not sure what constitutes a "dry core" floor, but I know that having carpet in my sewing room is a problem. I would much prefer a smooth floor surface, either wood or vinyl flooring so my chair can roll around better and a daily swiffer would clean it up. As for curtains, I have become a fan of the 3M Command products and use them to hang just about anything in my home, incuding to put up curtain rods.