Want to bring a level of sophistication to your space? I suggest adding beautiful draperies. Not only do they add a lovely layer to any room, they also provide many functional benefits. And before you start thinking draperies are outdated or too trendy, or whatever other preconceived notions you have, consider that drapes, or curtains, have been around since the early days of civilization.
The first drapes were likely used to provide privacy and block out the intense sun of the middle eastern desert. Cloths were hung at the entry of tents, often wetted with water to provide a type of air conditioning when the hot desert winds blew. Animal skins, fur, and plant materials were used by all early civilizations to provide privacy, divide rooms and keep out the elements. With advancements in textile production, drapes were not just functional, but added a stylish element to a room. It was a way for the elite to show off status, as fabric choices often separated the upper class from the middle class. The late 1800’s introduced machines that could produce beautiful textiles, making them accessible for all. Today draperies are used not only for functionality but as a way to express individuality and create beautiful spaces.
Custom draperies are one of the most impactful changes to make in a room. They add a pleasing vertical line, highlighting the scale of a space. With so many fabrics to choose from, personal expression through colour, print and texture is easy to achieve. It’s hard to even know where to start when selecting custom draperies, because honestly, the sky’s the limit. To ensure that my clients get the right window covering for their needs I like to consider function first.
Establishing Functionality
Deciding what purpose the draperies will serve is an important first step. Are they being used for light control, sound control, thermal efficiency, aesthetic enhancement or a combination of these factors?
The function that the majority of my clients request is light control. For those that need to sleep in complete darkness, a blackout lining can be added that will keep all the light out. Special attention is given to seams and stitches to ensure no light shines through. Fabric also comes blackout which means the back of the fabric has been treated to be light restricting. Blackout draperies also provide good sound absorption and are often used in home theatre rooms for both light and sound control.
A dimout lining provides a nice balance between light prevention and sound absorption. I often suggest these for home offices and side panels. Not quite as dark as full blackout, but still light limiting. Regular lining filters some of the light and is often used for kitchens, living rooms and family rooms. The last two draperies I had installed weren’t lined and when closed provide a gauzy look that isn’t too see-through. And that brings us to sheers. That lightweight fabric that covers a window, softens the lighting and provides some privacy, while letting in the light and allowing for a semi- transparent view. Sheers have always been a popular choice and I hope you aren’t thinking they only come in old fashioned lace. Different fabrics and unique textures can make a wall of sheers look sophisticated and even edgy.
If one is looking for sound absorption, this is best achieved with heavy fabrics and a full blackout lining. Reducing noise comes down to absorbing vibrations so velvet and wool are good choices. There are also specific fabrics for sound absorption but in my opinion these are best suited for theatre rooms because of the limited colours and patterns. Not exactly interesting enough for bedrooms or offices.
To optimize thermal efficiency, a blackout lining and hanging draperies close to the window are important. For best thermal efficiency, it’s essential to keep the draperies closed. That’s the part I personally don’t like. Natural light is vital for good mental health, so living in a dark cave does not bring me joy, no matter how hot or cold it is outside. BUT that’s a matter of choice, often dependent on the temperature extremes. And yes, thermal efficiency draperies really do work for heat control.
Aesthetic Enhancement
Cozying up a room, making it feel finished and adding personality are what draperies do best. They add elegance and sophistication to a room, enhancing any interior design style. If aesthetic enhancement is the sole purpose of the draperies, then a side panel stack back look may be an option. Not tiny panels of fabric hanging limply on either side of the window, but lush side panels that look as if they can actually close. The reason for choosing side panels over draperies that close is cost savings. The quantity of fabric and labour required to make side panels are less, bringing down the cost. Not substantially though, so I always encourage my clients to really think through their decision. Because having the ability to open and close draperies is a nice feature.
Once the fabric has been selected then it’s time to consider the addition of trims. Adding visual interest, trims allow for personalization and customization. They can be added to the leading edge, along the top or bottom of the draperies and incorporated into the design of tiebacks. From pom poms to bouillon fringe to gimp and braid, trims add fun and personal flair.
Pleat style is important, as is the selection of the right rod and finial. For these decisions, I work closely with Natalie, the sewing room manager at the designer showoom. I want to ensure that what was selected not only enhances the design aesthetic, but also works for easy operation of the draperies.
Ranging from 4” to 8”, pleats can be single, double or triple, along with fibre filled goblet or cartridge pleats. It may sound confusing, but when the fabric and room style are taken into consideration, the decision becomes a lot easier. Same with rod selection; decorative, double, concealed, or ceiling mount, it all depends on the look, fabric and where it’s being installed. My favourite part is selecting the end cap. Does the room cry out for a plain end cap, or do we select something fancy with crystal or a fleur de lis?
Lastly, I want to discuss cost. My clients know that I’m not afraid of talking about cost and working within a budget. There are certain times and items where entry level and budget friendly make sense. Draperies are not one of these times. I wholly believe that if one is going to hang draperies, they should be custom made.
Not only are custom draperies beautiful and unique, hand made objects bring a special energy to a space. There’s a connection between maker and owner that lingers in a room. When you consider that draperies are not only functional, but aesthetic as well, and they are hand made by people living in your city, who are carefully and lovingly sharing their skills, I think you can agree, custom draperies are great value for the money.
Custom draperies are an investment in both the beauty and functionality of your home. There’s a fabric, fit and design that will add sophistication and light control to any room. Custom draperies often require a bigger investment up front, but when you take time to carefully select something that truly speaks to you, buying custom ensures you will love your purchase for a very long time.
“Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style.” — Billy Baldwin
