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Correct Drapery Panel Length
Drapery panels are designed to kiss the floor (1-2” break on the floor). For a more dramatic or whimsical look, they can also slightly puddle on the floor. Be sure to measure for the correct amount of fabric to avoid drapery panels that are too short. For a quick reference guide on how to measure for your project, check out our measurement guide.
Drapery Rod Placement
Before measuring for your drapes, it is important to know where the rod placement will be. First be sure the rod you’ve chosen is long enough for the window. In general, most rods are placed 4-6 inches above and 11-20 inches extended from the window frame. This allows the windows to be fully displayed while the curtains are opened. To make windows appear larger and taller, or for a dramatic effect, place the rod closer to the ceiling about 3-4 inches from the crown molding or ceiling. Be sure that the weight of the rod matches the weight of the fabric. With heavier, more opulent fabrics choose a rod that can sustain the weight while going along with the decorative style. Thin, lightweight fabrics call for hardware that’s a bit more dainty for appropriate balance. The hardware should also match the rest of the room. For example if you’ve chosen to do silver metal throughout the room, opt for a silver rod.
Drapery Lining
Adding lining to your drapes is used for a variety of reasons. From functionality to aesthetics, here is an overview of lining benefits to determine if they’re for you.
Protect fabric from moisture and sun damage
With such close proximity to condensation from the window, water commonly adheres to the fabrics. The lining acts as a water repellant. It’s like insurance for your drapes. It protects drapery fabric from sunlight and moisture and it increases the life of your drapes. The lining faces the window with UV sunrays coming through that can be damaging to the fabric. The lining acts as a barrier to take the heat and absorb the rays while protecting the fabric like your favorite sunblock.
Light Filtration
Lining can be a great solution to blocking out excess light and darkening a room. This is particularly ideal for bedrooms or living rooms where light needs to be controlled. To maximize your opportunity for quality sleep, blackout lining is a great solution to keeping the room dark and cool.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Lining adds weight to the drapes giving it more body and allowing the drapes to hang better and look more polished overall. For thin fabrics or fabrics that can benefit from added weight, such as silks and taffeta, lining is just the solution for added elegance.
Thermal and Noise Insulation
Lining naturally controls the temperature of the room by absorbing the heat, saving on energy costs on heating and cooling throughout the year. Additionally the thick barrier can absorb and block noise from external sources. This is particularly a great solution for rooms facing busy streets or rooms facing east or west. For optimum energy efficiency, combine with shutters, blinds and shades to increase window insulation.
Increases the lifespan of the fabric
This is probably the most important reason to get lining for your drapes. By lining your fabric you protect against heat, moisture and sun damage and increase the lifespan of your fabrics (particularly fabrics with natural fibers). To protect your beautiful drapes, it is highly recommended to line them.
Choosing the Right Fabric
There’s more to picking the perfect fabric that meets the eye. When deciding on a fabric, it’s important to consider not only aesthetics but also fibers within the fabric and the environment it will be in. Here is a breakdown of a few familiar fabrics and their best uses.
Silk
Silk, whether natural or faux, always looks best when lined and interlined to give it fullness. Equally important to lining silk, is the need to protect silk from the sun which can weaken its fibers and cause fading. Silk, like all organic fibers, contains natural imperfections into its weave which can cause slubbing or varying coloration. Silk fabrics work best for bedding, bedroom and living draperies. To maintain the integrity and lifespan of silk, incorporating it into bathroom or kitchen designs with condensation is not advised.
Cotton
Cotton is one of most versatile fabrics and is great for a variety of designs and end uses. As a natural material, air is able to easily pass through, making it a great fit for warmer climates. To increase privacy with cotton drapes, choose fabric with a tighter weave or opt to line the fabric. Both cotton and linen are easy to care for and less likely to fade at the rate of other materials. Cotton fabric drapes quite well, making it a naturally good fit for window treatments in all rooms.
Linen
Linen is made from the flax plant and is stronger than cotton. Natural fibers better absorb sunlight than synthetic, as a natural material it allows for the heat to pass through. Linen breathes easily and stays well ventilated while providing antimicrobial and mildew-resistant properties. The slubby soft texture of linen only becomes softer with age. This simple, understated material works well for beach homes and humid climates, indoor/outdoor patios, sheers or simplistic easy-breezy designs.
Wool
Wool provides more weight than most fabrics, which often means more privacy and light filtering (with natural UV protection). Wool is also great at insulating a room to lock in cool air and heat and reduce energy expenses. It is suggested to keep wool away from rooms where there might be water condensation, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Wool fabric makes a perfect solution for bedroom, dining room and living room draperies, upholstery and other home decor.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric, known best for its durability and good price point. It’s most common to see polyester blended with both natural and synthetic fibers, making its use extremely versatile. It’s important to look at the fibers blended with polyester to better understand best care for fabric. Polyester and poly-blends are great for a variety of home projects from bedding, decor and drapery in most rooms.
Velvet
Velvet has a naturally beautiful drape and luxe hand that gives it a polished look in designs. It’s often used in opulent formal dining rooms, regal living rooms and bedrooms. The heavy material of velvet makes it ideal for light filtration and insulating a room, great for drafty windows. Velvet can come in numerous variations from crushed, embossed, cut, pressed and printed and is woven from a variety of fibers that may increase its luster and strength. Velvet is great for upholstery, home decor and draperies.
Damask
Damask is a traditional pattern that’s reversible by intricate weaving. It’s name is derived from the city of Damascus, which inspires its refined and elegant patterns that have adorned estates for centuries. It can be composed of a variety of fibers from silk to wool but is known to be quite durable and heavy. This fabric is most commonly used in traditional and regal designs ranging from upholstery to draperies.
