Let’s leave the layers of gaudy draperies, sheers, and cascades with their yards of fabric and overworked tassels to Versailles and grandma’s house. But don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater! Well-made draperies installed correctly make an impact like few other design elements. When done poorly, draperies look heavy, dark, and overly ornate – they scream at you to tear them down, shake out the dust, and let in some sun. But expertly done, they look fresh and new, elegantly bringing softness, color, and light to your room.
So what are the style elements that give draperies this fresh, new look?
Fabric Selection
The most important element is the fabric you choose. Pick a quality fabric with a good “hand” that will drape nicely and retain its shape for many years.
Be sure to consider the texture of your fabric. Often, the texture makes as much impact as the color.
Color and Pattern
Be wise in your use of color. Draperies can make a bold statement in a room, but knowing how to combine colors and patterns for the perfect impact is essential to having your friends and family say “wow” when they walk into your home, instead of “ohh?”
Header Styles
Is your look formal, casual, fun, romantic, or tailored? The header on your draperies sets this tone. There are many variations of pleated, flat, or gathered headers. For modern design, simple is the mantra.
Lining
Does the lining really matter? Many sheer fabrics look their most beautiful unlined, but lining is essential for most other soft treatments. It protects them from sun damage, gives them body, and provides a look of continuity from the exterior. With many choices available – lightweight, napped, interlining, blackout lining – it can be hard to know what to choose. Not sure? We can help.
Modern Trim
Drapery trims have gone from ornate fringes and beads to simple decorative tapes. This is a good way to bring a pop of color and a design element to a neutral, solid fabric without looking fussy.
Hardware
When selecting the right drapery hardware, you have many options. Wood or metal? Small or large diameter? Medallions or drapery rod? The hardware is the crowning touch on your window treatments—don’t overlook it! Expect to pay as much for the hardware as you do for the panels themselves.
Professional Installation For Maximized Impact
The final element is the installation. You want your draperies and top treatments to bring the eye up and out, bringing a sense of elegance and enlarging the feeling of the room. We recommend hanging your draperies about halfway between the window and the ceiling, with the width about 10” outside the trim on each side. With robotic vacuums all the rage, we recommend about ½” off the floor.
Bring softness, style, texture, and color to your room, but do it in a fresh new way that accents the light, preserves your view, and enhances your decor!
Contact us today to learn more about our modern drapery selection.