Draperies are a wonderfully versatile type of treatment that can accomplish everything from insulating drafty windows to adding privacy to your space. When choosing the style and material of your drapes, you can also choose whether the panels should be operable or stationary. Stationary drapery panels can elevate home décor in a multitude of ways, acting as decorative accents and creating pleasing visual illusions.
Make Windows Appear Wider
If you have narrow or oddly-shaped windows, use stationary drapery panels hung wider than the window to make the window appear bigger. As long as you have the wall space, it’s just a matter of extending your drapery hardware beyond the width of the window. Make sure that the panel is wide enough to allow the right amount of fullness, so the drapes still look rich and substantial.
Paloma Contreras of La Dolce Vita used Pinch Pleat Drapes in her office. You can see that the whole window frame is exposed, and the drapery stack sits outside the window glass and completely on the wall. She made the already large window a true focal point of the wall, using drapes to frame the beautiful view into her back garden.
Pinch Pleat Drapes. Photo and design by Paloma Contreras, La Dolce Vita.
This trick also works well if your windows are off-center on your wall. You can use drapery to give the window an even appearance, or even extend the drapes across the whole length of the wall for an extra luxurious look.
Flank Radiators with Stationary Drapery Panels
Radiators can add a great deal of charm to a home, but they can be a pain when it comes to deciding on window treatments. One of our favorite solutions is to dress the window itself with a shade, like a Roller or Roman shade, and then add drapery panels to either side. The drapes won’t interfere with the radiator, but they provide the interest of soft texture on your walls, while the shade adds privacy if necessary.
Tie In the Colors of Your Space
Stationary panels can be used as an accent color in your décor, or used to tone down a bright color used on shades. Jen Sergent’s master bedroom windows were short and wide behind her bed, and she used Flat Roman Shades with Inverted Pleat Drapery to create a cohesive look that included all the colors in the rest of the room. The shades, made of Sateen Stripe in Regal, pick up the accent colors of the rug and the throw pillow. The drapes in Basket Sheer, color Rain round out the windows’ tall placement while tying into the bedspread and other upholstery in the bedroom.
Flat Roman Shades and Inverted Pleat Drapery. Photo and design by Jen Sergent, DC by Design.
When designing around your windows, take advantage of our free Photo Rendering Service that places the treatments of your choice in a photo of your room so you can see the effect they will have in the space. Our Design Consultants are ready to help with recommendations and expertise, and they’ll make sure your drapes are the best fit for your needs.
