Small Scalloped Pocket

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Choosing Draperies as Window Treatment for Your Tampa Home

Draperies, like curtains, are among the most common choices for window treatment in the interior design of Tampa homes. While curtains are unlined and more informal, draperies are much dressier and preferred by Tampa decorators when creating a more elegant look. Furthermore, you can add thermal lining to your draperies to block out heat.

There are various styles of draperies.

Draw draperies are hung on a traverse rod and can be center drawn or one-way drawn. Center drawn draperies are closed from the sides to the center while one-way drawn draperies are pulled across from one side. These may be hand drawn or could use pull cords or a baton. They may come in single panels or may have over draperies in more intricate styles.

Pinch pleats have small pleats in intervals at the head of the panels. The name comes from the fact that the pleats look like they have been pinched and sewn on the fabric. The spacing determines the fullness of the drapery.

Pencil pleats are thin elongated pleats that are sewn very close together on stationary drapery panels.

Goblet pleats are like extra large pinch pleats, but they are gathered four inches from the top to form a goblet-like opening at the head of the drapery. To enhance the look, the top of each pleat is kept rounded by stuffing the space with tissue or batting.

Sometimes, the pleats are done horizontally at the head of drapery, using contrasting or complementary fabric.

Folded cuffs take advantage of the drapery lining. Contrasting or complementary material is used and displayed through cuffs folded out at the drapery head. Sometimes this is done over pencil pleats. Sometimes, the cuffs are folded out between hooks, creating scallop-like effects.

A more formal variation is the sewn-in valance look. A valance is an over drapery hung over panels of draperies. This look can be simulated with the valance sewn into the panels. This is usually made of contrasting or complementary material but the style of the over drape is more complicated than a cuff.

Box pleats are pleats that are sewn in reverse, with the pinched parts of the fabric hidden at the back and displaying the seams in front. These are sometimes highlighted with buttons covered in the same fabric.

Most draperies are hung on special hooks but pegs or curtain rods may be used, as well.

Flat panels could also be hung or tied directly on pegs or hooks above a window. Although lined drapery material is used, the style is more informal and casual.

Also very informal and casual are tab top heads. These have vertical tabs at the head through which the rod is interested. It can be made dressier using rich fabric and decorated with elegant ribbons and buttons.

Rod pocket ruffles are commonly used for curtains but can also be used for draperies. This is the usual style where a pocket is sewn at the head of the panel through which the rod is inserted. The panel can be shirred on the rod itself.

For the bedroom, you might want to consider matching your bedding to your drapery. Get matching fabrics from your Tampa supplier and instantly dress up your inner sanctuary.

You don’t have to limit yourself to draperies and curtains for your Tampa interior design, though. Tampa homeowners have other options for window treatments, as well, such as shutters, blinds and shades, including solar shades. Just make sure you get the best quality from the most reliable brands, such as Hunter Douglas. Tampa window treatment specialists can help you make the right choice and you can use various treatments and styles for different rooms in your home.

About the Author

Artistic Windows Inc.
Contact Name: Scott Sowder
Office Address: 4004 W Neptune St #102, Tampa, FL 33629
Phone: 813-835-8805
Email: awindows@tampabay.rr.com
Website: www.artisticwindowsinc.com