Curtains and Window Treatments

Draperies are very elegant and lends a lot of sophistication to windows. The use of draperies probably started around the time of the industrial revolution. It was during this era when the loom or the spinning wheel have been mechanized. It was also during the industrial revolution a lot of trade routes to the Far East have been opened, and hence products like fabrics have been easier to access. This era is characterized by the use of lavish amounts of fabric for window decorations, the more fabric that is used, the more lavish and the more elegant. Drapery window treatment can range from very simple and plain to very lavish custom drapery. Some of the very simple drapery window treatment ideas that you can do quickly is presented here.

Ideas for Drapery Rods

Drapery panels can be attached to the rods in many ways. It is common to use drapery rings but you can also use fabric to affix the panels to the rod. Using fabrics to attach the panels gives the overall look of the drapery a chick and casual touch. You can use the same fabric for attachments or use a different contrasting fabric to add a bit of dramatic effect to treatment.

You can also use flip-toppers as a drapery panels. The flip-topper is usually constructed using a fabric of contrasting color to the drapery panel, it is then tossed over to the rod–hence the name flip-topper. You can decorate the flip-topper for added emphasis with beads or probably a bow. The flip-topper’s design makes a bit more difficult to be moved around, hence typically, flip-topped panels are stationary.

Ideas for Drapery panels

Drapery window treatments typically consist of panels which are pleated, lined, and floor-length. These panels are typically designed to flank both sides of the window like a curtain on a theater stage. You can use the panels as window covering as well in order to regulate the amount of light passing through the window, but most of the time, the use of drapery panels is mostly for decorations only while the windows are covered with some other treatments like curtains or roman shades.

Adding Drapery Pleats

Pleats can be added to the drapery. Some of the popular pleating are the French pleat (a.k.a. pinch pleating), goblet pleat and pencil pleat. The pinch pleat is usually constructed as a three-fold pleat covering the panel at regular intervals–the intervals are spaced very close to each other. Another kind of pleat is known as the goblet, is similar to the pinch pleat in terms of spacing. The goblet pleat is achieved by choking the pleats using a ribbon or a bow giving it a puffed appearance, it is also typical to affix a button at the tail end of the drapery for added decoration.

Drapery length is typically up to the floor, but as mentioned previously, the more excessive and generous on the use of the fabric, the more elegant is the effect. To add more richness and elegance to the drapery treatment, you can have a longer drapery which spills over to the floor. This styling is sometimes referred to as drapery puddle.