Tuesday, July 6, 2010

What are the Different Types of Pleated Draperies?

The oft-quoted inspirational poem Dust If You Must by Rose Milliganaster goes thus: "A house becomes a home when you can write 'I love you' on the furniture…" Despite what the poet has to say, it will be really nice to have a clean, healthy home replete with flowing curtains and drapes?

Well, as we all know, the right window treatment impacts the look and feel of spaces considerably. If the windows are large, you can use silk and linen curtains, sheer curtains, ruffled window curtains, valances and cornices. However, if privacy followed by the need for easy outdoor glimpse and daylight at different times are your priority, pleated draperies window treatments must be your ultimate choice.

Types of Pleated Draperies

Pleated draperies are available in the following types:

Pinch Pleats: If you prefer traditional, yet elegant designs, pinch pleated draperies are for you. Pinch pleats are a group of three small pleats stitched in regular intervals with equal space. These are ideal for sliding doors and wider windows. They are easy to hang, especially if the pleats are created using pleat tape.

Pencil Pleats: These derive their name from the narrow row of fold that resembles a row of pencils kept side by side. Pencil pleats provide better coverage for bedrooms while also ensuring privacy and softening the decor.

Box Pleats: Best for sunrooms and kitchens where privacy is not a big concern, box pleats lend a stylish look to the décor. You can also use box pleats as window valance to escort drapes and sheers.

Cartridge Pleats: If you want an alternative to pinch pleats, go for cartridge pleats. Cylindrical in shape, these pleats make a great choice for wider windows as is the case with pinch pleated draperies.

Goblet Pleats: Similar to pinch pleats, goblet pleats do not require bringing the top together in three folds. You can also add stuffing with interlining at the top. It is an unconventional option that can add brightness and extra charm to a room.

Smocked Pleats: These resemble cartridge and pinch pleats, and are widely used for providing maximum coverage to windows. The elegant design which gives an illusion of intricacy attracts attention at the first sight.

Whatever your choice of design in pleated draperies, you can the best selection from Half Price Drapes. Offered at competent prices, Half Price Drapes products boast clients worldwide, which range from designers to individual home owners and in leading restaurants. The company also caters to the customized requirements of varied clients. You can visit http://www.halfpricedrapes.com right now to choose from a variety of curtains and complementary hardware accessories.

How to Get Custom Drapes for your Home?

Drapes are the best window treatment options if you aim to block sunlight or water from entering your home. However, extensive choices in pre-made drapes make choosing one an overwhelming task; especially for those who want specific style or combination of colors. Custom drapes are the answer for you and for those homes that do not have standard-sized windows. Searching for pre-made drapes for windows of varying size can be a cumbersome task.

Steps for Creating Perfect Custom Drapes

If you prefer to get custom drapes made, here is some homework to help deliver the right specifications to your drapery maker.

Window Measurement: Measure dimensions of the windows using a tape. Note that even a slight error in measurement can result in too small or oversized drapes. Measure the window width as well as height. Also, measure the height from the top of the window to the floor.

Decide a Fabric: The fabric of the drapes is as important as their color. If class and elegance is what you desire, heavy, thick fabrics are for you. To impart a romantic touch to the room, soft, light fabrics such as chiffon and silk will work wonders. Cotton drapes are the all-time best option if you want something that can be easily dealt with later.

Decide on Detailing: What style and pattern do you prefer? What will look good in your room: flowing or fitting, pleated or non-pleated? Do you want embroidery on your drapes? Should you opt for geometric or floral pattern? Do you want dense, sparse or embroidery only on the edges? You can choose from rouched to striped, solid and banded. Also decide on the style, color and design of valances, brackets and other hardware material for your window treatments. Remember, the more intense the detailing, the more the price.

