Many homeowners are intimidated by designing and decorating drapery, yet personalizing drapery can be an exciting experience! Drapery adds beauty, privacy, and light control to any room on its own, but by customizing them, you can make your drapes look exactly how you want while performing all the functions that you need. With so many details to consider, you can create the perfect and unique space that you’ve always dreamed of. Today, we’re going to focus on discussing several fabric drapery features that you can customize from drapery hardware to bottom styling.
Hardware
Drapery hardware is extremely important because it is responsible for supporting your drapes. You’ll want to choose hardware that is sturdy enough to support the weight of your drapes and securely attach the hardware to the ceiling or wall to prevent the weight from bending, breaking, or causing damage to the walls. The term “drapery hardware” refers to all of the fittings that support the fabric drapery such as rods and mounting applications. However, for the time being, we’re going to concentrate on the rods.
Classic Rods
Classic rods are an excellent choice if you want basic rods that complement your room’s decor while taking a back seat to your bold draperies. These rods are attached to the wall using brackets. You have the option of adding ornate end caps to your rods to personalize them even more!
Return Rods
Return rods are U-shaped rods that can support a significant amount of weight and are perfect for heavy fabrics. Because of their shape, return rods are optimal for blocking out the most light.
Track Rods
Drapes are notorious for being heavy and difficult to adjust. Want to be able to adjust your fabric drapery easily? Track rods may be the perfect solution for you. Track rods also completely conceal any hardware, making them a great option for busy drapery that clashes with existing rods.
Headings
The drapery headings that you select will directly impact formality and functionality. There are several available heading options including hooks, grommets, tab tops, and rod pockets. Consider how often you’ll be adjusting your drapes, how much light you want to block out while they’re closed, and whether you want your drapes to have a casual or elegant style, before looking at the options below, since these factors will help you determine which heading to choose.
Hooks
If you want to be able to easily adjust your drapes, hooks may be the perfect solution for you! Hooks are attached to the rod by rings and are easy to maneuver.
Rod Pockets
Rod pockets are pockets that are sewn into draperies to accommodate a rod. Rod pockets are designed to snugly fit around drapery rods and prevent billowing.
Tab Tops
Tab tops are made up of a number of tabs that run along the top of the drapery panel and can easily slip onto any rod of your choice. This heading is casual, airy, and lets in light when closed.
Grommets
Grommets are rings that are sewn into fabric drapery and are evenly spaced. Depending on your preference, they can be fashioned of brass, chrome, or other metals. Grommets can be used to produce a variety of different looks from traditional to contemporary.
Bottom Styling
When it comes to designing your draperies, the bottoms may be the last thing on your mind, but how you style the bottoms of your drapes will influence the entire ambiance of the room. Traditional, trouser, and puddled styles are available in several lengths ranging from stopping several inches before the fabric touches the floor to puddling several inches on the ground.
Traditional
Are you looking for a style that is both practical and stylish? Traditional lengths end several inches before they hit the floor and won’t drag any dust around when opened and closed. If you have young children or pets but still want to retain a formal look, this is the longest length we recommend.
Trouser Breaks
Trouser breaks are typically 2 to 3 inches longer than traditional fabric drapery. This style is popular among many homeowners and slightly gathers on the floor.
Puddled Bottoms
Puddled drapes feature an additional 6 to 8 inches on the bottom, and create an elegant look similar to the style of a classic wedding gown. This style is suited for formal rooms such as traditional dining rooms and master bedrooms. Don’t select this style if you plan on constantly adjusting your draperies since pulling them back and forth can pick up dust.
When it comes to styling your fabric drapery, the sky’s the limit! It’s the small things that add up to create a beautiful and magnificent design. Several other design elements that you may want to consider are pleats, tiebacks, tassels, and trims, which we will discuss further in part 2. If you want the opinion of an expert, reach out to Royal Window Treatments. We’d be more than happy to help you design the fabric drapery of your dreams!
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