Hang Drapes High for Drama
Curtains are one of the few elements
that really pull a room together and
makes it look complete. Without
curtains a room looks less unified. With
curtains, the room’s design works
harmoniously and completely. Yet,
there are some rules about curtains,
such as where to hang them, that can
make all the difference between
curtains enhancing a room or making
it look incomplete.
Curtain facts
There are many different types of
curtains, or window treatments, as
they are called in designer-speak.
Window treatments can range from
cornices to full blown swags, panels,
and jabots (pronounced jab-bow). Some of the things that come to mind when deciding the type of window treatment are the style, the purpose, and your budget.
Hang ‘em high style
In some rooms, the desire is to create an elegant look, for others it’s more fun, such as in children’s rooms. Right now, simple panels hung high are both elegant and cost-effective because there is no need for any kind of topper. The photo shows how panels frame the sides of the bedside windows and then are drawn together simply in the bay window. The look is elegant, thanks to placing the curtains higher on the wall, but still simply-styled and not overly-embellished.
By hanging the drapes higher, the effect is more dramatic and it brings the eye upwards. This opens the room up a bit more and doesn’t make it feel so heavy as when curtains are hung lower or closer to the window trim. This is an easy way to add instant drama to any room because it is so unexpectedly elegant.
Match your style
Regardless of your design, look for curtains that will complement the décor. Use design magazines for cues as to what would look best in your own home. But don’t forget the purpose of draperies. Draperies should complement the design and fulfill an objective. The objective of window treatments can range from privacy, such as in bedrooms, to completing a design and softening hard edges, or they can be used for blocking light in the day for night workers or for media rooms where you want little light while watching films.
Current trends in draperies
Many homes today have large picture windows. Covering them in draperies is not only cost prohibitive, it’s also unnecessary. These windows are designed for viewing, so covering them up defeats the purpose. However, the hard edges of the trim can feel imposing after awhile. A current trend in draperies is the “mini-rod.” This is a small rod ranging from one foot to two feet or so in length and it’s hung only at the sides of a window. The curtains add a soft element, but won’t interfere with the beautiful views. I’ve added these in my own living room and they look great. If you have transoms above your windows, hang your drapes at the height of the transom instead of window height for a more elegant and high-end look.
Get out the machine
Don’t be afraid to sew draperies. It’s really not hard. In fact, I’ve been sewing curtains for my living room, dining room, and bedroom. I always say that if you can sew a straight line, you can sew curtains. Plus, we have wonderful sewing and fabric advice from the fabric stores here in Victoria with helpful and knowledgeable people willing to explain anything if you get confused. Sewing draperies is fast, too. I’ll be featuring my curtains in some upcoming issues, so be on the look out for them in a future column.
Lining makes the difference
Whether you buy curtains or you make them, don’t skim on lining. In short, the difference between curtains and drapes is the lining. Lining drapes is a small, but important, step in drapes. Lined drapes not only hang smoother, they create a unified look from the street so that all you see is white in your windows. Perhaps the most important reason for lining is that it helps save your drapes from sun damage.
Update your look
Look around your home for ways to update your curtains for this new high-hung style. It may be as simple as raising your curtain rods and hanging the curtains higher. If your curtains are too short, or if you buy off-the-rack curtains and they’re too short to hang high, purchase some coordinating fabric and sew on a band at the bottom. Or, sew two smaller bands, one at the top, and one at the bottom. Either way, the look is fresh, current, and oh so elegant!
© 2007 Kathryn Weber, all rights reserved
------------------------------
Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Everydayclean.com Cleaning Calender, that calender that puts you in control of your home by ending the power struggle. For more information log on to http://tinyurl.com/d9rh5.
You have permission to publish this article as long as the tagline above is included and as long as the article remains complete and unaltered. A courtesy copy of your publication or link would be appreciated.
©2001-2007 Kathryn Weber
All rights reserved.