The best way to decide on fabric and detailing is to check designs on the Internet. For the best advice on window treatments and drapery, consult Half Price Drapes, a reliable custom drapery maker for clients worldwide. Half Price Drapes has employed experienced seamstresses to manufacture custom drapes adhering to specific details provided by customers. You can visit http://www.halfpricedrapes.com to browse through their outstanding selections and place your order right away.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Ensure Sturdiness via Window Valances

Window décor is changing the face of interior decoration these days. When people call on you or come to attend a party at your house, it is very important that you create the right impression of your home. Therefore your home needs to be decorated and presented elegantly. The décor should blend perfectly with the furniture.

Windows essentially represent the “eyes” of a room. Therefore we should give special attention to them. Proper curtains should be chosen so that they match the theme of the room. But before that, we have to consider the window valances.

Getting down to the basics, a valance is a form of treatment that conceals the upper portion of the window. It can be hung solely or with blinds or curtains. In , it is similar to a pelmet, except that it is made of fabric.

Valances are usually of 4 types:-

  • Balloon valances are so named due to its balloon like appearance. They are manufactured from lightweight cotton material.
  • Swag or scarf valance can be made from any fabric. It has tails hanging out from each side and drapes over the top of a window.
  • The fabric of Ascot valances form triangular shapes which hang over curtains. These are exquisitely designed with silk or velvet and have tassels or fringe.
  • Italian valances are manufactured from a fabric that hangs across the top, with the length forming a curve with the shortest width at the centre.
Lest you think that these items cost an arm and leg, rest assured there are good websites that are offering these products at incredible discounts. People are usually wary of buying products at discounts due to poor quality or inferior materials used in manufacturing the item. However, this possibility is ruled out if you make your purchase from a reliable website. The advantage of buying from a good online concern is that you have a huge collection to choose from, the products are of the finest quality, ordering the item is a simple process, your money will be handled securely, and you will not be duped.

www.halfpricedrapes.com offers you a variety of window décor at amazing discounts. It ensures top quality products and complete customer satisfaction. The website even has a full refund policy within 30 days if you are dissatisfied with the quality. Visit the website and choose the perfect window valance for your home.

Ready Made Drapes - The Ideal Accessories For Your Home

Drapes have become essential if you want to turn your home into a decorative masterpiece. Window decoration is essential for a room especially if it is a large room. Shabby décor can turn an elegant room into a shoddy affair whereas elegant decoration can transform a plain living room into a classy and chic lounge.

But, you have to be careful while choosing the proper curtains for the windows in your home. The words drape and curtain are again used interchangeably. The term “drape” is mainly used in the United States. Their demand has increased over the years due to hotels, restaurants, theatres, and cinemas.

Nowadays you have ready made drapes that are available in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes. You might prefer a simple and sober pattern or you might choose bright and loud colors. Alternatively you might go for large sized silk, faux silk or velvet ones that come with tassels. There is also a choice between embroidered and plain. They might be held with tie backs or closed and opened with curtain rods.

Drapes can vary in type according to UV deterioration, oil and dust retention, life span and fire resistance. However, they can be classified into 3 categories: sheer, uncoated, and coated. Sheer/net curtain is translucent and made of cotton lace or loosely woven polyester voile. They allow maximum light to pass through, yet give protection from UV rays. Uncoated fabrics are generally made from a cotton and polyester blend. They are mostly opaque. Coated fabrics consist of an uncoated fabric provided with a rubber backing in the rear of the fabric for better light absorption.

Good quality ready made drapes do not come at an exorbitant rates. Websites and online dealers often offer attractive discounts for these items. A huge variety is available and you can choose according to your preference of size, style, color, and embroidery. They are of the finest quality as they are woven by experts who have paid attention to each and every detail so that you get a magnificent return on your investment.

These days some websites are cheating people by giving them poor quality items. The seams come apart, the color fades or the tassels become loose soon after they are bought. So it is essential for you to check the credibility of the concern before giving them your hard earned money.

