Eight Things You Need to Know When Ordering Drapery
When envisioning window treatments, drapery often emerges as a primary consideration. The vast array of styles, lengths, colors, patterns, and fabrics available makes it effortless to discover the ideal complement to your decor. However, navigating the multitude of choices can be daunting for those unfamiliar with the nuances of selection. By focusing on key elements, you can effortlessly identify the perfect drapery for your space, regardless of your expertise in interior design.
Formality
Window treatments achieve their most harmonious effect when they are in sync with the overall aesthetic of a room, whether it leans towards the formal or the casual. The choice of curtain style, fabric, hue, and design significantly influences the perceived formality of the window adornments. For instance, opulent curtains featuring pinched pleats crafted from luxurious silk are perfectly suited for an elegant living room, whereas a simple flat panel fashioned from relaxed linen complements a more laid-back environment beautifully.
Color & Pattern
When deliberating between solid hues and intricate designs, take into account the existing elements within the room. Should your decor already boast an array of patterns, opting for solid curtains can create a harmonious balance, preventing the space from feeling overly cluttered. Conversely, in a room dominated by solid tones, introducing patterned curtains can invigorate the ambiance, infusing it with character and charm. Textured curtains offer a splendid compromise, presenting a subtle yet engaging raised pattern while maintaining a refined solid color.
As you refine your color selections, keep the room's overall palette in mind. Choosing neutral shades for your curtains allows for seamless integration with your decor, while light, neutral tones are less susceptible to fading compared to their darker or more vibrant counterparts.
Drapery Material
The type of curtain fabric significantly impacts both the aesthetic and functionality of your drapery. Lightweight materials exude a whimsical and romantic charm, yet they may lack the necessary weight and structure for an elegant drape. Conversely, thick, heavy curtains can appear cumbersome and may pose challenges when drawn open. It is essential to strike a harmonious balance between weight, structure, and texture to achieve the desired ambiance in your space.
When evaluating the merits and drawbacks of popular curtain fabrics, consider the following:
Polyester: A widely favored choice, polyester is low-maintenance, durable, and resistant to wrinkles. However, it is not the best option for kitchen windows due to its flammability and tendency to retain odors.
Silk: Renowned for its luxurious and romantic appeal, silk curtains typically possess a heavier drape. Yet, genuine silk is vulnerable to sun damage and requires dry cleaning. Faux silk presents a more resilient alternative.
Linen: This natural fabric is celebrated for its versatility and graceful draping, though it is prone to wrinkling and often necessitates dry cleaning.
Cotton: Another natural option, cotton boasts durability and a timeless aesthetic, offering excellent draping qualities.
Velvet: This sumptuous fabric lends itself to heavier curtains with exquisite draping. It also provides insulation, keeping your space cozy during winter while effectively blocking light and sound.
Lace: A delicate, lightweight fabric, lace introduces a romantic touch but falls short in terms of privacy.
Lining
When selecting window treatments, it is essential to consider the amount of natural light you wish to allow into your space. The spectrum of curtain options ranges from ethereal sheer fabrics that invite nearly all light to the opulent blackout varieties that completely eliminate it. The ideal choice for each room is contingent upon its intended use. Delve into the primary categories, which include:
Sheer: These delicate curtains embrace nearly all light, creating a whimsical and romantic ambiance, though they offer minimal privacy. It is customary to pair them with more substantial drapes to ensure seclusion during the evening hours.
Semi-sheer: For those who appreciate a light and flowing aesthetic yet desire a touch of privacy, semisheer curtains present an exquisite solution. Their tighter weave allows sunlight to filter through while providing a degree of opacity.
Light Filtering: Envision light-filtering curtains as a harmonious compromise, offering some light-blocking properties. They maintain a bright atmosphere in your room, even when drawn, while affording privacy and reducing glare—perfect for living or dining areas.
Room Darkening: In bedrooms, many seek a more effective alternative to light-filtering options, which is where room-darkening drapes come into play. While they do not entirely eliminate light, they significantly diminish it, facilitating a restful sleep environment.
