Designer Drapes, Custom Draperies

Draperies are the quintessential and classic way to decorate your windows thereby adding elegance and flair to all decors. But, you now have to think about more than just the look of your window treatments. Energy efficiency is a huge issue in today’s energy conscious times. Even if global warming doesn’t scare you, keeping the cost of utilities down is every household’s challenge. Adding designer drapes or curtains is a practical way to help your home stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. designer drapes and curtains can significantly lower your energy bills while using fewer of the earths precious resources.

Pacific Gas & Electric states that approximately 16% of all heat in a room escapes through windows. Keeping your designer drapes or curtains closed during the day also keeps out unwanted heat and sunlight that can fade carpeting and furniture. Opening designer drapes or curtains on cold days lets extra solar heat into the room and then by closing them at night you can retain warmth. If you want your designer drapes/curtains to accomplish both style and efficiency, use a thicker fabric and insulate the designer drapes with lining. In addition, lined designer drapes will reduce and suppress outside noise. They also last 10-15 years longer than unlined designer drapes !

Lined designer drapes or curtains offer more than just thermal efficiency. Lined designer drapes or curtains hang better for graceful full folds. Pleats and folds hang better with the added weight an insulated lining gives them. The luxurious effect on pleating cannot be matched without lining regardless of the drapery fabric used.

A Drape or curtain style can be dramatically adjusted to fit your rooms needs. For exciting information on energy saving designer drapes check out sites like (www.factorydirectdesigner drapes.com) and use the free “Virtual Room Designer” to try different stunning drape and valance styles. It allows you to match the wall, flooring, and furniture colors in your home to drape fabrics so you can see exactly how it would look before you purchase it.

Often, the cost of lined designer drapes and curtains compared to unlined designer drapes and curtains is minimal if you consider the savings you will receive with utilities expense reduction. Buying direct from the factory or manufacturer will also save you the costly 50-80% mark-up many retail stores and decorators add onto the product cost.

Pinch pleated drapes are drapes that have a pucker at the top every six inches. This is the perfect place to put drapery hooks for hanging because the pucker hides any sign of the hook. They are made in a number of different styles yet all of them offer a contemporary look. Some of the materials used in their construction are velvet, silk and linen or they can be embroidered, thermal, blackout or made from the designer fabric Waverly. For a Victorian look you can layer pinch pleated drapes with sheer curtains. This will allow light to filter through while blocking the view of anyone outside.

Window treatments are meant to not only obscure the view of others from the outside of your home or office but can also help you conserve energy. Thermal drapes at one time were rubber backed. This prevented your windows leaking and allowing breezes in or out of your home. Today’s thermal drapes are made in such a way that they save money on utility bills. Many of these are lined so you have a double layer of fabric that breezes must penetrate before affecting the ambient temperature in your home. These are not as modern as one might think. They have long been used to help insulate homes.

Pinch pleated drapes provide you home with a modern elegance that can be used with any décor. They are very popular in the living room as well as in bedrooms. You can also use them to cover a patio door. Many times patio doors allow outside temperatures to interfere with ambient temperatures. The ideas of using pinch pleated drapes for patio doors is to obscure other’s vision from the outside as well as insulate your home from the outdoors. There are a huge amount of choices and options when choosing these for a replacement for other types of curtains.

The best features of pinch pleated drapes are that they are a blackout style of drape. This means they actually block 99% of the day’s sunlight preventing your home from being heated by this light during the summer. If you want this to help heat your home in the winter, simply open the drapes to let the light in. You can also use these for a layering effect like with Victorian style drapes. Place a sheer under the pleated drapes and pull them open to allow soft light to filter through the sheers. They are made from a variety of materials such as silk, polyester, linen and lace so there is a drape to fit any décor.

Prices of window treatments will vary according to the size you choose, the options that are available and that you choose as well as the materials they are made from. Since they come in different lengths as well as widths, make sure to write down the measurements of your windows and keep a budget in mind so you can take them to your local retailers and get the size you need at a price you can afford.

You do not have to have really expensive designer drapes in your dining room, but you should know what goes into selecting the right drapery for each room so that you can make the best decisions when you are shopping. Color, texture, and pattern should be taken into consideration, but most people forget to think about the function first.

How are you going to use these blinds, curtains, and shades? Are they just for looks? Do you want to control light with them? How about block a drafty window? Do you know how you want to hang them? This can be a frustrating and difficult process if you do not know the answers to these questions before you start your shopping. Follow the tips listed here and your room will have just the right window treatments for your home.

Take Measurements – When hanging panels, you need to know the width of the window. The length of ready made drapery typically come in 3 choices – 63″, 84″, 96″. Sometimes you can find 108″ available as well. Take a measurement on the wall and see which of those lengths work. Hang the curtain rods at least 4″ above the frame of the window. So now you know how wide your window is and will be able to calculate how many panels you need to cover it, and you know what length of drapery will best suit the window.