Fabulous ready made drapes can be purchased from www.halfpricedrapes.com. They have an amazing collection in their stocks that are regularly updated. Ordering, payment, and shipping are extremely convenient. So grab the chance to re-decorate your home, and add a magical touch to leave visitors speechless!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Silk Curtains; Types and Benefits

With dupioni silk curtains, it has become very easy to add classic Hollywood glamour to one’s room. Dupioni silk curtains helps in enhancing looks by its subtle and flamboyant colour combination of a living room, it also adds style to bathroom with its deep prints and to go with it its soft colour makes bed room more soothing. Dupioni silk, is the best quality silk available thus it is slightly high on cost. For affordable prize silk curtains you must seek for a reputed dealer.

Dupioni Silk Curtains: Types and Benefits

An array of Dupioni silk curtains like Reeded, Bangalore silk types and Shanghai (which is best and 100 % hand –woven silk) are accessible online.

If you are in pursuit of giving a regular look to your home Dupioni silk is an excellent choice. It can be used to impart unique looks and make fibre stronger by blending the tough natural silk, fibre to materials like rayon, cotton and linen. They are effective insulators and to add to that are naturally moulded, easy –to – maintain and dirt resistant too.

Dupioni Silk Curtains: Selecting the Best for your Home

Before investing on Dupioni silk curtains you must take into consideration the following features:

Measure: The very first and important consideration is the curtain should be of accurate dimension. For proper feel of the drape you must ensure you have left sufficient spacing. If you go online then at popular source, you will definitely come across the silk curtains that you are in sought of.

Colour: Colour of the curtain is an important agenda for proper appeal of a room, many consider colour of upholstery can be determined later but it is equally important to give an overall complete impression of a room .the colour adds elegance, warmth, sophistication and gives extra oomph to the room.

Style: There are various styles that you can go through before finalizing one. You have to decide whether you are inclined towards valance style or you prefer tasselled one over the ruffled drape style.

Design: One important thing that you need to consider is the design. Design pattern should be apt for regular use and not overwhelming. Some curtains also have patterns and style created on them. Subtlety is another key factor which needs to be looked upon in designing, one more innovation that can be implemented is you can make silk curtain as a focal point of the room.

Thus we see that silk curtain not only enhances the beauty of room but also renders a certain class to them. These curtains can be afforded easily provided you have the knack of decorating the interiors of your home. At HalfPriceDrapes.com, a huge collection of curtains in variety of style, shade and measurement is available.

Choose Your Curtain According To the Room

Using curtains are an integral part of home décor. They are both utilitarian and helps in beautifying your home effectively. There are various types of curtains which are suitable for your bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen which will make them look cozier or offer functionality. You home is the one place where you want to be back at the end of a day and feel comfortable and relax. For this reason, you must make sure that you choose the curtains well and so that they bring in the effect that you desire.

Curtains for the bathroom and kitchen

You will find curtains of various materials like silk curtains or cotton curtains, or curtains made from sheer materials which are light and airy. If you are considering a curtain for your kitchen or bathroom, it is best to go for a cotton curtain. A cotton curtain is considered safe and allows proper ventilation in these areas of the house. For kitchen curtains, it is necessary that you do not opt for very lengthy curtains, due to safety reasons. A long and hanging kitchen drape near the oven or the stove can prove to be quite harmful.

Similarly your bathrooms must also have short drapes or else they will touch the floor and get dirty and wet. That will mean that you have to keep changing your curtains frequently and wash them regularly. A dirty curtain in the bathroom will give a dirty look to the ambience and make you feel uneasy when you have visitors at home. Another thing about bathroom curtains is that they should match the interiors of the bathroom, so that it looks good. It is also recommended that the bathroom curtains are made of fabric so that they are easier to wash than heavy curtains. Even if your bathroom curtains get dirty, you can wash them easily in your washing machine. If the curtains are making the room look smaller, you can fit various mirrors on the walls to make it appear bigger.

