains. Let's break down the most popular types of curtains in UAE. These are the styles you will see most often because they work best for the local lifestyle.
Blackout Curtains
These are the champions of bedrooms. Blackout curtains have a special foam lining that blocks 99% of outside light. They are perfect for light sleepers, people who work night shifts, or for creating a cinema-like feel in your living room. They are easily the most demanded curtains in Dubai.
Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains are light and airy. They are made from see-through fabric like voile or chiffon. They don't offer much privacy, but they are great for softening the bright sunlight without making a room dark. Many people layer sheers behind heavier curtains.
Thermal Curtains
Similar to blackout curtains, thermal curtains have a special lining. This lining is designed to keep heat out in the summer and warm during the cool winter months. They are a smart choice for any home looking to be more energy efficient.
Grommet Top Curtains
These curtains have large metal rings on top. The curtain rod slides through these rings. They are very easy to open and close and have a clean, modern look. This is a very popular curtain styles Dubai choice for living rooms.
Rod Pocket Curtains
This is a more traditional style. The top of the curtain has a sewn pocket. The curtain rod slides through this pocket, creating a soft, gathered look at the top. They are beautiful but can be a little harder to slide open and close.
How to Measure Windows for Curtains Like a Pro?
This is a step many people worry about. But it's easy if you follow these steps. Getting the measurements right is key to a beautiful result.
Here’s how to measure windows for curtains.
Step 1: Measure the Width
Use a metal measuring tape for accuracy. Measure the width of your window frame from one side to the other. Now, add at least 15 cm to each side. This ensures your curtains will cover the whole window and block light from peeking in at the sides.
For a full, luxurious look, you need more fabric than the width you just measured.
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For a standard look: Multiply your total width by 1.5.
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For a very full, rich look: Multiply your total width by 2 or even 3.
Step 2: Measure the Length (Height)
Now you need to decide how long your curtains will be. This is where you answer the questions about how high to hang curtains and should curtains touch the floor.
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Where to Place the Rod: Always install your curtain rod about 15 cm above the window frame. This makes your window look taller and more elegant. This is a key part of how to hang curtains UAE.
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Choosing the Length:
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Sill Length: The curtain ends right at the windowsill. This is good for kitchens or windows over furniture.
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Apron Length: The curtain ends about 10-15 cm below the windowsill. It's a classic, clean look.
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Floor Length: The curtain just skims the floor. This is the most popular and stylish option. It makes rooms feel taller. For this, measure from the rod down to about 1 cm above the floor.
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Puddle Length: The curtain has extra fabric that pools on the floor. This creates a very dramatic, luxury curtains UAE look. Add 15-20 cm to your floor-length measurement for this effect.
For most homes, floor length is the best choice. It gives you that beautiful, floor-to-ceiling curtains UAE appearance that designers love.
A Simple Guide to Curtain Installation in Dubai
Once you have your beautiful curtains, it's time to hang them. You can do it yourself with a few tools.
Tools You'll Need
- A drill
- Screws and wall plugs (anchors)
- A level
- A pencil
- A measuring tape
The Steps
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Mark Your Bracket Positions: Using your measurements, mark where the brackets for the curtain rod will go. Remember, about 15 cm above the frame and 15 cm out from the sides. Use your level to make sure the marks are even.
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Drill the Holes: Drill holes where you made your marks.
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Insert Wall Plugs: Gently tap the wall plugs into the holes. This is very important for drywall, as it helps the screws hold tight.
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Attach the Brackets: Screw the brackets into the wall plugs.
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Hang Your Curtains: Slide your curtains onto the rod. Then, place the rod onto the brackets. Adjust the fabric so it hangs nicely.
If this sounds like too much work, many companies offer professional curtain installation Dubai. For a perfect finish, professional services like KapsLiving can handle the curtain installation in Dubai for you.
Tips for Success
Ready to buy curtains in Dubai? Keep these tips in mind to make the best choice for your home. This is your essential curtain buying guide UAE.
