I have not talked about drapery treatments for some time and I thought I would touch on this subject once again. In my younger years, I thought drapery treatments meant big flowing fabrics with lots of swags and cascades. I didn’t know the exact terminology of drapery styles I just knew that I did not want anything covering up my windows. I wanted to bring the outside in. That’s all fine and good if you have a terrific view but if you’re looking at a firescape, you may want to ssomething sexy like raw silk instead.
After I went throught design school and worked on several homes, I found that style was first, and then function was the next important factor. I will use a couple of photo examples to explain what I mean. This first photo of this beautiful traditional room shows a very simple style with the gold drapery panels. They dressed it up a bit more with the inverted box pleat valance with a gold trim to match. It almost feels like a monogram. Very classy! To keep total sunlight out and privacy, they placed the white door panels that close. I think this is marvelous, darling! Truly, I do. You would not have caught me saying that 15 years ago.
If you remember the 50’s and 60’s, most draperies were pleated with the white rod that traversed back and forth. That rod is cheap looking so hence the valance was created to hide the hardware. This photo shows how they’ve used this style for aesthetic reasons.
There are numerouse styles of decorative drapery rods today. This tub photo showcases a brilliant idea with a transitional yet contemporary rod with large grammets. The blinds allow light but if you want privacy you can tilt the angle of the leouvre so no one can peek in. If you want know one to see your “bum” at all, then for goodness sakes, honey, close the panels!
Many windows have issues other than privacy. There are corner windows, and round, too high, too low, uneven or even closets that need some coverage. The best advice I could give anyone considering new draperies is to work with a designer or a qualified drapery workroom. If you want to take a stab at doing them yourself, make sure you run on and purchase the “Drapery Encyclopedia”. This will assist you in finding the correct treatment for your window function and style. But, truthfully, take my word for it. It is more complicated that you think when it comes to measure and installation unless you are buying ready made panels. Hire the pros to help you with this one area as this is a focal point and you want it to look great.
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