Curtains
and Draperies
In the world of window treatments, curtains
and draperies offer unparalleled versatility. These fabric-based
coverings can be used to control the amount of natural light in
a room, limit summer heat gain and winter heat loss, enhance or
conceal a view, provide privacy, camouflage a room's bad points,
create a needed focal point, or accentuate a decorating scheme.
Seemingly endless variations in style combined with almost limitless
combinations of fabric, color and trim, contribute to their popularity.
Types of Curtains
The
basic panel is the most versatile and straightforward type of
window dressing. It can be any length and have any type
of heading. It can be hung straight without any adornment
or tied back on one of the various positions. It looks
wonderful with all sorts of hardware, including traverse rods,
decorative poles with finials, curtain rings, cafe clips, tie
backs, and holdbacks. This multipurpose treatment can
be made in a variety of fabrics with trimmings - from fringe
to gimp - to reflect any decor.
Curtain Lengths
The curtain length influences the style of the treatment.
A sill-length curtain has a casual air; drapery that falls to
the floor connotes elegance. Curtain lengths also affect
activity in the area near a window. Are the windows close
to a breakfast table? If so, shorter curtains are less
intrusive and leave clearance around the table. Is there
a heat source near the window? Curtains should never touch
or block a radiator, heat vent or heating unit. Is the
treatment hung on a glazed door? Make sure it doesn't
block
the opening.
Proportion
Dressing a window is not always as simple
as hanging up attractive curtains. A window covering should
be in proportion to the window and the room. If an element
is not the right size - let's say, it has a rosette that's to
small or an overly long valence - it throws off the entire effect
of the treatment. The small rosette will be distracting
rather than impressive; the long valence will make the window
look squat and will make the room seem smaller. To plan
a well-balanced window covering, there are several fundamental
principles relating to space that you should understand.
These principles include scale, proportion, line, balance, harmony,
and rhythm.
Curtain Headings
The
heading is the top of the curtain. It's the opposite of
the bottom hem. How it is constructed helps establish the type
of the curtain. Headings encompass a variety of styles
- from a simple casing, or fabric pocket, that holds a drapery
rod to complex folds that are intricately pleated to create
decorative effect. Some headings, such as tied or tabbed
styles, tend to be casual, while others, such as goblet and
cartridge pleats, are
formal.
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