The three most common types of drapes are panels, valances, and shades.
Panels are the foundation of any window dressing. They’re long, wide curtains that run from the top of a window to the bottom. They make a great addition to any window, providing a finished look and helping to balance the space.
They come in an array of styles, fabrics, and colors to choose from. There are also many styles of pleat and heading to choose from, such as eyelet, inverted pleat, rod pocket, box pleat, and grommet.
Valances are essentially decorative pieces used to add a little character to a window. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, such as scallop, crossed, cascade, and box pleat. They’re usually hung slightly above the top of the window, with a shorter length curtain added to complete the look.
Shades are treatments that don’t involve fabric, rather they’re fitted to the window itself. They block out most of the light and are ideal for bedrooms and nurseries as they can be drawn down to ensure complete darkness.
Typical window shades include roller shades, cellular shades, pleated shades and bamboo shades. With the wide range of colors, fabrics and patterns available, they can also be a great addition to any room.
What types of curtains are in style?
There are a variety of curtains in style for 2020. Popular choices range from light and airy sheer or voile curtains to dramatic and bold statement pieces. Sheer curtains are great for adding effortless elegance in any room and can be layered to provide a personalised light and airy look.
For a bolder look, try one of the key trends in 2020 – velvet curtains which add a luxurious, sumptuous touch. Alternately, patterns are big this year with fabrics in stripes, florals and geometric patterns.
If you are after something classic, try striped curtains or a jacquard fabric which can add an opulent touch. Whichever style you choose for your curtains, always consider the size and weight of the fabric to ensure that you are selecting something that will make a statement in your space and match the vibes of the surroundings.
Additionally, for those that want to get a little creative, colour blocking is also an option with this trend being one of the key trends for 2020. Instead of just one fabric, colour blocking adds an eye-catching effect by using two complimentary fabrics.
There are a lot of options when it comes to colour blocking curtains, if you opt for more subtle colours the look will be unobtrusive in the home while still being a stylish addition. However, if you are after something a bit brighter, you can add panels of brighter and bolder shades to a neutral colour to make a true statement.
No matter which type of curtains you choose, they will be sure to add an extra touch of colour and texture to your home. With the wide range of style and fabric available, there is definitely something to suit every home and add a touch of personality.
What are normal curtains called?
Normal curtains are usually referred to as draperies. Draperies hang on curtain rods or suspended from cornice boards, and they often feature color or patterned fabric. Draperies are usually made from heavy fabrics like damask or jacquard, that block out the light and insulate from the outside.
They often have pleats at the top to give the curtains a more finished look. Drapery panels hang from a rod and clip with rings, grommets, or tabs. There are also special types of draperies, such as blackout draperies, sheers, or valances.
Many times, you may choose to layer different types of curtains and rods for a more custom look.
What is the difference between drapes and curtains?
Drapes and curtains are similar window treatments that are used to provide privacy and insulation from light, however, there are some subtle differences between the two. Drapes are typically made from heavier fabrics than curtains, hang from rods without clips or pleats, and are usually lined.
They are often floor-length and wider, and their abundance of fabric gives them a heavier, more formal look. Curtains, on the other hand, are usually made from light, thinner fabrics and often come in bold colors or patterns.
They are hung from rods by clips, pins, or rings, and are usually pleated or gathered. Curtains are usually a few inches shorter than drapes, and they have a more casual appearance. Depending on your desired look and the requirements of your space, either drapes or curtains can be the right window treatment for your home.
Should drapes touch the floor?
Yes, drapes should touch the floor. Doing so gives your room a more finished, polished, and sophisticated look. The length helps to create a sense of stability and balance to the room. Additionally, having drapes that touch the floor allows you to create a sense of luxury by heightening the room’s drama.
Make sure to hang your drapes such that the drapes’ hem is at the same level as the window trim. If you have drapes that are too short or too long, it can become distracting and draw attention away from the other elements in the room.
When in doubt, err on the side of having drapes that are a bit too long, as they can be easily hemmed if necessary.
Are drapes American or British?
Drapes, or curtains, are a common, universal feature found in many households around the world. It is difficult to definitively determine whether they are more associated with American or British culture, as they are popular in both countries.
In the United States, drapes are a largely popular home furnishing for both aesthetic and practical purposes. Drapery panels are available in numerous sizes, styles, and materials, so Americans can choose what style fits the room décor and the budget.
Some even use blackout drapes in bedrooms and theaters to block out light for a more restful sleep or to enjoy a film in peace.
In the United Kingdom, drapes have been used for centuries and have been a staple in households for a long time. This is largely due to the traditional, classic look of drapes and the way they can tie a room together.
