Bedroom Drapery Treatments

Show the Soft Side

• A bedroom that includes harmonious furnishings and soothing colors promotes restful sleep. Fabric is an important element in bedrooms, as it covers beds, windows and seating pieces. Work with a variety of textures, patterns and thicknesses of fabrics that coordinate well together. Include a large-scale pattern, such as an all-over cotton floral print for a soft valance, and a solid color durable fabric, such as cotton sateen for coordinating drapery panels. Mix in a variety of coordinating small prints and stripes for accent pillows, bedding and upholstery pieces.

Romantic Overtones

• Fabric fullness has a subtle influence on drapery treatments. Consider using at least a four-to-one fullness for sheer panels when including them in your drapery treatments. Opt for pleated sheers to benefit from evenly distributed sheers and light control options. Top treatments with soft folds and graceful headings enhance fabric choices. Board-mounted swags and take-up valances with side jabots add pleasing finishes when installed over traversing drapery panels. Another option includes using decorative drapery headings, such as scalloped headings installed on decorative-finished rods with matching rings that blend well with wood or metal elements within the room.

Consider Light Sources

• Darkening features on bedroom draperies keep out morning's first light and afternoon's unforgiving ultraviolet rays that can damage furnishings over time. Room-darkening and blackout linings provide necessary light control and energy-efficiency on bedroom draperies and shades. Use board-mounted top treatments, such as lined balloon valances or fabric-covered cornices to minimize light gaps at the top of curtain openings. Traversing draperies offer additional light control over stationary panels with tiebacks. Add additional stack-back of four or more inches on each side for additional light blockage.

Comfort Zone

• Whether your bedroom has traditional or contemporary style, adding draperies provides an extra level of comfort. Consider mounting top treatments and draperies at ceiling height for a visual lift to the room. Embellishments, such as braided cording and brush fringe add an extra layer of detail to drapery panels at the inside edges and across the bottom edge. Consider using complementary cording or fringe on the bottom edges of soft valances to add definition at eye level. Include flourishes on bedding to harmonize detailing throughout the room.