Blackout: These luxurious curtains incorporate insulating layers to ensure complete darkness, although some light may seep in around the edges depending on the installation. They are particularly suited for bedrooms, nurseries, and home theaters, where an entirely dark setting is paramount.
Furnish offers Quick-Ship Panels in Light Filtering and Blackout Lining.
Drapery Header
When selecting curtains, it is essential to contemplate the type of header, as it significantly influences the manner in which the curtains are hung. Each header style presents a unique aesthetic and distinct advantages. Here are some prevalent header types to consider:
Grommet: Grommet headers are adorned with elegant metal rings, seamlessly integrated into the fabric at the top. The curtain rod effortlessly glides through these openings, allowing for smooth operation. This style imparts a contemporary flair to your decor.
Rod pocket: A classic choice, the rod pocket header features a discreetly sewn pocket at the top edge, designed to accommodate the curtain rod.
Tab top: With fabric loops or tabs gracing the upper edge, tab-top curtains offer a charming and relaxed hanging method. Perfect for casual settings, they exude a modern vibe.
Pleats: Pleated curtains are typically affixed to rings that glide along the curtain rod. This style encompasses a variety of pleat designs, including pinched, pencil, goblet, and inverted pleats, each adding its own touch of sophistication.
Furnish Quick Ship Drapery Panels are offered in Euro and Pinch Pleat headers.
Panel Length
When selecting the perfect curtains, it is essential to envision the desired aesthetic. The following are popular curtain lengths to consider:
Puddle length: Curtains at this length gracefully gather on the floor, creating an elegant pooling effect. To achieve this dramatic look, panels should extend 2 to 3 inches beyond the floor.
Floor length: Ideally, floor-length curtains should rest a mere 1/4 inch above the floor, offering a refined appearance suitable for various spaces. Adjusting the curtain rod's height allows for precise placement, ensuring the curtains fall perfectly.
Apron length: This style is designed to hang approximately 4 inches below the windowsill, providing a relaxed and functional option. These shorter curtains are particularly advantageous in settings with radiators or other obstructions beneath the window.
Drapery Rods & Finials
The selection of curtain hardware serves as the exquisite finishing touch that ensures your drapery is elegantly suspended. Opting for curtain rods is a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and technical precision, as the rod must seamlessly support the chosen curtains or drapery. Ideally, the rod should extend a minimum of 6 to 12 inches beyond the window frame, allowing for graceful movement when drawing the curtains aside.
The diameter of the curtain rod is another essential factor to consider. Typically, these rods range from 1 to 3 inches in width. For expansive windows or sumptuous heavy drapes, a thicker rod is advisable to prevent any unsightly sagging or bending. Additionally, longer rods often feature a central support, regardless of their diameter, to maintain their integrity.
Many curtain rods are adorned with decorative finials at each end. It is important to select a style that complements both your decor and the curtains you have chosen. Furthermore, ensure that the package includes all necessary brackets and hardware for a flawless installation.
Hardware Placement
The art of positioning your curtains is a crucial element that can significantly influence the dimensions of the drapery you select. For the majority of windows, a placement of 4 to 6 inches above the frame is considered optimal. However, elevating the curtains slightly higher can create the enchanting illusion of taller windows, while also infusing a sense of drama into the overall aesthetic. Experimenting with various heights by draping the curtains on the rod allows you to discover the most appealing arrangement for your space.
Furnish offers a convenient and efficient option for Quick-Ship Drapery Panels. Two timeless pleat styles and six versatile fabric choices are available in essential colorways to perfectly complement any window project. We are pleased to offer blackout lining in addition to traditional sateen lining. Don’t forget our perfectly complementary Drapery Hardware Sets!
We also offer truly customizable drapery tailored to your specific measurements and aesthetics. Furnish is partnered with dozens of name-brand and boutique textile companies, allowing us to directly source thousands of fabric and trim choices. For further information, please email us at info@furnishnola.com