Drapery Terminology

Curtain Styles

• The most basic type of drapery is the simple curtain that consists of a hemmed panel of fabric attached to a rod over your window. Cafe curtains cover only the bottom half of the window, while puddled curtains have extra length and pool at the floor. Shirred curtains are stretched taut and secured both above and below the window. Another common type of drapery is the draw drapery. Unlike a curtain, a draw drapery has a pleated top attached to a curtain rod and cording system that allows you to open and close it by pulling a cord. Box pleated drapes are very structured, giving the drapes a tailored, classic look. Pinch pleated drapes have evenly spaced groups of two to three pleats sewn together at the base of the pleated area. Roll pleats give your drapes a softer, rounder appearance.

Fabric Types

• Drapery can be classified as sheer, semi-sheer or light-blocking depending on the type of fabric. Sheer fabrics, such as chiffon, gauze, crepe or voile, allow light to enter the space while still providing a sense of privacy. Batiste and other semi-sheer fabrics have a denser weave to block out more light. Light-blocking fabrics, including damask and velour, have a very thick weave to block out a majority of light from a window.

Windows

• The type of drapery you choose depends on the type of window you wish to dress. Awning windows hinge at the top and open outward and can accommodate nearly any window treatment. Hopper windows hinge from the bottom and open inward, making it necessary to mount your drapery with enough clearance for the window to open. Bay windows form a protrusion on the outside of your house and usually include a shelf or bench on the interior. Casement windows usually have two panels that hinge at the sides and swing outward.

Decorative Elements

• Many window dressings include decorative elements in addition to the drapes. A valance is a piece of fabric that covers the top portion of the window while hiding the drapery hardware. Similar to a valance, a cornice is a sturdier fabric-covered wood or foam box-like structure mounted over the top portion of the window to hide the hardware. Finials are decorative pieces that attach to either end of your curtain rod, and tiebacks hold the gathered drapes to either side of the window when you want to let light in. Drapes may also be accented with a jabot, a piece of tapered or pleated fabric that hangs to either side of a valance, or a swag, a long piece of fabric draped decoratively over the curtain rod.

Hardware

• The hardware you choose will determine the convenience and usability of your drapery. If you plan to layer a light-blocking drape over a sheer drape, you'll need to install a combination rod. Drapes that open and close on a cord system require a traverse rod with an overlap in the center if the drapes consist of two panels that open outward. Tension rods allow you to hand basic curtains from a window frame using a spring for tension.