Drapery

Drapery Basics | What You NEED To Know

Drapery treatments are a critical component of interior design as they add texture, color, and style to a room. With the right approach, they can also control light and privacy making a space more livable and comfortable. One of the first steps in creating a successful drapery treatment is to choose the right type of treatment. The first question to ask yourself is am I looking for light control or privacy or is it just for aesthetics? If your answer is light control or privacy, blinds are a great option. Blinds are the first layer of a drapery treatment and are essential in setting the tone for the room. There are several types of blinds to choose from including roller blinds, silhouette blinds, cellular blinds, and shutters.

Choosing The Right Blinds

At MMI, we tend to work mainly with roller blinds and silhouettes as they can be budget-friendly and offer different light filtering options. Cellular blinds are an inexpensive option that falls in between roller blinds and silhouettes in terms of price, but they don't offer any light filtering options. We rarely use shutters as they block out all light and views and are bulky which detracts from the beauty of the room's windows.

When it comes to roller blinds, I recommend using them in areas like children's rooms (black out available) or main bathrooms where you need complete privacy but are looking for a budget friendly option. For the front of the house, I prefer to use silhouettes. They offer light filtering, light blockage if needed, and still provide a view while giving you complete privacy when needed. I consider silhouettes my favourite blinds and often use them as the starting point in building my layer of drapery treatments.

I love using Roman blinds to add depth and texture to a space. The difference between a faux Roman blind and a full Roman blind is that the former is non-functioning and purely decorative, while the latter provides full privacy and light blocking. Roman blinds are typically used as a layer in a window treatment, with a roller or silhouette blind as the base (if the roman blind is non-functioning), and/or paired with a treatment consisting of side panels. A soft roman blind has a dip in the center, while a straight Roman is more modern and masculine. When using a fabric Roman blind, there are three placement options: inside the window, outside the window, or on the casing if it is large and has a back bend. The placement and type of blind will depend on the budget and desired style.

Valences

Valances offer yet another layer, with hard valances being used for a more masculine look and soft valances for a feminine look.

Drapery Panels

Another important drapery decision is between side panels and full panels, the latter providing full closure and the former used primarily for aesthetics. When creating panels, we typically aim for a fullness of two and a half times the width of the window. Top treatments can greatly impact the final look of the drapery. Tab top and grommet are common and the least expensive, this is what you typically get in ready made drapery panels. I personally don’t like these because they offer no fullness or lushness, when drawn closed they are flat and when stacked they typically look like a shoestring just hanging. At MMI we prefer the Euro pinch pleat as it offers a more formal and contemporary look with ample fullness. Another option for modern spaces is the ripple fold, which I often incorporate into modern or contemporary spaces. Although it is a more expensive option due to the necessary hardware, it’s clean and beautiful look makes it a favourite. Another popular choice is the inverted box pleat, also known as flat panel, which offers a similar appearance at a lower cost.

Length is another consideration, with options ranging from hovering to puddling. MMI, we prefer the crisp break of a breaking length. The biggest mistake I see is curtains hung too short or not high enough on the wall. The type of lining used is also crucial in achieving the desired look and functionality of the draperies. A standard lining should be used to add bulk and prevent damage from the sun. A blackout lining is necessary for complete darkness or to further protect against sunlight from altering the fabric's color and damaging the fabric. Interlining, a third layer, offers thermal qualities and enhances the fullness of thinner fabrics. I personally like to choose a blackout lining that will not only offer protection from damage but helps the color and pattern of the fabric show true. Ultimately, the top treatment should complement the overall design of the space.

Pattern or plain? I love to incorporate patterns and color blocking in my drapery designs. When choosing patterns, it's important to keep in mind the size of the pattern as a larger pattern requires more fabric, which may result in waste and a higher price tag. My decision to use a pattern depends on the overall feel of the room, the other fabrics I'm using, and the customer's preference. One of my favorite techniques is color blocking, which i incorporated in a few recent projects. When looking for inspiration for your drapery treatment, don't forget to consider your furniture and other items in the room, remember the draperies should compliment the overall style and feel of the room.

In conclusion, drapery treatments are an essential aspect of interior design and can not only greatly enhance the look and feel of a room, but complete the overall design. With a little bit of knowledge and the right approach, you can create a beautiful and functional space that meets your needs and reflects your personal style.

Check out our YouTube video on Drapery here.