Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Pleated Draperies: Classically Stylish

All of us have read fairytales about beautiful princess and elegant castles and have craved sometime or the other, to own a castle of that style. Don’t you think that an effervescent flower-printed or a plain bright colored pleated drapery can convert your ordinary house into a fairy tale castle. However, to make a pleated drapery is one tedious job. No problems! Here we are to guide you to get yourself the most gorgeous pleated draperies at a reasonable cost.

The internet provides you with a facility of sitting at home and shopping online. You may buy luxurious pinch pleated draperies through the internet as well. In this way, you may compare the draperies provided by various brands and buy the one that suits your space the most. Most brands will offer you pleated draperies in 50" W x 84" L, 150" W x 84" L, 50" W x 90" L, and 75" W x 63" L sizes. You can also go for pleated drapery with floral motif all over. Some brands would give you one pair of tiebacks with every pair of pleated draperies. 4-point handkerchief valance are also available. These are trimmed with bullion fringe.

A drapery from a good brand will have heavy weight washable woven jacquard fabric. The better the fabric the easier it would be for you to maintain your drapery. The most desirable are the ones with 100% polyester. A 100% polyester material can be washed in cold water. Machine wash in gentle cycles is recommended. However, it is better to avoid bleaching the drape. You may iron it in a mild temperature if necessary. Line dry is also suggested for your pleated draperies.

Another option is the insulated thermal foam back, pinch-pleated drapes. These are energy saving drapes. The foam thermal backing of these drapes keeps cold and heat out of the room. If you get fascinated by a darker ambiance, then these pleated drapes with thermal foam backing are most suitable for you as they are excellent room darkener. These drapes are available in a wide range of contemporary shades. The fiber comprises cotton and polyester. The maintenance is also a cake walk. You may simply hand wash them and line dry. These drapes come in sizes like 48" W x 63" L and 48" W x 84" L.

The pleated draperies come in a price range of $6.99 to $12.99. You may also avail of attractive discounts of 53 percent to 78 percent from you online shopping.

Know More about Fabric Valances

A simple window can be immediately transformed into something more ornate and stylish by the addition of a valance. Windows of your home can definitely be made to look more outstanding with the use of beautiful tapestry. Fabric valances add that extra touch to the glamour quotient of your home. A valance is an ornamental piece of fabric attachment that is used to cover the top half of a window. Valances come in varying lengths and are used to camouflage curtain rods. They are excellent pieces of home décor and can be used individually or as a part of a window treatment.

Types of decorative valances

Pleated valances: Pleated fabric valances are attached to a board along with brackets at the top of a window. The shape of pleated valances is cut in a particular manner and a lining is given so that the pleats are maintained. The pleats may be stitched in various styles. You may use box pleats, pinched pleats or spaced pleats. Pleated valances look very neat especially if they are made with embossed or printed fabrics.

Swag valances: Swag valances are cascading valances made with light and free flowing fabrics. There are two kinds of swag valances. The first variety is raised in the middle and longer at the ends. The jabot variety of swag valances has a drape-like effect. Sheer fabrics made a good material for swag valances.

Balloon Valances: Balloon valances are made out of fabric that is closely gathered and stuffed to give it a ballooned look. The valances have layers of fabric with filling inside to create a dimensioned effect. Balloon valances have a very elegant look and exude richness and class.

Valances should complement the décor of your room. Correct placement of fabric valances is very important. You can give a shorter effect to a long window by arranging the valance at a lower height. Valances placed higher up give an effect of extended height to a shorter window. Fabric valences are available in different shapes, sizes, designs, colors and fabrics. If your drapery is simple and light it could be paired with a soft and free flowing fabric valance. A heavier, crisp valance could do well if want a formal look to your home décor. Valances look fine with shades, shutters and Venetian blinds as well. A variety of readymade valances are available in the market. You could also get them custom-made according to your personal preference.