When you hear the term ‘designer draperies,’ what do you think? Maybe a certain ornate style or fabric comes to mind. But when we speak of designer draperies, we just mean that the draperies have been designed specifically for your window and with your style and your room furnishings in mind. So really, designer draperies are more like custom draperies.
Find great ideas for designer draperies on Pinterest or in the Gailani Designs Gallery.
To me, ‘designer drapery’ means:
- Quality: Quality of material and quality of fabrication. The fabrics and hardware must come from a reputable source with guarantees. The textile must withstand sun and other atmospheric conditions, and the hardware must slide smoothly and easily. The lining too must be of a good quality, and it also must work well with the drapery fabric. One thing people sometimes overlook is how the lining will look from the outside of the home. The color of the lining must go with the house’s exterior colors – i.e. a white lining works perfectly with white or gray siding, and an off-white or ivory lining works nicely with brown or tan siding.
- Perfect fit: The draperies or shades must fit perfectly on the window and be the perfect width and length. Normally the drapery should be about a half inch or so above the floor – unless we have the drapery break on the floor for a more opulent look.
- Luxury: The types of fabrics used, the hardware, and the embellishments all add luxury to the draperies. Layering different fabrics and patterns, as well as how the design is repeated in the room, are all factors that add to the luxurious feel.
- Details: It is all in the details, and the details are what make the draperies custom. The type of pleating, trim, fringe, tassels, banding, contrast, tie-backs, and so on are all things to consider.
- Unique designs: Designer draperies must not be run-of-the-mill. Uniqueness is created by unique designs, the type of material and hardware, and the details mentioned above.
- Customized to the client’s needs: The drapery designer will ask a lot of questions to understand the needs of her client. They may ask how the room will be used, who will use it, how much privacy is needed, what direction the room is facing, do they need their draperies to be functional or only decorative, and so on.
- Dressed draperies: Professional installation is a must to give the draperies the designer touch. An experienced installer – with few twists and turns – will create a work of art that will make all the difference in a room. As a finishing touch, steaming the draperies makes a big effect on the overall look.
- Draperies that enhance the overall style of the room: When all is said and done, the draperies must enhance the design and beauty of the room in terms of style, color scheme, patterns, textures, etc.