Curtains for the bedroom

For your bedroom, you can opt for other materials like silk or heavy fabrics. They look elegant and majestic when coordinated properly with the wall color and color of the doors and windows of your room. Most people prefer black out curtains which help in keeping away the harsh sunlight when required while those in cooler regions go for lighter airy curtains to allow the light in. If you want to know more about curtains and drapes that are suitable for your home, you can visit HalfPriceDrapes.com

Monday, February 8, 2010

Curtain Hardware that Act as Curtain Accessories

If you have purchased a new home recently or are planning to redecorate your current home then curtains are an important part of it. A curtain can immediately change the entire look of a room. There are various types of hardware that are required to hoist these curtains properly. Curtain hardware is also an essential part of the room decoration these days.

Earlier curtains were put up on simple curtain rods, but nowadays there is a wide variety of window curtain hardware available. This curtain hardware comes in different colors and shapes. They include things like curtain rings, curtain poles, and designer curtain rods. Other things include drapery rods, curtain rods, curtain finials, curtain hooks, and even tie backs. All these curtain accessories are available in a variety of materials like iron, wood, steel, wrought iron, or even ceramic ones. It might become difficult for you to determine the suitable accessory for your home. You might end up buying something which looks good in the shop but is not appropriate for your home. To avoid such a situation, you can keep a few things in mind when shopping for your curtains and its accessories.
  • Carry the measurements of your room with you .The size of the drapery rod and other accessories will be determined by the size of your room. Choose wide diameter poles and rods for rooms that are big in size and smaller ones for rooms that are smaller.
  • Fix up your mind before you go out to shop, if you want to have accessories that can be seen or you want them hidden behind the drapes. If you want them to be seen then you can go for costly decorative pieces, or else you can buy ordinary ones.
  • It is important that all the accessories that you choose complement each other. If they do not match well they might look too dressy and create an uncomfortable atmosphere in the room.
  • Longer fabrics lines make the room look taller. Keeping this in mind get the rods installed well above the window frame or even higher.
  • Determine if your drapes will remain open most of the time or they will remain shut. If you have to open and shut them regularly, then you have to install a draw cord system. This draw cord system acts like a pulley to move the drapes simply at the tug of the chord.
If you are eager to buy quality window curtain hardware then you can start searching through the websites available over the internet.

Tips for Choosing Drapery for Valances

Drapery valances are those pretty-as-a-picture toppings that you see over windows. That is why they are called toppers. They come in many types and styles. Drapery for valances must be chosen carefully. You need to make a choice based on your likes, décor style, lifestyle, size and shape of the window and other structural considerations like where it is located, molding and so on. You might also have to consider insulation issues if the room is prone to losing or gaining heat. Only careful consideration can help you find the right answer to these considerations.

Before you decide on any style, get yourself a good design book. Books such as these would contain a nice selection of various window treatments. From these, you would be able to see photos and sketches of standard styles, and the combinations. That way, you can choose the décor that suits your house and your room.

A good starting point for choosing drapery for valances is the architectural style of your house. Some homes have an inbuilt style. The stately homes of the past are an example. But other homes may be more modern and may adapt to modern window treatments. Older, traditional homes may do well with a pelmet design.

The purpose of the room is another good indicator of the style of your valances. For instance, if the theme of the room is formal (more like a boudoir), you can opt for something fancy and decorative. If, on the other hand, the room has a fun theme as in the case of a children’s room, then, the style may be simple and relaxed, quite informal. In the same way, a country kitchen will have a theme different from the theme of a chic bathroom. While choosing drapery, valances and other window treatments, allow the theme of the room to guide you.

The kind of fabric you use for the valances also matter a lot. You need to find out if the drapery you use for valances may be pressed to form crisp folds. The weight of the fabric you choose for the curtain should match the weight of the draperies for valances. So, for example, heavy velvet curtains may not be topped off with sheer scarf valances. Finally, the color and design of the drapery you use for valances must compliment the color and design of your curtains. In many cases, you can have the same fabric for valances and curtains and put in a contrast lining.

Window valances are very popular these days because they hide the curtain rod and they also give a special touch to the windows. Valances come in various styles. Window valances, swag valances, cornice valances and Ascot valances are a few examples.