Special Needs – What are your special needs when it comes to these window treatments? Most people do not replace window treatments very often so you need to think about how you want to use them. Do you need to block harsh sunlight that is fading your rugs and furniture? Then you need to use lined curtains. Do you want to block drafts coming in through the windows? Then you will want to look for thermal drapes. Do you want to have the option of filtering some light in and blocking all light? Then you will want to use layered drapes. One layer can be sheer curtains, and the other lined curtains. Maybe you only want to use the drapery panels for decoration because you already have blinds, shades, or shutters. Then you will only need 2 panels per window because they will be stationary.

Decor – Lastly you will want to consider the decor of the room. This just means that when you are out shopping you should have a paint chip of your wall color, and fabric swatches of the fabrics in the room. This is not always possible, but if nothing else grab a throw pillow and take it with you to the store. It will help you immensely with choosing the right colors. Don’t forget to consider texture. Often and interesting texture will bring just the right amount of wow to a room.

It’s amazing how a simple set of window curtains can add beauty to a room’s décor. It is such a simple addition and one that pays dividends for years to come. If you are considering curtains, consider purchasing drapery panels. They don’t require any complicated measuring and are easy to install.

For many people, curtains have gone the way of other outdated window treatments, like those old bamboo shades or vinyl roller shades. Maybe you have a negative association with window curtains from your great Aunt’s house. You know who I am talking about, that Aunt who had those awful polyester designer drapes from Montgomery Ward, or some similar store. It’s true that window curtains haven’t changed much in their basic form. They still have many of the same attributes and styles but, what’s changed is the variety of fabrics, textures and colors. So, maybe it’s time to take a fresh look.

I am a big fan of designer fabric drapes because I believe they add real warmth and luxury to any room. And, they make for such a simple addition. Almost anyone can install them, something rewarding in itself. Once installed, curtains add color, texture, depth – even sound dampening to any room. Colors, patterns and fabrics can be chosen to compliment a room’s color and even other window treatments, such as blinds or shades. And, you don’t have to be as precise with the measurements. Curtains can flop on the floor, or be a few inches above it like high-water pants. Few people would know that it isn’t the look you were going for. You might say that curtains have a built in slop-factor.

Curtains are known by many names including modern designer drapes draperies, curtains and drapery panels. Drapery panels, which are a custom style of designer drapes can be purchased one panel at a time to span the width of any size window. You really can’t mess this up, because even if you buy a few too many panels for a window they simply add more fullness to the look.

The real trick with buying modern designer drapes in my opinion, is primarily just getting the color right. A second consideration is choosing the right fabric. Cotton designer drapes are an easy choice and offer a slightly more casual look, while silk designer fabric drapes offer a slightly more upscale look. Just consider how they will look with the other elements and colors in a given room. For example, if you have fine furniture in dark wood, you may want to go with silk in a rich color like burgundy. Or, if you have more casual or rustic furniture, like pine or light colored stains, cotton or blended curtains in neutral colors will look great.

If you are not confident in your color-matching abilities, go with basic neutral colors like white, tan or cream. I know that doesn’t sound very imaginative but these colors look great with almost everything; a real no-brainer.

Installing window curtains is simple. If you can drive a few screws into a wall, you can install a curtain rod and hang hanging designer drape.s The only things you want to watch out for is hanging them straight (obviously) and using pre-drilled holes with plastic grommets for strength if drilling into drywall.

There are other options when considering designer drape.s including the various types of hardware and liners. In keeping with my theme of simplicity, my advice is to ask the salesperson what the best options are for you and your budget.

The formally treated window covering is conventionally made up of about two to three layers. The initial layer is usually known as the casement curtain and is mounted at the trim area of the window. The common materials used are the lace panel or solid panel that gathers at the top of the window trim. The second layer is comprised of the draperies. These artscape window covering layers function to cover both the window frame and the trim. The third layer is more of optional wherein the addition of the valance is featured. It also goes through the name of cornice. It normally comes as made up of wood material and the covering is either some type of fabric or upholstery.

The Informal Window Treatment and Artscape Window Coverings

The informal window treatment with artscape window coverings is only comprised of two layers. This somewhat enhances the privacy of the household residents. One may opt not to employ the layers at all so that a full view of the outside would be easily enjoyed. More so, if you have less draperies of artscape window coverings to use, there would be lesser maintenance drills to perform.

The Window Drapes and the Lining of the Curtain

Whether you would opt for the informal or formal drape covering or curtains, you still have to determine the kinds of lining that you would like to use. The key factors that you would need to consider are the duration of time that is required for the arrangement and the amount of the natural light that you want to get into your room. The unlined hanging designer drapes or window coverings typically disperse the daylight. The selection of unlined window covering materials involve the mobile, lace, sheers, silk, cotton, organza, and Muslim.

