Accessories:  Fabric, Fringe, Shades, and Sew On…

·         Fabric – Your choice of fabric when designing or selecting an in-store ready- made window treatment is KEY.  If you’re on a tight budget, go for the valances (in stores OR more versatile Soft Cornice Forms such as our Simple Elegance collection which allows you to chose your fabric & trim unique to your home’s décor.)  Valances will provide a “Punch” to any room and will allow you to ADD ON at a later date.  Add drapery panels or shades at a later date and still have “Show Stopper” window treatments.  There are some terrific On-Line Fabric sites with great fabric selections!!!  Remember to order a sample fabric cutting or swatch to make sure it is exactly what you want.

·         Trim – Wow!  You can have a valance, cornice, or drapery panel that looks great by itself.  Add trim and take it to a totally different level of Fabulous!   Trim, whether its fringe, rope, buttons, beads…just make sure they are large enough to be noticed.  Also make sure that they are not blocked by furniture.  Your fabric store associate can help you pick coordinating decorative trim once you’ve made your fabric selection.

·         Shades – this is crucial when you need to consider privacy or light.  Make certain that the color you select coordinates well with your window treatments.  Take a piece of fabric with you when placing your order.  The “Layering” effect will look terrific and add depth to any window treatment design.  If light or privacy is not an issue, consider a “faux” window treatment such as a Faux (not operable) Roman Shade, like our Simple Elegance  Waterfall Box Valance.  This valance is a terrific look given the tremendous fabric choices at an extremely affordable price point.

·         Sew on…- the most important element I consider in window treatment design is one of the most overlooked by many:   LINING.  Lining is integral to making window treatments look beautiful.  All custom window treatments are lined in either white or ivory designer lining fabric.  Lining gives the window treatment a crisp, clean, professional designer look.  In most cases, additional lining is needed in order to block light from distorting the pattern of the fabric once the window treatment is hung.  Too often,  once the window treatment is hung, the light hitting the fabric will not allow one to see the beautiful designer fabric.  Interlining is what will provide exceptional light block and provide form & shape to the window treatment as well.  If this option would result in a “bulky” window treatment, there is a lining that is the mix of traditional lining and interlining.  This option is perfect in most cases.  It has more weight than traditional lining and blocks light out as much as interlining.