Ideas for Window Draperies
When selecting window coverings, you have many effective options to provide privacy and block light. Drapes are a versatile covering because they can be paired with various decorating styles. Depending on how you place them, they can also help change the look of a room to make it feel more spacious. Many other ways can customize the look of draperies so they complement your decor while giving your home an individualized look. Does this Spark an idea?
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Pleats
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Draperies feature often distinctive pleating that gives them their decorative look. When choosing drapes for your home, you have three main pleating options: pinch, pencil and goblet. Pinch pleating, also known as French pleating, is characterized by a three-fold pleat at the top of the drapery panel. The pleats are spaced evenly to give the drapes a uniform appearance, so pinch-pleated drapes generally look best in rooms with formal decor.
Pencil pleating features extremely close pleats that look like pencils. The folds are placed evenly as well, so the top portion of the drapes has a smocked appearance. Pencil-pleat drapes are a versatile style of window covering, so you can use them with a variety of decor styles, including formal, casual and modern.
Goblet pleating is similar to pinch pleating, but the pleats begin just below the top portion of the drapes, and the drapery fabric above the pleating is fluffed to create a goblet shape. The goblet is usually adorned with a decorative tie or button for an elegant look and usually looks best with more formal decor.
Double Layer
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In a room that requires additional privacy or light control, a double layer of drapes is an effective option. Typically, you begin with a sheer drapery panel that does not move and top it with drapes in a heavier fabric that can be opened or closed. In addition to providing privacy and blocking light, double layer drapes are also an attractive look for double windows beside one another on a single wall if you want to give the appearance of one large window. Install a rod along the full width of both windows so that when the drapes are closed, they meet between the two windows. When opened, you can choose to divide the curtains in the middle or push all of the drapery to the side of one window.
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Elongate Windows
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If you have short, squat windows that you wish to elongate, choosing the right drapes can make all the difference. To give the illusion of floor-to-ceiling windows, place the curtain rod higher than just above the top of the window so it appears to reach the top of the wall, and use curtains that extend past the bottom of the window. For a more dramatic look, use drapes that fall all the way to the floor to elongate the look of the window so it appears to go all the way to the floor.
Unusual Rods
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To set off your drapes, forgo traditional curtain rods for more unusual options. Use vintage door knobs in place of rods for a more decorative look if you attach rings to the top of your drapes so they can be hooked onto the knobs. Drawer pulls may be used in a similar manner. If you prefer to use a rod, use repurposed items. Fishing poles, branches and pipes are interesting alternatives.
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References
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