In the past, only wealthy homes could afford drapes that were made with higher quality fabrics, while the lower or middle classes typically found limited options.
Regardless of the cultural differences in style and preference, it is clear that both American and British cultures share a love for the versatility of drapes. The two cultures may use different materials and patterns, but they both use drapes as a way to decorate a living space and provide a barrier between the outside world and the inside.
Are drapes heavier than curtains?
It depends on the type of fabric used for each item. Generally, curtains are made of light fabrics such as cotton or sheer fabrics, while drapes are made of heavier fabrics such as velvet or silk. Drapes are typically lined to provide additional insulation and sound absorption, which adds additional weight.
Therefore, in most cases, drapes will be heavier than curtains but this can vary depending on the material used and the construction of each item.
How do you figure out what size curtains you need?
Figuring out what size curtains you need involves taking a few measurements in your space. You will need to measure the length you want your curtains to hang, the width of your window, and the height of your rod or track.
Generally, you would want to ensure that the width of the curtains you choose will be twice the width of your window to create flashy fullness.
Furthermore, the length of the curtains should not be any shorter than the window length and should reach the floor, or hang just short of the floor. It is common to measure the distance from the top of the rod or track downwards to the floor.
Subtracting 1/2” or 1” from this figure will create the desired curtains length.
For a more traditional look, curtains should have a rod pocket on the top enabling the rod to slip through the fabric. For floor length curtains, the ideal size rod pocket should be between 2-4 inches wide.
Overall, in conclusion, the size of your curtains can be determined by doing measurements for width, window length and rod or track length. Furthermore, the ideal rod pocket should be between 2-4 inches wide for floor length curtains.
How do you hang curtains on a closet?
Hanging curtains on a closet is fairly simple. All you need is a drill, the required length of curtain rod, wall anchors and screws, and curtain brackets. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Measure the width of the inside of the closet where you want to hang the curtains, then add 6 inches to the width. This will be your total desired curtain rod length.
2. Measure the exact length for the curtain rod and purchase one to meet your needs.
3. Mark the location on the wall outside of the closet where the rod will be hung.
4. Drill a hole deep enough to properly insert the wall anchor into the wall.
5. Insert the wall anchor and screw the support bracket into the wall. Make sure it’s level.
6. Place the rod on the brackets and secure it with the screws provided.
7. Add the curtains to the rod and adjust the height as desired.
And that’s it! You should now have curtains successfully hung on your closet.
How do you measure for hanging curtains?
Measuring for curtains is fairly straightforward. Begin by measuring the width and length of your window. Once you have the measurements, add an additional 4 to 6 inches on each side. This will help ensure that your curtains are wider than your window frame and will give you a finished look.
If you are hanging a rod above the window frame, measure from the floor to the center of the rod point. If you have a rod that extends beyond the window frame, measure from the ceiling, to the center of your rod point.
Finally, decide on how long you want the curtains to hang and add 5 to 8 inches to that measurement, depending on how long you want the curtains to be. This will help you determine how much fabric to buy and the length of your curtains.
How long should curtains be to puddle?
If you are looking for a striking look and want to create an elegant effect in your room with curtains, then choosing to puddle them is a great way to go! A good general guideline to follow when deciding the length of the curtains is to choose one that is significantly longer than the window, so that it “puddles” at the bottom, creating a cozy and glamorous look.
Depending on the look you are going for, your desired curtain puddle length can range from a few inches to as long as 10-15 inches. For a neat and tailored look, try a puddle that is 2-3 inches long.
For a much more classical, romantic appearance, go for 6-10 inches at the minimum. While there’s no hard-and-fast rule on the ideal length to puddle curtains, the best way to determine the perfect length for your space is to measure your window from top to bottom and add twice the length of the puddle to that measurement.
This will give you an appropriate curtain length for puddling.
How far below the window should curtains hang?
The ideal length for curtains will depend on the height of your windows, the length of your curtains, your interior design preferences, and the amount of natural light you want to bring in. In general, curtains should hang at least four inches below the window sill, and typically hang at least a few inches below the window frame.
If you want to create a dramatic look, hang the curtains so they drape to the floor. When hanging curtains, you may want to opt for a slightly longer length than you actually need to allow for shrinkage, as materials often shrink slightly after being hung.
You also have the option for installing a tension or cafe rod, which sit about four or six inches above the window, so that the curtains will drape down from the window and cover the entire window opening.
How far should a curtain rod extend past window?
The proper way to hang a curtain rod is to extend it at least 3-6 inches beyond the window frame on each side. This allows the curtains to hang properly and provides you with enough space to create beautiful pleats and folds in the fabric.
