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Drapery Styles: The Guide to Different Drapery Types

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ripplefold curtain style

Ripple Fold Drapery in Wool Blend Snow and Wool Blend Fleece

With so many options available, choosing a custom drapery or curtain style for your home can seem a bit overwhelming. When it comes to weighing the importance of functionality or aesthetics, there are many decisions to consider. Here at The Shade Store, we have eight distinct drapery styles to select from, each with its own design and list of benefits. Luckily, we are here to help with our complete guide to understanding different types of drapery and how to choose a drapery style. Keep reading to find out exactly which drapery panel style is perfect for you!

Ripple Fold Drapery

ripplefold drapery style

Ripple Fold Drapery is one of our best-selling curtain styles. It is sleek and modern, but also very functional and easy to operate. This drapery design is a great selection if you plan on opening and closing your drapes every day, as it glides effortlessly along a track. It is a particularly popular choice for sliding glass doors because of its ease of movement along the track. We are also seeing a layering trend with Ripple Fold Drapery, where sheer materials are paired together or with a heavier drape, as shown in the image above. This technique adds depth and dimension to your room, improving the visual appeal of the space.

Tailored Pleat Drapery

tailored pleat drapery style

Tailored Pleat Drapery is another best-selling drapery design here at The Shade Store. It is fuller, and has an understated elegance. Known for its waterfall pleat design, the pleats are held stiff with a buckram stiffener, allowing this type of drapery to remain very functional and easy-to-operate. Similar to the Ripple Fold style, our Tailored Pleat Drapery is available in many different colors, patterns and materials. If you are looking for a lighter material, linen tailored pleat drapery may be a good solution for you. Alternatively, if you need something more substantial to help block a drafty window, our wool material selections are worth consideration.

Pinch Pleat Drapery

pinch pleat drapery style

Our Pinch Pleat Drapery is classically beautiful. The pleats pinch 4” from the top of the drapes, creating a simple but stunning shape. Similar to our Tailored Pleat, this drapery style is held stiff with buckram fabric, making it easy-to-operate and functional. A great example of our pinch pleat drapery can be found in our photo gallery. As shown in the gallery, while the pinch pleat drapery style is more traditional, it is easily made contemporary with a bold pattern choice.

Inverted Pleat Drapery

inverted pleat drapery style

Inverted Pleat Drapery is a unique curtain design in that while neatly pleated, it still gives off a casual, relaxed vibe. This drapery style is better suited for decoration; it is not ideal for frequent use. Because the inverted pleat drapery style is not recommended for frequent opening and closing, we suggest placing it with a roller shade if you need to control light.

Goblet Drapery

goblet drapery style

Goblet Drapery has a very sophisticated shape, with large goblet pleats along the top of the panels. Similar to the inverted pleat drapery style, the goblet drape style is best for a decorative purpose, and is not ideal for frequent use. Goblet Drapery has a large stack, which means that when open, more fabric will cover your windows.

Grommet Drapery

grommet drapery style

Grommet Drapery, as its name suggests, is hung from a rod via grommet rings. In addition to the many material and color selections at your fingertips, our grommets come in five designer finishes, including chrome, satin nickel, polished brass, antique brass, and black. Often, a grommet color is matched to the drapery rod and hardware. This drapery style can have a dramatic appearance, thanks to its deep folds. It is primarily a decorative curtain style, and not ideal for frequent use. It is important to note that the fabric of the grommet drapery measures one inch above the actual rod, due to the grommet inlay within the fabric.

Rod Pocket Drapery

rod pocket drapery style

Our Rod Pocket style is a very classic, casual, and traditional choice. The fullness of this drapery design is created by the gathered fabric near the rod pocket. This style of drapery works best as stationary panels, as they are not best for everyday use. The pocket for the drapery rod is able to accommodate up to a two inch diameter pole. In contrast to the goblet and inverted pleat drapery styles, the rod pocket style has a medium stack.

Cubicle DraperyTSS2018_Drapery_20

Our Cubicle Drapery is a great option if you’re looking something a little more budget-friendly. This style is incredibly versatile and functional, making it perfect for everyday use. Small grommets attach to hook carriers, allowing the cubicle curtain to glide easily along its track. The cubicle drapery style has our most minimal stack.