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Fabric Matters: The curtain fabric options Dubai are endless.
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Cotton: Versatile, easy to clean, and has a casual feel.
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Linen: Light and airy but can wrinkle easily. Great for a relaxed, beachy vibe.
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Velvet: Heavy, luxurious, and excellent for blocking light and sound. Top choice for luxury curtains UAE.
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Polyester: Durable, affordable, and resists wrinkles and fading. A very practical choice for curtains in UAE.
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Consider the Lining: A lining can make a huge difference. A blackout lining is great for bedrooms. A thermal lining helps with insulation. Even a simple cotton lining helps curtains hang better and last longer.
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Ready-Made vs. Custom Curtains:
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Ready-Made: These are sold in standard sizes. They are affordable and you can take them home the same day.
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Custom Curtains Dubai: These are made to your exact window measurements. You can choose the exact fabric, style, and header. They cost more but provide a perfect, tailored fit.
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Color and Pattern: Think about your room's overall style. Solid, neutral colors are safe and timeless. A bold pattern can be a beautiful statement piece. If your walls are a solid color, you can be more playful with your curtain pattern.
For a curated selection of quality curtains in the UAE, exploring options at KapsLiving is a great start.
Curtain Trends in Dubai for 2025
Your window dressing UAE can be both functional and fashionable. Here are some of the top curtain trends Dubai is seeing.
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Earthy, Natural Tones: Colors like beige, soft gray, olive green, and terracotta are very popular. They create a calm and relaxing space.
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Sustainable Fabrics: More people are choosing eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, linen, and hemp.
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Smart Curtains: Motorized curtains that you can open and close with a remote, an app, or your voice are becoming a must-have for modern curtains Dubai.
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Minimalist Style: Simple, clean lines are in. Grommet-top curtains in a solid color are a perfect example of this trend in interior design curtains UAE.
Where Do We Buy Curtains in Dubai?
Wrap your windows in fabrics that tame the Dubai sun and look as though they just stepped off a design runway. KapsLiving offers everything from airy rooms that scatter morning light to hotel grade blackout drapes that seal a room in cool darkness, each fabric selected for fade resistance and thermal performance proven in Gulf conditions.
A quick message on WhatsApp brings a design adviser to your door for complimentary measuring, swatch sampling, and professional installation, so every panel hangs with flawless precision. Browse the online collection to explore linen look textures, plush velvets, and smart motorized tracks, then let KapsLiving cut and stitch each curtain to the exact millimeter your window deserves. Your space will feel cooler, quieter, and unmistakably yours from the first draw.
Your do Perfect Windows Await
Choosing the right curtains in UAE is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be hard. It's about balancing beauty with practical needs like blocking the sun, ensuring privacy, and saving energy.
From understanding the difference between sheer and blackouts to measuring your windows correctly, you now have the knowledge to make a confident choice. You know how to make drapery curtains work in your space and how to hang them for the best effect. Whether you choose ready-made or custom, your new curtains will transform your home. Happy decorating!
People Mostly Asked Questions about Curtains (FAQs)
How high should I hang my curtains?
You should always hang your curtain rod about 15 cm (6 inches) above the top of your window frame. This simple trick makes your ceilings feel higher and your room feel bigger.
Should curtains touch the floor?
For a modern and elegant look, yes. Curtains that just lightly touch or hover 1 cm above the floor look best. This is the most popular style for living rooms and bedrooms.
What is the difference between curtains and drapes?
The main difference is the fabric weight. Curtains are generally made of lighter, unlined fabric. Drapes are made of heavy, thick fabric and are always lined to block light completely.
How do I clean my curtains?
Always check the care label first. Many cotton and polyester curtains can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Delicate fabrics like silk or velvet, and most lined drapes, should be professionally dry-cleaned.
Are blackout curtains really worth it in the UAE?
Absolutely. They are one of the best investments for your home here. They dramatically improve sleep quality by blocking out light from streetlamps and the early morning sun. They also provide excellent thermal insulation, which helps lower your cooling bills.