The Lined Window Coverings

The lined curtains or draperies are equipped with a lot more body that endows deeper and yet softer folds. These elements add more to the pleasing appearance of the artscape window coverings. The lining also strengthens the window covering’s resistance to fading and the common sun damages. The most popular lining of the window coverings are color white or off white because they easily blend with the dominant color of the draperies. More so, the artscape window coverings are typically sold everywhere and you too could easily access the manufacturing agents of your chosen design. Why spend more if you could always get the best and practical deals for the artscape window covering?

Curtains rods are a very important facet of your windows in home building and remodeling. They can either enhance or detract from the look of your windows very easily, so you want to be sure that you choose the right curtain rod and install it correctly.

Curtain Rods Explained

A curtain rod actually consists of three different parts. The first part is the pole that the window coverings goes on. This pole is capped off with finials that go on each end of the pole and all of this is held by brackets that hold the rod to the wall. These parts can be simply functional or they can be detailed to help add a decorative element to your window.

Curtain poles are often adjustable. This is due to them being made in two different parts that slide into and out of each other that lengthens or shortens the rod, depending upon your needs. This is an excellent way to get a great deal of life from your curtain rods.

Finials can be ornate or they can be very simple. They come in a wide variety of different materials from wood to glass and more. You purchase them to match the rod for cohesion, but you can also change out the finials to create a different look without having to take down the curtains.

Brackets can either be hidden from view by the pole or they can be a part of the look of the window. Decorative brackets normally stick out from the wall to allow them to be seen and hold the rod. These can be used to create a layered look with two rods or they can be used with just one layer of fabric.

Creating A New Look

Curtain rods hung too low or too high often throw off the look of the window. Although there is not really a wrong way, there is a way that makes the most of your windows and your room. If your room has high ceilings and the windows are located a little low, you can make the windows look longer by hanging the curtains nearer the top of the wall. You will need to purchase longer beaded designer drapes or curtains, but they can make a big impact on the look of your windows.

If you want to give your windows a wider look, then hang your blackout designer drapes or curtains wider. Bring fabric to the edge of the window frame and then go out as wide as you want. This can make the designer fabric drapes look like they were pulled back on a large window, which makes the window look wider.

The Layered Effect

Curtain rods are available in many different styles, including those that have built in double or triple rods to allow you to layer fabrics. You can hang sheers with sheer designer drapes or you can hang two different fabric patterns to create a customized look. Layering curtains allow you to insulate windows as well, which is a great benefit if you are in an older home building.

You can use curtain rods in other places in the home as well. You can use them to hang up decorative wall coverings that are made of fabric for décor or to add insulation. You are only limited by your imagination in your use of curtain rods with window coverings and other fabrics.

Do you have large sized windows? Are you looking for the perfect window treatment option for those large-sized windows? In that case, you can go for the draperies which are in fact the perfect and the most appropriate solution for any large-sized windows. If you use the modern designer draps you have an option to experiment.

For the large-sized windows, you must always go for the floor length designer drape.s They are not only sober but at the same time they are also the traditional choices for the large windows. In fact, they are also a wonderful alternative to the panel track blinds or even the vertical blinds which have now become the common choices of majority of home owners now.

When you purchase large size draperies for the large windows, you should also consider the style and the size of the poles because it is the accessories on the basis of which you would make your selection of the discount designer drape.s If you are again interested to give a modern feel to your home, you can have a look at the wide varieties of patterns and shapes that are especially suitable for the large windows.

It would be a wise idea to go for bold and bright colors. Since these would be almost the length of the floor, dark and bright colors would provide added charm and intricacy of detailing to the drapery. Proper selection of the design would also help you to give your windows a better dimension and depth to your dull looking room.

Make sure that the color and the pattern of the draperies that you choose goes well with the décor of your overall room as well as the size of your window. So if you follow these few things, you would definitely be able to decorate your large window as well as your room in the best possible manner.

This article will present a few fabric window treatment ideas that you might want to use as you cover your house up and put the blackout designer drapes on. You can also use these ideas as the take-off point for your own ideas in improving your window treatment.

If your house has a low ceiling and few windows, do not use velvet or other heavy drapery, as they can increase your cooling bill. Use such designer drapes in the winter, but stash them away and put on the sheer curtains during the summer or spring months. You can also layer your curtains: put lace over cotton, to create a cottage, down-home feel; or place veil over glossy material to imitate a bridal gown.

If you cannot afford heavy sheer designer drapes but still want color in your window, then add stained glass panels to your window, or hang up stained glass chimes. These can change the color of the light coming into your home, and can add to the appeal of your windows.

