Draperies or Curtains?

Curtains, Draperies, Blinds, and Shades. Some of the most talked about forms of window treatments. Today though, I am focusing on Draperies, but first, is there a difference between curtains and draperies? Yes, but only slightly. Curtains generally are thinner and stop at the bottom of the window or just below it and draperies go to the floor and may be made of thicker fabrics. I don’t use a lot of curtains, but use draperies in most of my projects. They are a fairly easy way to bring together a disconnected space plus give you functional use with an endless assortment of options and customizations. You can purchase a made-ready panel or go fully custom-made or even a hybrid in between.

Endless options!

They are a fairly easy way to bring together a disconnected space plus give you functional use with an endless assortment of options and customizations.

Picture this:

A cozy living room with wide, open windows letting in a flood of natural light and a view of trees and flowers. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it is, except when my neighbors are all out walking and with a simple glimpse, can see right in to where my family and I are lounging in our pjs watching a movie. Casual walkers can easily peer into my personal sanctuary on a lazy Sunday morning and *poof* our private bubble is popped.

Enter drapery, the unsung

hero of home design.

In my quest for the perfect answer, I thought I would share some things to consider when addressing your own windows. The right drapes not only can add a touch of elegance, but can beautifully conceal unwanted views, give much needed privacy, and protect flooring and furnishings from harsh sunlight. With a variety of fabrics, price points, dimensions, your living room can be transformed into a cohesive and functional space.

1. Fabric Finesse:

Choosing drapery fabric is my first mission – a bit like selecting the perfect soundtrack for a movie. Beyond aesthetics, I wanted something durable yet chic. Linen, with its understated elegance, turned out to be the winner. Here's a DIY tip: give that fabric sample a scrunch test. Linen is meant to look casual and slightly wrinkled. If you want tailored and smooth, go with cotton or velvet. You can even add a personal touch by experimenting with trims and tapes.

Add a pop of color or keep it neutral…what feel do you want in your space?

Choosing the right fabric not only impacts the look but also the longevity of your drapes. Fabrics like linen add an elegant touch while being relatively low-maintenance.

2. Length Lingo:

Next up, the length dilemma. I typically decide to hang the curtain rod above the window frame, giving the illusion of height and space.(It’s not always necessary to hang them at the ceiling, it depends on what effect is desired for the room and how all of the elements in the room balance.) As for the length, you can let those panels kiss the floor – a gentle graze that adds a touch of drama, lightly puddle, or even have a dramatic pool. My DIY bonus: I love hooks over clips! They are easy to use and give a much more elevated look.

Hanging your curtain rod strategically enhances visual appeal and also creates an illusion of spaciousness, especially in smaller rooms.

3. Hardware Harmony:

Now, the hardware – the anchor for windows. I most often opt for a sleek, simple rod to complement a more updated aesthetic. It is like picking the perfect element to elevate the entire look. Finials of all types (the finial is the end piece at each end of the rod) are available to suit any decor. Be sure to tighten all of the screws to ensure they stay put when the material is moved during use.

Matching hardware to your room's style ties the whole look together. Simple rods for modern aesthetics, ornate finials for vintage charm – it's the little details that make a big difference.

4. DIY Drapery Delight:

Finally, I love adding a personal touch to rooms and window treatments are no different – funky trims that not only elevate the aesthetic, but also cleverly unite the palette in the room. Drapes can become a canvas, and with a bit of creativity, they can be turned into a unique piece of art.

While DIY window treatment projects can be a fun necessity that can add so much to your space, the intricate nature of drapes calls for careful consideration. A professional touch ensures your vision comes to life without the risk of design mishaps.

5. Exploring Options:

Fabrics for draperies can be coordinated with walls, pillows, decor, furnishings, etc. Anything in the space that you love can be highlighted through the use of draperies!

Now, let's talk about the myriad options at your fingertips. Beyond traditional drapes, there are countless alternatives to suit every taste and style. Consider cafe curtains for a touch of casual charm, sheers for a delicate and airy feel, or cornices to add a touch of architectural elegance. The world of window treatments is vast and varied, offering endless possibilities to complement your unique aesthetic. The combination of any of these can take a room from plain to perfect (for you) in a relatively short time.

So there you have it, whether you're dealing with nosy neighbors, want to add a touch of elegance, or want to protect your furnishings from the sun, you can DIY a solution or let MASH Habitat Interiors guide you through the drapery selection. Either way, let the exploring of fabrics, trims, rods, etc. begin!