Drapery Panels   

An interior decorating choice that can make or break a room is the window treatment.  Years ago the only window coverings were drapery panels and now there is a wide array of options.  Although technology has brought us various compounds that can be used to mould a few different kinds of window treatments, the old tried and true fabric method is the best way to add a comforting feel to a room.

Fabric in general adds a kind of warmth and luxury to a room but it’s also possible to make a room kind of “blah” and uninviting.  A few things to keep in mind for drapery selection is to try and tie in with other fabrics things in the room.  For instance, other fabric covered pieces like a couch, chairs, beds and pillows should be a help with your colour selection.  Compliment your couch colour with a fabric colour that either matches or goes well with the furniture.

The words ‘curtains and ‘draperies’ have been used interchangeable from time to time, yet there are a few distinct differences between the two.  Curtains are a more lightweight fabric, unlined and suspended form a rod by rings, rod pocket casing or simple tabs.  Drapery gets more complex as it will have a lining of some type, be attached to a traverse rod with hooks and are operated with a cord mechanism to open and close.  Typically pleats are present in drapery, and more fabric is used for a fuller effect.

Drapery comes in various weights and types of fabric like silk, velvet, sheer, cotton, linens, jacquards and chenille.  Pretty much all drapery fabric is stiffened at the top with crinoline or buckram.  The pleating in drapery is the part that makes this style look rather luxurious looking.  The style of fabric and, of course, the pull cord to open and close makes drapes pretty special too, but the tailored look of pleats is what really gives a sophisticated and elegant feel to a room that has the proper colour drapery.

A really beautiful fabric in drapery is silk.  It is a very versatile material that can successfully blend with many other materials, bringing down the price to be a more affordable option.  A unique feature of silk is that it has the capacity to keep you warm in cooler temperatures and cool when the temperature goes up.  The soft shine that silk is know for is caused by it’s structure, which is prism-like, reflecting the light entering and leaving it at different angles.  Being hypoallergenic, this is a good choice not only for its sheen but also for improved air quality in the home.

Because it’s a bit more of a complicated set-up, drapery can be a bit intimidating, especially when someone can quite easily make their own curtains for sun shade and privacy reasons.  Choosing drapery panels for some of the rooms in your home that are used most often will add more in-depth decorating appeal and be well worth the effort when the stunning and creative design of draperies can be enjoyed.