Draperies

Draperies Past and Present

Drapery in the past: Drapery was originally created to insulate doors or windows. The financial status and means of the occupant would dictate the luxury and opulence of the drapery. Draperies consisted of a decorative fabric along with a lining which provided extra insulation and protection from sun damage. In very wealthy establishments there would be an internal lining (or “interlining”). In some cases, the drapery would be sewn with an excess length so that even the fine face fabric would “puddle” on the floor to show off the extensive wealth of the dwelling owner.

Drapery today: The industry has gotten away from the term “soft treatments.” Now, “drapery” encompasses an extensive array of window coverings that are made from fabric. This is a secret weapon for the experienced interior designer! The huge selection of fabric, and the flexibility in design, fabrication, and hardware can completely change the feel of a space without tearing out walls or making major (and/or costly) element changes.

• Functional: these are single or multiple panels that move on a traverse rod or sliding rings and will completely cover a window, door, or other opening.
• Benefits: Extra insulation against cold, heat, UV, sound absorption (reduces echoes in large spaces with hard surfaces), design element, room dividers, visually section spaces in a large area.
• Special Note: Quality hardware choices for functional draperies are essential to ensure smooth and lasting function over repeated use.

• Decorative or Side Panels: These types of drapery visually “frame” a window, door, or other space.
• Benefits: make “squatty” windows or low-ceiling areas feel much taller, bring some interest to a room that has flat surfaces or neutral colors, visually unite a room that contains multiple colors or wood tones.
• Special Note: Choosing the appropriate size and mounting location, along with the type of hardware (wood, metal, iron, painted, stained, etc) is critical in making sure the room stays well-balanced.

• Sheers: Are you thinking of your grandma’s sheers? Like many things, sheers have come a long way! The design selection for sheers now includes hundreds of colors and patterns, and sheers can be operated by wand, cord, or motorization.
• Benefits: UV protection, provides some privacy during daylight hours while allowing for some visibility to the outside, since most sheers are manufactured in wider widths (usually at least 118 inches) they require less seams.
• Special Note: many sheers are Fire Retardant. Having a certified FR rating is very important in many condo or multi-family housing structures as well as historical districts that require these certifications.

• “Flat” Roman: when this shade is fully lowered, the fabric is a flat panel. However, it may have lines where “battens”, horizontal rods, have been sewn in to make sure the fabric lays in crisp folds as the shade is raised.

• “Hobbled” Roman: this roman has extra fabric at each fold that lays in a soft bulge when the shade is fully lowered. At no time is the fabric completely flat. Fabric roman shades can be cordless, cord loop, or motorized.

Type 2 – Austrian Shades

Think “classical old world” window treatments. These shades have “poufs” or “scoops” of material that is “gathered”.  Many European stages have them as a backdrop that get raised or lowered.

Type 3 – Balloon Shades

Balloon shades combine the features of a Roman shade and an Austrian shade. The fabric forms multiple “poufs” or “balloons” of material (the number will depend on the width and scale of the window.) These shades can be cord or motor operated. Special Note: As with both types of shades above, there will be a “stack” of material at the top that will most likely cover some of the window.

• Upholstered Cornice: Using a plywood structure, these are fabricated with thin layers of batting with fabric stretched tightly over the face of the cornice. These can vary in size, height, and depth. They can be used for decoration or to cover another type of functioning window treatment (such as a blind, shade, etc). Cornices can also be used to “equalize” the window and door opening heights when those were ignored by the builder or architect. By mounting at the same height and having them scaled properly, cornices bring design balance to the space.

• Wood/Plaster Cornice: Same purpose as an upholstered cornice, but this type adds a different design element while also providing interest and function

• Board-mounted Valance: Board-mounted valances are custom window treatment that always look more elegant than their “rod pocket” siblings. Board-mounting accomplishes two things: A) it provides a structure that prevents the attached fabrics from wrinkle or relaxing more than necessary. B) a functioning window treatment (such as a blind, shade, drapery traverse rod) can be hidden behind the fabrics that hang from the board.

• Rod Pocket Valance: Rod pocket top treatments serve a purpose, and some people love them. But in the design world they scream “DIY, box-store, and non-custom.” However, if you need something quick and easy, budget-friendly, or are furnishing a rental home, then rod pocket top treatments are a good way to have a little design element with easy takedown and re-install for cleaning or seasonal decorating.