Besides the above, it is possible to order custom draperies for window valances online. You can save yourself a lot of time and money by ordering these custom valances. Custom valances are perhaps the most inexpensive options when it comes to bay windows and other such windows that are particularly hard to deal with.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Designer Drapery – What to Look for as Accessories Gain Weight

Designer drapery can vastly improve the ambiance and give a great facelift to your home's interior décor. This trend has been helped on by the fact that accessories are increasingly gaining importance on the fashion front, along with improved consumer interest. This is great news for those who love to play around with their interior décor, especially with the window treatments and upholstery.

However, do not be fooled by a high price tag, which more often than not belies the quality of the product concerned. Carefully chosen designer drapery can be far less costly and yet as elegant and chic as the high-priced ones. Silk, pleated drapes, velvet, cotton curtains or prints, any of the lot can be purchased without shelling out a fortune.

All you need to do to make a worthwhile investment is to keep some specific points in mind, especially if you are looking for customized or tailor-made window treatments. Listed below are some prime hints:
  • A Balanced Feel – Make sure that the designer drapery that you choose maintains a subtle balance between the ambiance of the room and the window treatments. While a very bland room with such elegant curtains may look awkward, another room with heavily ornamented furniture can actually take away the purpose and the attention from your stylish hangings.
  • Focal Point of Attention – If your window happens to be in a secluded corner that visitors tend to miss, it is foolish to have designer drapery installed in the same. Make sure that the windows or doors that you decide to add the window décor to gets a fair share of attention from visitors.
  • Themes – You should make a careful selection of the theme of your designer drapery before buying the same. The theme should be based not only on the purpose and environs of the room but should also reflect your personality.
  • Accurate Measurements – A lot of money is wasted on buying excess material for your home window treatments. Either make accurate measurements or get professional help to do the same. Remember that even an inch extra can cost you a lot, especially if you are willing to upgrade the décor of all your windows with designer drapery.
A well chosen curtain set can actually impart elegance and regal splendor to your rooms, even without spending a fortune on the same.

Using the Internet to compare and locate the ideal deal is the order of the day. Portals like 'HalfPriceDrapes.com' offer a huge catalogue of different designer drapery sets for you to choose from, albeit within reasonable price ranges.

Sheer Curtains: Simple But Elegant

One of the easiest ways to transform the appearance of a room is by installing appropriate curtains. To achieve the best results you should know which curtain creates what effect. Moreover, you should also know what purpose is served by what type of drape, otherwise, your room may look great but end up becoming too cold or too hot because of what you use to decorate your windows.

These days an array to synthetic fabrics have been developed and the variety of materials that maybe used to deck up the interiors of your home or office are just mind-boggling. All you have to do is choose the right fabric, with the right texture, and of course, the right color; and your room will be magically transformed!

Sheer curtains are a great way of creating a cozy feeling without making a room too warm. The advantage of these varieties are that they allow the sunlight to stream in from outside and an ethereal effect is achieved. Moreover, another advantage is that in the day they allow the person inside the house to see what is happening outside without letting the person who is outside to see what is happening inside. This is magically reversed at night when the indoors are brightly lit while the outdoors are dark. However, even at night the person outside can only see hazy silhouettes of the people inside. This is a great way of making your apartment stand out is a crowd.

Another advantage of these curtains is that they can be used to create a sunny atmosphere in a room in summer. Since many sheer curtains allow sunlight and the breeze into the room, you can enjoy the warmth of summer inside your house too. However, it may be good idea to use these varieties along with other thicker curtains in winters if the place where you stay becomes very cold. In places where it snows in winter, these drapes will not keep the cold out, but they can be fashionably used along with other varieties to create stunning interiors.

Remember to take good care of these, because dirty sheer curtains spoil the look of a room. The type of sheer curtain that is used determines the look that is achieved. For the royal look, go for the silk varieties. If you wish to create a more contemporary look, go for the innovative designs in cotton or other synthetic fabrics.

If you are looking for affordable sheer curtains browse through websites of reputed suppliers.