Curtains Make a statement

This style of curtain design is closely coupled with traditional curtain design as these elements are often used to create the traditional look in curtains. They include window valances, pelmets, swags and tails, scarf drapery, rosettes, nets and sheers and call upon the high use of decorative trims, braids, lace and tassels. See photograph examples here. 

ROSETTES

SWAGS AND TAILS

PELMETS

SCARFS AND DRAPERY

VALANCES

 A valance is a short curtain at the top of a window, which usually has a deep frill of fabric framing the window and hiding the curtain track or rod and usually has a gathered or pleated heading, it can be in the same fabric as the curtains or contrasting, it is often embellished by using trimmings, braid, ribbon and tassels.

A pelmet is a stiff paneled heading to cover curtains. It is a solid structure that is mounted above the windows and covers the curtain heading. It is often upholstered and can be decorated in numerous ways - from shaping the lower part of the pelmet to adding trimmings and tassels.

Swags are fabric that forms a decorative element over a window, hanging from two fixed points either side of the top of the window, draping down through the center. There are numerous variations of this form of decoration.Tails are the fabric that hangs down from the end of the swags.

Sheers and Nets are a form of curtain that is named after the fabric that is used. They are predominately used as privacy curtains often under the main curtains. Nets tend to be used in a more traditional situation as the net fabric designs are usually more ornate than the simple sheer. Sheers used to be a simple white or cream translucent fabric, now they are available in colors, with printed patterns, embroidery, woven with metal fibers, ribbons creating all sorts of amazing designs. Go and browse at your local curtain fabric store, you will be surprised at the available range!

NETS AND SHEERS

 

Scarf Drapery is simply a panel of fabric which is draped over a decorative rod, it is less formal or tailored than swags and tails and can be made easily at home. It is often used as a valance over curtains or as a decorative feature for bathroom and kitchen windows. It is a simple decorative element, it can be enhanced by using a contrasting color on the other side for more effect, or a trim added for more decoration, or a cord and tassel draped through with the fabric for more drama!

Rosettes are a focal point for a curtain arrangement. They can be a finishing touch for curtain headings, tie backs, swags and tails. There are numerous styles and designs including, rose, choux, bow, knife pleated.

Decorating the leading edge. This is frequently used for traditional or formal curtain design arrangements. Trim is fixed to the edge of the curtain so when the curtain is open you can see the detail. The contemporary version of this is using a contrasting fabric called a binding or lipping. This is fixed to the edges of the curtain or tie backs.