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Drapery Panels...your Window Treatment Information site.


Simple Elegance Collection by
www.DrapeStudio.com  
   shop online for your window valance or custom window treatment.  Email us  info@Drapestudio.com with your window treatment or fabric design questions.  We're here for YOU!  





  
We give you the most important elements in selecting the most fabulous window treatments for your home. 
 

Drapery PanelsWe all know what Drapery Panels are, BUT what most people have a problem with is determining how to achieve that Designer  "Showstopper"  look.  In order to shed some light on this dilemma, I’ve taken some of the key elements that should be taken into consideration when selecting your custom window treatments OR ready made curtains. 

         Length – proper length of your window treatment is key in determining the look & feel of the room.  If too short, they can appear  unfinished;  if too long, they may get in the way of traffic.  Considering the function of the room and the placement of the window treatments are key in determining length.

     1.  Just touching the floor – this is a good idea for high traffic areas.  For example, if you have curtains that will be opened/closed frequently, you want them just touching the floor.  This length also proves to be more casual than the longer lengths discussed below.

2.  Cuffed/Trouser - talored so that the bottoms are cuffed about 2 to 3 inches on the floor.  This is very elegant and is not reccomended for traffic areas.


3. 
Puddle (6-8 inches) – this is definitely for no traffic areas.  Here, the drapery panels are gently folded under at the bottom to create a “balloon” valance look.  Very elegant looking depending on the fabric & trim selection.  Especially beautiful in silk fabrics.  To create a more informal look, simply let the curtain bottoms fall to the ground naturally, without folding under.

      
4. 
 
Puddle (10-16 inches) – this is fuller version of the above and will create a Gorgeous Elegant look.  A very Dramatic look that will be noticed every time!  Definitely a Showstopper!  Make sure that the botoms of your drapery panels are visible otherwise this look is for naught.

 

(Above panel is 6-8 inch puddle; the look is very relaxed, yet quite elegant.)

 Width – proper width, especially when using pleats, is extremely important.

 

 

1.

      

Single width – Measures one fabric width (usually 54 inches for most decorative fabric).  When pleats are added to drapery panels, the with is reduced by half to approximately 25 inches.  So be careful and make certain that a “single” panel width will be sufficient for your window.  I would recommend going to 1 ½ width for windows wider than the standard 32-36 inches.  Single width drapery panels on larger windows tend to appear skimpy.

 

2.

      

Double Width –Measures 2x width of fabric.  With pleats, this will yield a finished width (the width of the curtains when hung) of approximately 48-50 inches.  Double width will give any window a nice, full look.  Make sure that they are wide enough to cover your windows if you need to operate them (open/close). 

 

3.

      

Greater than Double Width – this is where you get into the “Showstopper” category, especially if you have wide windows.  The Fuller the treatments, the greater the Drama!  Remember:  Height & Fullness = Showstopper Look!  Drop Dead Gorgeous!

 

 

(above:  1 1/2 width drapery panels over relaxed soft cornice) 

 

 

   Pleats – there are many pleat options available so be sure you consider the room’s function & feel before you make your selection.  I’ve listed some of the most popular.

1.       Rod Pocket – not a pleat,  but it is a header option

2.       Pinch Pleat

3.       French Pleat

4.   Goblet Pleat        

5.       Tab Top 

 

TIP:  DRESS up the "Pleats" with buttons, contrast banding, contrast fabric or tassel.  Features that are sure to stand out!


Give our main website a look

 

 

 

www.DrapeStudio.com  for some Terrific Window Treatment ideas!   We have some more ideas for you in  our Newsletter at www.SewInStyle.blogspot.com   Let us help you solve your window treatment dilemmas!  And as always, we want to hear from you about your window treatment questions or successes;  so email us at Style@DrapeStudio.com



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