Want to see how each of the drapery styles look installed? View our inspirational drapery style photo gallery here!

Know exactly which drapery panel style you want or still have some questions? Either way, our expert design consultants are here to help. Visit one of our 55+ nationwide window treatment showrooms, give us a call, or email us at design@theshadestore.com to get started today!

Arched Window Treatments: How to Use Window Shades on Arched Frames

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Window Treatments for Arched Windows Fashionable Hostess

Pinch Pleat Drapery in Scatter Dot Ivory. Design by Amanda Gluck of Fashionable Hostess.

Arched windows add style and architectural interest to any space, but their unique shape can make it difficult to choose window treatments that look even and balanced. With our 70+ years of expertise, we have found several drapery and shade options that help your arched windows look their best. Whether you need full light blockage for a bedroom or you want to emphasize the arch in a living room, we have a window treatment solution for you.

Drapes Hung Above the Arch

Hanging drapes above arched windows addresses many potential drawbacks of other treatments. When hung high and pulled back, drapery can still allow the arched window trim to show and be appreciated. When closed, the drapes cover all of the windows and can help darken a bedroom or home office. Additionally, drapes mounted as high as possible elongate the walls and make ceilings appear taller.

If there is enough room on the wall above the windows, the drapery hardware can be mounted on the wall several inches above the arch. For a dramatic statement and for very tall windows, ceiling mounted drapes are an excellent choice. Both locations create a clean and streamlined look.

Drapes Hung Below the Arch

In multiple window situations where the arch rises above other rectangular windows, the drapery rod or track can be placed just below the arch and at the top of the other windows. This setup keeps the arch visible at all times, including when the drapes are closed. It preserves natural light while adding privacy to the lower portion of the windows.

Shades for Arched Windows

If other pieces of your furniture and décor have straight lines that you’d like to echo on the windows, sleek Roller Shades are a favorite for arched windows. In a light filtering material mounted above the top of the arch, the shade will allow the arched shape of the window to shine through when the shade is drawn. When raised, the shade closes into an inconspicuous roll, letting the windows remain the center of attention.

If you’d like to see what any of these window treatments for arched windows would look like in your home, take advantage of our free Photo Rendering Service. Send us a photo of your window and our designers will render the treatment of your choice in the proper location. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have by phone, email, or in one of our nationwide showrooms.

Styling Drapes for the Family Room

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drapes for family room ms architecture

Ripple Fold Drapes. Design by M.S. Architecture.

As its name suggests, the family room is often where parents, children, and guests gather and spend time together. These multipurpose spaces incorporate lounging, television watching, playing, and all sorts of other activities. Such a versatile room requires window treatments that supply comfort and function, working hard to meet the needs of your family and your home. We recommend drapes as an ideal choice for the family room because of their adaptability. Drapes offer a multitude of available styles and materials and can fit into homes with young children, pets, unique windows, and more. Keep reading to see our tips for choosing and styling custom drapes in your family room.

Determine Function First

Before looking at drapery materials and color schemes, decide what purpose your drapes will serve in your family room. Do you need privacy at night? Are there drafty patio doors that you would like to address? These are the types of questions that will guide you in choosing the style of drapes, from decorative to everyday use, as well as the fabric and lining.

Choose the Right Material

Thicker materials like wool and velvet with a blackout lining have the power to provide complete privacy and add insulation to your windows. Sheer drapery, like the gray Ripple Fold Drapes in Sasha Berlin’s design pictured below, soften the light in your room and add a breezy feel. On a wall of windows like this one, they also make the room feel less cold and help create an intimate atmosphere. If you have babies or toddlers, you may want to consider a durable material like our stain resistant Sunbrella® Ventana Collection. These fabrics are easy to clean and look beautiful on your windows.

family room window treatments sasha berlin design

Ripple Fold Drapes. Design by Sasha Berlin Design.

Never Go Wrong With Neutrals

If you are stuck trying to choose drapes for your family room, you can never go wrong with a neutral shade in a classic, functional style like Ripple Fold or Pinch Pleat. Grays, taupe and sandy shades, and crisp white all have staying power and can grow with your space as your tastes evolve. Take a look at some of our best selling materials for inspiration.

