The eye is drawn upward when a window is dressed with tab curtains. Narrow straps that loop or tie over a decorative rod give this treatment the no-frill appeal of blending form with function. The tabs can loop, tie, or be buttoned.
Tab curtains are not intended to be opened and closed repeatedly, because the friction would put too much strain on the tabs. Therefore, this curtain style is often designed as two stationary panels at the sides of a window. For a narrow window, one panel can cover the entire width at the top and be drawn to one side to let light in. The tabs can be a continuous loop, two straps that are tied over the rod, or a single strap attached at one end and seemingly buttoned to the curtain at the front (to avoid strain on the buttons, the tabs are sewn in place and the buttons are just decorative). Each fabric width has five or six evenly spaced tabs.
Tab curtains can be lined or unlined, depending on the fabric selection and the degree of light control and privacy required. Medium-weight decorator fabrics offer the needed strength for the tabs and will keep the upper edge of the curtain in a controlled line. If a soft drape between tabs is desired, choose a lighter weight, drapable fabric for the curtain.
It is wise to mock up the treatment and hang the rod before cutting for accurate length measurements (see the steps opposite). Mount the rod high enough so the top of the window frame will not be visible above the curtain.