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.