You may also choose to extend the curtain rod even further, depending on the style of your window and the look you are aiming to create. When in doubt, it is usually best to err on the side of caution and extend your rod a few extra inches beyond the window opening.
How wide should curtains be for a 72 inch window?
The width of curtains for a 72 inch window can vary depending on the desired look. If a fuller look is desired, curtains should extend past each side of the window frame by approximately 6 to 12 inches.
That would mean the curtains would be approximately 84 to 96 inches wide. If a less full look is desired, most window treatment experts recommend curtains 3 to 8 inches wider than each side of the window frame, which would mean curtains measuring 78 to 88 inches wide.
The length of the curtains should extend at least 2-3 inches from the bottom of the window frame, or to the floor if preferred. Additionally, if the curtains will be hung from a rod that extends beyond the window frame, it should be taken into account when measuring for the width of the curtains, as the extra length of the rod will require more fabric.
How much overhang do you need for curtains?
The amount of overhang that you need for your curtains will depend on the look that you are trying to achieve. Generally, it’s best to have at least six to eight inches of overhang on either side of the window in order to create a proper amount of fullness for your curtains.
If the curtains are for a room with a lot of foot traffic, or a room that receives a lot of direct sunlight, then it may be best to have even more than six to eight inches in order to give the curtains some additional protection from wear and tear.
If you are just looking for a simple, sleek look then you may not need any overhang at all. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much of an overhang will work best for your curtains.
Do you need 2 curtain panels per window?
It depends on the size of the window and the style of curtains you plan to install. Generally speaking, for windows less than 4 feet wide, only one curtain panel will be adequate. For wider windows, you may need two or more panels to create a balanced, finished look and also provide ample coverage of your window.
Keep in mind that if you’re using a full-length style, it’s always preferable to use two curtain panels rather than just one. This will create a symmetric and visually appealing appearance, while also providing maximum coverage, privacy, and light control.
Additionally, if the fabric you choose is on the lightweight side, one long panel may be prone to blowing in the wind, whereas two panels will be much steadier. For windows with a severe curve or unique shape, ultimately the look and fullness of the curtains will be determined by personal preference.
What is the standard drop for curtains?
The standard drop length for ready-made curtains is generally between 1.1 and 1.5 times the width of the window or area you’re intending to cover. Depending on the desired look and fullness you’re going for, the drop can also be tailored for custom-made curtains.
For instance, to create more luxurious ‘pooling’ on the floor, you may choose to go with a drop length of two times the width of the window. This will ensure the curtains drape fully on the floor, covering any draught and looking full and formal when opened.
Another length to consider is 3/4 length, which works well to create a relaxed, casual look. Adjustable length curtains are also available, which makes it easy to raise or lower the height of the curtains depending on your desired look.
How many curtain panels do I need calculator?
Figuring out how many curtain panels you need for a particular window or set of windows can be quite a tricky task. The number of panels needed depends on the size of the window, the width and length of the curtain rod, as well as the fullness or gathers you want.
To calculate the number of panels, begin by measuring the width of the window or track you will be covering. You will also need to measure the length from the top of the window to the desired length of the curtain.
Next, you will need to decide on the fullness or gathering you want in your curtains. That is, how much of the fabric should be seen in its full width, and how much should be overlapped to create fullness.
If a full curtain look (with more fullness to it) is desired, a valance typically requires 2 ½ to 3 times more fullness. And for a scarf valance, you may require 4 to 4 ½ times the width of the window.
To calculate the amount of panels needed multply the width of the window by the fullness ratio and divid it by the width of the panel. Then, round up to the next whole number to determine how many panels are needed.
For example, if you have a window with a width of 66 inches and you want to achieve a fullness ratio of 3 times, the calculation would be 66 * 3 divided by the width of the panel = 198 inches (divided by the panel width).
As such, you will need 7 panels (rounded up) to cover the window completely.
When calculating the number of panels, always remember to account for any returns you may have if you plan on covering the side of the window as well, as they will need their own set of panels. You will also want to take into account any hems or trims you may add to the panels to make sure your math still adds up.
Lastly, for a more personalized touch, you may want to add an extra panel or two for an overhanging look.
In summary, the number of curtain panels you need for a particular window or set of windows depends on the size of the window, the width and length of the curtain rod, as well as the fullness desired.
By multiplying the width of the window by the fullness ratio, divid it by the width of the panel, and then rounding up to the next whole number, you will be able to accurately calculate the amount of panels needed.
It is also important to take into account any returns, hems, trims, or an overhanging look, if desired.