Drapery Panels

Drapery Panels

Window treatments are a central part of every home. Whether you go the minimal route or use your window treatments as a center point of your interior design, we are here to help you learn what options there are available to you.

As you start out you will find that there are many more drapery styles than you thought originally. Don’t get overwhelmed! Here we will help you with a simple guide to better understand drapery styles and options to find what is right for you.

What is the Difference Between Drapes and Curtains?

Many “experts” will often use the terms drapes and curtains interchangeably, but there are important differences. While both curtains and drapes are fabric panels that are used to cover your window, the similarities end there.

Curtains are a single-layer fabric often sold in pairs to dress up a window. They are hung in a variety of ways over a window, and they tend to not block out much light. They are usually a fairly casual option, leading to a wide variety of bargain fabrics, but can include some finer fabrics from time-to-time. Some curtains are long, but others can be short. Think of those half-curtains often hung over kitchen windows.

Drapes, on the other hand, are usually lined fabric of solid colors. This gives drapes the benefit of being able to block all of the light entering a room. Drapery panels are often made of heavier fabrics, like velvet, and even luxury fabrics, like silk. Drapes are full-window coverings, starting above the window and often falling all the way to the ground. Drapery styles tend to add a more elegant feel to a room when compared to curtains.

Drapery Styles: Your Guide to Drapery Types

Now that you understand what exactly drapes are, we will go over the different types of drapes to arm you with all the knowledge you need to give your home the look and feel you’re dreaming of.

Drapery Panel Styles

  • Panels With Rings – these attach the drapery panel to the rod with rings. These rings can either hang from the fabric or are part of the panel itself. This is also known as grommet drapery.
  • Ripple Fold Drapery – one of the best-selling styles, ripple fold drapery is great for functionality and style. The drapes easily glide along a track, making them great for daily use over a sliding glass door.
  • Pleated Panels – pleats add style and class to drapery panels, and there are a wide variety of pleat patterns to choose from. These include pinch pleat, tailored pleat, and inverted pleat options, among others.
  • Rod Pocket Drapery – great for a classic look that is not used daily. The fabric has a pocket along top where the rod is inserted, allowing a beautiful bunched look.

Other Things to Consider When Shopping for Drapery Panels

When shopping for the perfect drapery style, there are other factors that you will want to consider. These include:

  • Quality of Fabric: are you looking for something luxurious that will last for a lifetime, or something simple for daily use?
  • Color: color plays a part in the feel of a room and the amount of light that filters through. Are you looking to brighten up a nursery or create privacy in your bedroom?
  • UV Protection: many drapery styles can block out all UV light, leading to full protection when the shades are drawn. This is great for movie rooms or rooms where you want to protect the woodwork or rugs.
  • Size and Length: the size of your drapery panels plays a huge part when considering drapery styles. It is important to consider where the drapes will drop to and what they might be near or covering. Going all the way to the floor adds an elegance yet drapes that reach to just above the floor are easier for daily use.

What Drapery Styles are Best for Your NYC Home?

We know that every person, home, and room are different. At The Blind Source, we have been helping families design the perfect drapery panels for decades. Give us a call at 1-800-338-0385 or fill out a form today to get started on your free quote!