Are Curtains Better Than Draperies?

Window treatments are used for an assortment of reasons. Some heavier drapes and curtains are perfect to block harsh sunlight from a bedroom or curtain sheers may be used to enhance the décor in a space.

Some often wonder if there is a difference between curtains and draperies. Window treatments originated with three styles:

• Draw Curtain: used to block sunlight
• Sash Curtain: Used to allow only a certain amount of light
• Over drapery: Used to compliment the décor in a room

Of all of the styles mentioned above, only the over drapery (now called drapery) remains pretty much the same. These types of window treatments are usually found in formal living or dining rooms.

Modern curtains and draperies are trending towards draping fabric loosely over a decorative rod. Usually this type of window treatment serves no purpose outside of decoration.

If you are having a hard time hanging your window treatments, check out these quick and easy tips for hanging curtains and draperies.

• Use curtains over mini blinds
• Use curtains or draperies over shades
• Use decorative draperies over curtains
• Step outside your comfort zone and consider curtains made of lace, cotton, silk, nylon, or a similar sheer fabric
• Use draperies with a sole decorative pole
• Consider using a valance

As you can see there are numerous options in hanging curtains and draperies. Depending on the style of your room, you may be able to use both curtains and draperies in your room. What are you waiting for? Get started today selecting new curtains and draperies for your room!

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The Wonder of Great Window Treatments

Windows are one of man's best innovations. Not merely do they invite fresh air and natural light inside our homes, they expand the views associated with our small individual world, to include the larger world outdoors. More than this, windows have the possibility for ranking at the top of all the our homes' decorative features. Given the significance they should have, no matter what the size or shape, they possess the potential to work wonders.

Key elements for this magic are great decorative solutions, expanded by original creative ideas, intriguing colors and fabrics, a little time, a small amount of persistence, and an interest in having one's house as comfortable as possible for the entire household. Creative window treatments can do all kinds of amazing things for us. Perhaps most significantly, they will be able to set the stage of any atmosphere you would like. They can easily end up being pacesetters for a mood quietly set aside, luxuriously elegant or completely tranquil. They could be excitingly contemporary or nostalgic together with classic allure. This is certainly due to the fact your window treatments provide the most significant areas of color, texture and styling within the room.

Quality window treatments can perform a lot of other magic as well. For a dark room they might add cascades of radiant color. To a room harshly bright, they can provide serenity with comfortable, transparent weaves that will mellow the sun's rays. They could dramatize a spectacular view or downplay a poor one. They can generate a powerful focal point of elegance in the room that lacks a fireplace or other focus of architectural attention.

Skillful window treatments can easily achieve extremely believable illusions, also. They can provide tall slender windows, or short fat ones, more satisfying symmetries. They might help to make a high window appear lower, expand very small rooms, or even reduce in size vast areas. They can take a ceiling too high or low, and help to make it appear "just right." They can take a room broken up by isolated windows, and draw it together into flowing unity. Only the appearance need be expensive. The fabric you choose may cost very little, but if it's hung generously and effectively, and the color has its intended effect, your draperies will be surprisingly appealing. In truth, it is far wiser to utilize sufficient yardage of an affordable material than to skimp on one that is more costly. Many clever decorators have created wonderful window treatments with splashes of exciting color and design on a minimal budget.

Pinch pleated draperies installed on conventional or decorative curtain track are still a widely favored window covering. But the variety of pleating styles and hardware are now virtually unlimited. Wood poles have become very popular in many finishes and a multitude of finial styles. Wrought iron hardware with rings is also a well known look creating fashionable window effects. So, whether you choose a conventional white drapery traverse rod or something decorative, you can be assured your draperies will provide you many years of pleasure.For more on window treatments and window covering visit ironartbyorion(dot)com

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Window Treatments - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What length should I make my drapery?

Drapery can be approximately 1/2" off the floor or it can just break (touch) the floor. It can also puddle on the floor 3" or more. If you want the drapery to have a ballgown effect, then puddle it. If you have pets or small children that like to hide behind the panels, it is best to either have them break on the floor or 1/2" off the floor.

2. What types of lining are most popular?

Standard lining will add body to your drapery and give a more custom look. Blackout lining is heavier and will add weight to the drapery, but its main feature is to keep light from coming into the room. Most hotels have a blackout lining behind their drapery.

There is also a felt-type lining that is placed between the lining and the face fabric. This is called interlining. This lining will make the drapery appear fuller and more luxurious. It is especially needed when the fabric is thin such as silk. Silk should be interlined because it can rot from sun damage. This lining will help to protect the face fabric. Your custom window treatment will be more costly since there is an additional lining and additional labor.

3. What size hem should I have on my drapery panels?

A 4' hem is standard, but a larger hem size is more custom. If the drapery is being puddled, there is no need for a larger hem. If the fabric is a sheer, I would use a 6" or 8" hem. It will enhance the look.

4. If I do not have pleats in my heading on the drapery, can I use rings with a clip attached?

I would not use clips as they have a tendency to twist the heading. It would be better to hand sew the rings onto the heading. The ring would have an eyelet welded to the bottom of the ring.

5. What is the difference between custom drapery hardware and retail hardware.

Retail hardware would likely be telescoping rods which would have a larger diameter on one side to allow the rod to slide open to the desired size. Custom hardware would be custom cut to the size needed and would have one diameter. There are many choices of finishes and finials when purchasing custom rodding. Think of custom hardware as jewelry for your window treatment. It is an architectural element added to your room.

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