Our Design Consultants will be happy to help you create the perfect drapes for your family room. Give us a call, send us an email, or visit one of our showrooms to get your free swatches and get started on your design.

 

One Room Challenge Spring 2017 Makeovers with The Shade Store

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Beginning in April, a brave group of interior designers and bloggers chose one room of their homes to make over in a short 6 weeks for the biannual One Room Challenge. The challenge, organized by Calling It Home, takes place every spring and fall. Spring 2017 marks the second time The Shade Store has sponsored this inspiring design project. Keep reading to see some of the stunning makeovers completed this season using our custom shades and drapes.

Erin Williamson: Kitchen

erin williamson one room challenge reveal the shade store

Photo by Erin Williamson.

Designer and photographer Erin Williamson took on a significant renovation for her One Room Challenge: the dated kitchen in her 1970s Tudor home. This space went from “Tony the Tiger orange” cabinets and an awkward dropped ceiling to the open, airy minimalist dream you see above. Erin used Relaxed Roman Shades in Lannister Sheer above the sink in her corner window, and coordinating drapes in the same material by her banquette.

Glitter Guide: Master Bedroom

glitter guide one room challenge reveal the shade store

Photo by Anna Reynal. Design by Caitlin Kruse of Glitter Guide.

Caitlin Kruse of Glitter Guide chose her neglected master bedroom for the challenge. The transformation is dramatic, with new floors, new sliding doors, and a new closet. Floor to ceiling Tailored Pleat Drapes in Linen Blend draw the eye up and are the perfect window treatment solution for sliding glass doors. The Madison track system of drapery hardware makes them easy to close for privacy and light blockage at night.

J & J Design Group: Living and Dining Room

j and j design one room challenge reveal the shade store

Photo by John Woodcock Photography. Design by Joanna of J & J Design Group.

Joanna of J & J Design Group tackled the rounded columns, dated tile, and paper shades in her living and dining room area. Make sure you check out her before photo, because the final reveal does not look like the same space! Millwork walls, blue furniture, and colorful drapery mesh beautifully together to create a bright, inviting space. Pinch Pleat Drapes in Linen add softness to the walls and accentuate the architectural details on the newly-cased windows.

The English Room: Master Bedroom

the english room one room challenge reveal the shade store

Photo by ea decker photography. Design by Holly Hollingsworth Phillips of The English Room.

Known for her elegant, eclectic, and colorful style, Holly Hollingsworth Phillips’ home is full of interesting spaces. New furniture, storage solutions, wallpaper, paint, and carpet all factored into Holly’s design plan for her master bedroom makeover. Tailored Pleat Drapes in Linen are the perfect simple accent for the florals and animal print throughout the rest of the bedroom.

Erica Reitman: Guest House Bedroom

erica reitman one room challenge reveal the shade store

Photo by Bethany Nauert. Design by Erica Reitman.

Erica Reitman redesigned her entire guest house for the One Room Challenge. Grasscloth wallpaper, new lighting, and a luxe upholstered headboard added some instant style and drama to the bedroom. Ceiling mounted Ripple Fold Drapes helped the low ceiling appear taller, and provided more complete light blockage.

Suburban Bees: Tween Bedroom

suburban bees one room challenge reveal the shade store

Photo by Kelli Kroneberger. Design by Erin of Suburban Bees.

For her 9 year old who has decided she hates pink, Erin of Suburban Bees incorporated her daughter’s new favorite color (purple) into a modern boho design scheme for her bedroom and bathroom. Flat Roman Shades with a contrasting purple border bring in a subtle touch of color while complementing the watercolor cactus mural.

Almafied: Breakfast Nook

almafied one room challenge reveal the shade store

Photo by Alma Arrieta.

Alma Arrieta of Almafied made over the breakfast nook in her fixer upper ranch for the One Room Challenge. The new built in bench adds perfect seating for a round table. Woven Wood Shades in the breakfast nook and kitchen add natural texture and a relaxed but polished feel to the space.

Creekwood Hill: Kitchen

creekwood hill one room challenge reveal the shade store

Photo by Creekwood Hill.

