3 Secrets To Luxuriously Looking Drapes
Copyright (c) 2007 Julie Lohmeier
My Home Redux
http://www.myhomeredux.com/
For drapes that look rich and luxurious, keep these three tips in
mind:
1) It all starts with the fabric. Unless you have specifically
gone for an airy look and are using sheers, gauze, or tulle,
luxurious drapes start with a fabric that have body. It's kind
of like hair - you don't want limp drapes. The material should
have some umph. It doesn't necessarily have to be stiff, soft
fabrics flow and fall gracefully, but it should have enough
strength to hold its pleats and shape as it hangs.
2) Fullness. You want sufficient fullness in the drape. At a
minimum, you should use one and a half times the width of the
window for a gathered drape or valance. Twice the width is much
better. The valance itself is straight, but the fullness is still
there in the other elements. Even if you pull drapes fully shut,
there should still be some additional fullness - think of pleated
drapes - even when closed the pleats add fabric to avoid creating
a window covering that looks like a single sheet of material.
3) Layers. For the most luxurious window treatments, use layers.
Sheers or underdrapes. Valances. Panels. Overpanels. Blinds,
shades, or shutters. Use good taste, but you'll often see three
elements: a privacy layer, a top such as valance or cornice, and
panels or swags.
And here's another bonus tip - embellishments. Trims, rosettes,
fringe. Currently drapes are shown with adornments such as these.
Granted, you can overdo anything, but if tastefully done and
complementary to the fabric and the room's decor, these features
will have your window treatments screaming "luxury."
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Julie Lohmeier is the veteran of numerous home remodeling and
building projects. From working hands on and doing much of
the work herself to hiring contractors and construction
managers, she has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement.
She shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other
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