Edmonton DraperiesBy Kelly P. Kramer Curtain draperies, drapery panels and window draperies. What are the differences between these types of draperies? Is there a difference between draperies and curtains? What's the difference between curtains and draperies — and does it even matter? Traditionally, windows were treated to three types of draperies: a sash drapery (to filter light), a draw drapery (to block out light), and an over-drapery (which was purely decorative and is now just called a drapery). In formal rooms (with sufficiently high ceilings), all of these draperies was topped with a cornice or valance (to hide the hardware). This traditional drapery treatment carries on today in period or very formal or dressy rooms. When you look at beautiful rooms with exquisite draperies - in the pages of glossy magazines and design books, at model rooms in stores, or at local decorator show homes - do you find yourself mystified by how such rooms are created? Do you notice the amazing draperies that make the room? Some great ideas on how to hang your draperies include: · Hang just draperies of lace, cotton, nylon, silk, or some other sheer fabric.· Place draperies over a blind.· Hang draperies beneath a chintz, silk, velvet, linen, or other draw drapery.· Hang draw draperies over blinds or some other shade.· Hang draw draperies alone on a decorative pole.· Top draperies with short, purely decorative over-draperies known as swags and jabots.· Top draperies with swags, which drape over just the top of the window and long or short jabots, which hang on the sides of windows.· Top any or all of these window draperies with a cornice or valance.As you can see drapery variations are practically endless, especially when you combine these draperies elements with more contemporary window blinds and draperies that look like accordion-pleated draperies. How long should draperies be? Generally, the longer your draperies, the more dignified, dressy, and formal the drapery look. Shorter length draperies always imply a casual, relaxed, and informal mood. The way you hang your draperies is up to you. Some ideas for selecting your lengths of draperies: · In formal or dressy rooms, draperies should just touch the floor.· A romantic room deserves elegant, extra-long draperies that pool or puddle on the floor.· Draperies to the sill, or to the bottom of the window trim (called the apron), look great and are practical in a kitchen.If you live on a busy street and want privacy but you don't want to cover up your windows, consider the following alternatives to traditional draperies: · Instead of Draperies - Install stained glass. Stained glass provides a sense of privacy, hides ugly views, and gives you something beautiful to look at.· Instead of Draperies - Consider etched or frosted glass. This provides a degree of privacy but lets in lots of light.· Instead of Draperies - Think about using glass blocks. The contemporary alternative to draperies, stained, etched, or frosted glass, glass block hides unsightly views and filters light beautifully, while providing a bit of privacy.Knowing how fabrics and materials respond can be crucial in your draperies process. Some materials, fabrics and textures are better for draperies that are swaging, draping, sheering and so on. It takes an experienced seamstress to know this intricate art and to help you work with what will be best for your design and budget. Draperies should be hung right to make the statement you are hoping for. Create interesting drapery treatments by combining two or more different fabrics on the same drapery panel, in either horizontal or vertical bands, or use different fabrics for the draperies and the valance. Customize your draperies with beautifully detailed trims and tassels. You can layer your windows with delicately patterned sheer fabric under soft flowing draperies. And be sure to use generous amounts of fabric so draperies are full and lush, rather than skimpy. |
Edmonton Draperies
|