Woven Wood Shades in Tahoe added warmth and dimension to Lea of Creekwood Hill’s all white kitchen. Lined Woven Wood Shades added privacy on the large window, and also allowed for light blockage when the sun was shining directly into the space. New light fixtures, pops of greenery, and gold accents also helped bring life to this new construction kitchen.

Thou Swell: Bedroom

thou swell one room challenge reveal the shade store

Photo by Thou Swell.

Student and designer Kevin O’Gara of the blog Thou Swell upgraded his older sister’s bedroom into a serene retreat for this One Room Challenge. The twin bed was switched out for a queen, complete with a dramatic forest green velvet headboard. A Flat Roman Shade in Winding Leaves adorns the room’s smaller window above the desk, and a Woven Wood Shade in Hampton covers the larger window.

Want more transformations? See the Fall 2016 One Room Challenge Makeovers with The Shade Store here.

Bedroom Drapes and Curtain Ideas

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bedroom drapes one kings lane the shade store

Inverted Pleat Drapes. Designed by Megan Pflug for One Kings Lane editor Dickson Wong. Photo by Genevieve Garruppo.

If your bedroom has a challenging layout or unique windows, deciding on window treatments can be difficult. We’re here to share with you some innovative design ideas for using drapery and curtains in the bedroom, including locations you may not have thought of to mount hardware and hang drapes.

Drapes Behind the Bed for a Statement Wall

Drapes and curtains can be used in places other than windows to make a big statement in the bedroom. One lovely option is to create a wall of drapery behind the bed. For One Kings Lane editor Dickson Wong, designer Megan Pflug came up with this design to save space in his small New York City apartment. The ceiling mounted Inverted Pleat Drapery gives the illusion of a headboard while saving space.

master bedroom drapes mabley handler the shade store

Ripple Fold Drapes. Designed by Mabley Handler for the 2016 Hampton Designer Showhouse.

In the opposite situation, design team Mabley Handler created a wall of drapery behind the four poster bed in this master bedroom they designed for the 2016 Hampton Designer Showhouse. Hanging artwork can be tough within the confines of a four poster bed with a canopy, so the bedroom drapery created a statement piece out of the entire wall, and echoes the softness of the contrasting drapes covering the windows on the opposite wall. Take note of how none of the fabrics in this room match exactly; stick to complementary tones and don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colors!

ceiling mounted drapes the shade store chudin design

Ripple Fold Drapes. Designed by Chudin Design Collective for Homepolish. Photograph by Sammy Goh.

Ceiling Mounted Bedroom Drapes for a Corner Window

Corner windows are always problematic to treat. Where does the hardware go? How do you make the window treatments meet gracefully in the middle? Chloe Chudina chose lush Ripple Fold Drapes for this Lincoln Center Apartment’s floor to ceiling corner windows. When you look at the ceiling, you can see a Track mount system that meets in the corner of the bedroom, allowing the drapes to pull close and cover both sides of the windows.

bedroom drapes chudin design the shade store

Ripple Fold Drapes. Designed by Chudin Design Collective for Homepolish. Photograph by Sammy Goh.

The Shade Store offers multiple styles of Track drapery hardware systems in several colors and finishes. The white track blends into the ceiling of this bedroom, letting the drapery fabric and generous stack speak for themselves.

bedroom drapes arched window the shade store kalhome

Pinch Pleat Drapery. Designed by kalHome. Instagram: @kalhome1

Bedroom Drapes Hung Below the Transom for Arched Windows

Arched windows provide amazing architectural interest and maximize natural light, but always present dilemmas for how to hang window treatments. Above the arch or below? In this dreamy all white bedroom, Kimberly Loutzenhiser of kalHome hung Pinch Pleat Drapes just below the arched transom of the window. This setup provides privacy for the homeowners when the bedroom drapes are closed, while still allowing sunlight to filter in above the drapes during the day.

If you need help with new bedroom curtains and drapes, our Design Consultants are ready and waiting for your call. We will develop a custom window treatment solution for your bedroom walls or windows that creates the look you’ve been dreaming of. Visit us in a showroom or contact us today.

Want more inspiration about bedroom curtains and drapes? Visit our bedroom window treatment photo gallery to see more pictures. To find the perfect window treatments for your bedroom, order your free swatches or stop into one of our showrooms and talk to a Design Consultant.

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