Something about Drapes

Curtains are curtain panels that literally "drape" the window. Typically, they wait a rod secured across the top of the window and hang straight down. But you will find different variations that range from casual to formal. Here's what you need to know about utilizing drapes as window treatments.

Brush the Floor

The current fashion trends in drapes is two matching high columns of fabric that flank a window like sentries guarding a structure entrance. When you buy them in stores or online, there are two standard lengths: 84 inches and 95 or 96 inches. The length of the curtain dictates the peak of the rod. If you buy 84-inch-long curtains, the rod must be mounted roughly 84 inches from the floor if the curtains hang from the rod without rings. Allowing the hem of the curtains brush the floor. How formal or casual these people feel depends on the fabric (cotton versus velvet, for example) as well as the hanging system. Oil-rubbed rings on a matching rod have an old-world look, whereas large dime grommets sliding on a thick rod appear casual.

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Puddling

Another style for curtains is extra long curtains with inches of fabric "puddling" on the floor, creating a ball-gown impact. This can be an elegant look for fabrics with the right weight and weave, such as synthetics as well as silks. Stiff fabrics, such as cotton and linen, or any kind of lined sections, won't flow gracefully onto the floor. If you the puddling effect, buy these curtains from a store or online at the 96-inch length but mount the fishing rod between 84 and 90 inches high to give you extra fabric to play along with at the floor level.

Pleated and Gathered

The most popular type of drape is the gathered curtains, which is most often available as ready-made drapes. A panel is flat until you clip this to rings or thread it onto a curtain rod. When the screen pulls to the side of the window, the fabric gathers into gentle waves. Another design is the pinch pleated drapes, which is common for custom-made draperies fashioned by blind workrooms. At the top of the panel, the fabric is pinched into tight pleats in even intervals, which causes the fabric below the pleats to billow out slightly. This can be a more formal look and is often used in hotels, banquet halls, and dining places.

Hem Curtains

Curtains don't have to be long. Some are hemmed to reach a specific point on the window-typically the actual window sash or just below the bottom of the molding around the window. These window blinds tend to be more casual than long drapes and are often sewn from lightweight materials, such as cotton and muslin. If you buy them in a store on online, the typical size for short drapes is 63 inches.

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