Drapery - Part 3 (Style)

Although style is such a personal topic, here are some general thoughts and ideas.

Something I do quite often for clients is “non operative” side drapes. What this means is, the drapes don’t open or close. The purpose of non operative side drapes is to maintain the cost while injecting character, colour and softness in the space; in a sense, to complete and frame the window and help remove the echo from large spaces. This idea works really well with that fabric that is costly - as you will need only minimal yardage. Use this with and without the privacy of a blind, depending on the room or space. It’s a great way of styling without breaking the bank.

TIP -

Keep in mind this cost effective idea works best with small to medium size windows. Large windows will naturally call for more yardage.

NOTE BELOW - THIS ROD IDEA WILL ALSO BE COST EFFECTIVE.

PHOTO CREDIT - ETSY

When dressing your windows, blinds seem to be the first thing to come to mind, it’s an easy fix and doesn’t require much thought. I especially love the folded, paper disposable kind, (sarcasm). I love blinds for their fresh and clean simplicity and their ability to give you privacy. Blinds also protect you, your floors and furnishings from the sun, they act as a stepping stone to build, layer and complete your design. They work in any space from a baby’s room to an industrial warehouse. To have blinds only in a window creates a very stylish, minimal and modern feel.

PHOTO CREDIT - PINTEREST

Let's give some thought to our windows, let’s bring the romance back!

If you are in fact thinking of having custom drapery made, here are some thoughts.

The days of “swags and jabots” are long gone, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. (Laughing to myself) Today’s tie-backs are simple. No ruffles, no balloons. (Laughing again) Been there, done that! No harsh puddles either please! Again, these styles may come back, however, we are currently far from them.

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Here is an image of a simple tie-back.

Today’s drapery style is lighter, simpler. Just side drapes, thats all.... Not only is it a more affordable style, it’s more conducive to our busy lifestyle and is easier to live with. The character and personality comes from the fabric and hanging options, from pattern, colour and fabric content, i.e., linen, silk, a heavier velvet, a polyester blend.

Formal living space with side drapes.

Polyester drapery fabric is very cost effective. There are many polyester fabrics nowadays with a genuine look of silk or other natural fibres that would fool the best trained eyes. Fabric content is not only important when it come to cleaning but also how in fact the drape will hang. This is a sewing/fabric term called “the hand”. A fabric that’s thinner, like a semi sheer but heavy in weight will result in a floppy, thinner hang, this is known as a “softer hand”. This compared to a heavier, stiffer fabric that’s been lined, this will hang in more of a bulk, like a ball gown, like a satin or silk that’s been interlined. This is an important styling factor, the end result of your drapery will depend highly on the weight of your fabric.

Below - Dupioni silk drapery panels.

Style will also come from the “heading” of the drapery. “Heading” is a term used to define the style of the tops of the drapery, and how they will be hung; hooks, clips, rings, grommets etc. Traditionally the headings are a 3-pleat, pinch pleat; your mother probably had a pinch pleat and your grandmother probably had them as well. Let me tell you, this is still the most timeless heading.

three pleat pinch pleat.

Designers and drapery sewers, throughout the years have altered the traditional pinch pleat heading to bring it to date. They’ve altered the 3-pleat to a 2-pleat-pinch pleat. By having only 2 pleats makes the drapes less bulky and simplifies the drape at the top; the drape will ultimately look sleeker. This is good if you have little space at the sides of your windows to “stack back” the drapes. “Stack back” is another drapery term used for the space used to house the drapes when they are fully opened as not cover up the “window” (glass) space. The favourite “tack top” is another take from the traditional pinch pleat. This is where the each pleat is tacked or held together at the top instead of the bottom of the pleat, again, simplifying the drape. Other headings like the box pleat or the inverted pleat can have a more formal and tailored feel, looking equally as nice in a casual space. There are grommets, these are the large circle holes that the rods will thread through. Last but not least, the new ripple-fold, again, simple. Minimal rod with minimal fuss at the heading, just pretty ripples.

ripple - fold