You can also innovate on the different ways to tie your cheap designer drapes tie them with different colored ribbons, or place dried flowers in your knots. Hang on braided fabrics to the edges or knots in your curtain. If your house is made up of cool stone or brick, you can turn your home into a castle by hanging up brocade or velvet curtains with embroidery.

These are only a few fabric window treatment ideas that you can use, so be creative and adventurous, and add accessories or decorations where you like. If you have heavy blackout designer drapes do not overdo your set-up, and instead let the design of your fabrics stand on their own. If you want to use thin, simple, or designer fabric drapes however, you can add decorations, but make sure that they do not make the window appear too over-laden with accessories.

Do not settle for only one or two fabric window treatment ideas to decorate your window for the next three years. Innovate constantly, and make sure that you get your cheap designer drapes washed regularly. You can have a pretty window in no time, with the best fabrics showing off your interests and style.

One of the most fun areas of home decorating is choosing what type of window treatments you are going to use. Not only do you have the choices of what style, fabrics, and colors but you also need to decide whether you will use matching or contrasting borders, fringe, cording, and other accents that will announce your individuality. The choice of window treatments tells a lot about a person’s personality. My wife and I recently redesigned the window treatments in one of our homes and chose a tropical them complete with bamboo rods for the curtain holders and blinds that were made of bamboo slats for an island look. When we added some floral curtains and draped artificial flowers over the bamboo rods it really set the whole room up.

Many people don’t realize how many different components go into creating great window treatments. In addition to the above you also have to choose your draperies and valances as well as what type of ties you are going to go with and with the valances you have to decide if you are going formal or casual as well as choosing the type of fabric and whether it will be flat, gathered, or pleated.

Next you will want to make a decision about blinds and shades. There is now a diverse selection of shades and blinds to choose from. This wasn’t the case as little as 20 years ago but now you can walk into home improvement store and find an enormous selection, if you shop online you find an even larger selection. Here you will have to decide whether you are going to use shades made of fabric or the cellular variety. You will also have the options of bottom arched, pleated or flat, Roman and balloon styles. Keep in mind that the cellular shades will give you a much cleaner look.

If you opt to go with blinds as we have in all of our houses then you have many more choices. You can choose aluminum, vinyl, imitation wood, or real wood for your blinds and of course you also have a rainbow of colors to choose from. The great thing about using real wood is that you can match them to any color you need. They are also very adjustable as far as how much light you want to let in and you can open them with open windows to let breezes flow through and still maintain a degree of privacy.

One of the quickest and most affordable ways to insulate your home is to dress your windows with thermal or insulated curtains. But… isn’t it boring – thermal curtains? Sounds like something industrial. As for me, when I first time heard about this window dressing, I imagined dull heavy designer fabric drapes hanged on my windows, transforming the home into an awful place, where I don’t want to live anymore. I was so mistaken! Thermal curtains can be really beautiful, suitable for any home, and there are so many variations of them!

You dress your windows with thermal curtains and along with a fine-looking window treatment you get an additional comfort of warmth in cool weather and cooling in hot summer days. And all this without additional money, spending on air conditioning!

Many people think that insulated curtains only keep the warmth in the room. If you also think so, you will be surprised. Thermal curtains have many others advantages: they provide a nice coolness in the room in hot weather, they can reduce noise that comes outside, and in addition, many of them have blackout feature, which is really great for a bedroom, a nursery or a home theater.

So what are actually thermal curtains? They are just regular curtains, but with one difference: they are made of fabric that has foam thermal backing. There are various fabrics for such curtains, but most common are cotton, polyester and a blend of them. This blend allows easy cleaning – curtains are machine washable. Thermal designer drapes come in so many colors and styles that you have a lot of choices and can easily find a thermal window dressing that suits the style and the color scheme of your interior. The additional advantage of them is its really affordable price.

Another type of insulated window treatment is curtains with insulated liner. Such liner provide the same functions as a thermal backing: reduces noise coming outside, keep warmth or coolness depending on weather and also blocks extra sunlight. You can shop for insulated curtains or make them by yourself if you like do-it-yourself projects and know how to sew.

Both thermal curtains and insulated designer drapes are heavy weight and require sturdy drapery hardware. Because of insulated backing or liner they are quite thick and don’t drape easily.

The insulated curtain liner can be also attached to existing blackout designer drapes or can be hanged separately as additional window treatment. (That means you will need an additional curtain rod, or double curtain track for them.) There are some advantages of such separate liner: you can add it to sheer designer drapes you already have, it perfectly protect discount designer drapes from dirt and dust coming from the window and you can easily remove and clean it. Since your curtains are separated from the liner, they can drape easily and in more attractive way then ones with an attached liner.

Thermal curtains and insulated beaded designer drapes aren’t the only types of insulated window treatments. So, if you are still not sure about thermal curtains, consider window blinds, shades and shutters. There are many types of them that provide great insulation also.