Getting Your Window Treatments Right (Part 1)

When preparing to update or redo your window treatments, it can be helpful to have a solid understanding of the terminology involved in the process. By being able to talk the talk, you will be able to better understand exactly what kind of look you want in your window treatments as well communicate your vision.

So, to help you prepare for your updated window treatments, here are some of the words and concepts you will want to be ready to speak to:

The Panel Width

When you step into the shop to create your customized window treatments, one of the first questions you will hear is: “how many panel widths?” What this question is referring to is how wide of panels you are looking for.

The width of a standard-sized drapery panel is approximately 48 inches when drawn closed. When creating window treatments for windows that are small to medium sized (36-60 inches wide), it is often recommended that you go with one single-width panel on each side. If dealing with a larger window, you can then choose to go with a double-width panels.

Each area will require its own approach. To learn what look will best suit your particular room, contact us today for a consultation!

Pattern Repeat Print Styles – Flat vs. Pleated

If you are choosing to go with a print fabric on your window treatments, the pattern repeat that you choose will be a big factor in the design. It will have a big impact on your budget as well. Why? Because the size of the patterns will influence the areas where the shape repeats.

If you have a tighter pattern repeat area, you will have a much easier time matching the print across different panels. Meanwhile, if you have a pattern that only matches up in a couple of spots, it means that you are going to be cutting away fabric in order to match up. This creates plenty of expensive waste in fabric that you have paid for.

When designing with print fabric, you will want to keep in mind that the end result is going to be completely different with drapery panels than it is with say, upholstery. When incorporated with upholstery or wallcovering uses, the fabric will lay flat. As a result, you will be creating the depicted pattern repeat. However, this is not the case when using pattern fabric with draperies.

This difference can be taken even one step further when implementing pleats. The ripple effect that is created by pleats will completely change the overall look of the print. Again, just how much this changes the appearance will depend on the size of the pattern as discussed above.

The Lining

The use of lining will depend on a number of factors. When you are going with sheer, then forget it. But if you are going with solids, your lining choice will make or break the way your draperies hang.

For example, when using lightweight fabrics, linings can help ensure that they hang well. When going with a thicker material, linings help provide a little boost that creates a more tailored appearance.

Another factor is the end goal of the window treatments. A standard liner will help to block some sunlight coming through. But if you are updating a bedroom and want to block 100% of the sunlight, you will want to consider blackout lining.

Blackout lining is more expensive than regular, but can be worth it for a good night’s sleep.

We will continue our look at getting window treatments right in our next post. So stay tuned!