The world of draperies can seem like an endless tunnel of fabric selections, hardware varieties and panel styles. It can be difficult to find the best option for your windows without a little help from the pros, so let us step in and give some advice on choosing the best drapery panel style for you. There is an abundance of options on the market today, ranging from classic to contemporary and it helps to know the look you’re going for before you choose a style.
Let’s talk about a few of our favorites.
Pleated Drapery Panels
Perhaps the most common, pleated drapery panels can be tailored to fit a classic home theme or a more modern one, based on the type of pleat that you choose. If you’re planning on opening and closing your drapery panels often, a pleated style is the way to go. Effortlessly glide your panels open and closed on a rod using a cord makes even opening heavier fabric draperies a breeze. For a more traditional feel, choose a pinch pleat. A pinch pleat is great for longer hanging drapes and provides a classic look to the space. For a more contemporary feel, an inverted pleat may be for you. An inverted pleat’s crisp look is also great for light-weight fabrics.
So, let’s weigh in on the pros and cons of pleated panels.
PLEAT PROS:
· Various options available, based on the look you desire.
· Pleated styles are great for heavy and light-weight fabrics.
· One of the most common choices for drapery panel selections.
PLEAT CONS:
· Pinch pleats make for a more traditional feel, not for those seeking a contemporary look.
· Inverted pleats are great for a modern look, but those seeking a traditional look should try the pinch pleat.
Tab Top Drapery Panels
If you’re not planning on opening and closing your drapery panels as frequently, a tab top option may be for you. Tab top panels hang from fabric loops, creating a flat profile and bringing a casual feel to the space. Tap tops are also among the easiest of the panel styles to hang. To recap, remember:
TAB TOP PROS:
· Easiest to hang.
· Good for stationary drapes.
TAB TOP CONS:
· Not a good idea for drapes that are going to be opened and closed a lot.
Grommet Top Style
Moving on to our next style, the grommet top. Creating a more modern look, the grommet top allows fabric to fall into gentle folds and can be matched to the curtain fabric or another element in the room. Grommet tops can be opened and closed; however, it is advised that you do this sparingly, as it creates much wear and tear on the fabric. To recap,
GROMMET TOP PROS:
· Creates a great modern look.
· Can be matched to the fabric or another element in the room.
GROMMET TOP CONS:
· Not the best for drapery panels that are opened and closed frequently, as wear and tear can occur.
Rod Pocket Styles
Last, but not least, the rod pocket style. Fabric gathers in bunches on a rod, which makes this a great choice for those utilizing their drapery treatments as strictly decorative. Creating a romantic feel, the rod pocket design is a good choice when wanting to have lengthy drapery treatments, as it allows the fabric to gather and bunch at the bottom. Rod pockets are also available at the bottom on your treatment for more privacy and light filtration.
ROD POCKET PROS:
· Great for strictly decorative treatments.
· Creates a romantic feel.
· Great for privacy and light control.
ROD POCKET CONS:
· Not a good choice for those who open and close their draperies frequently.
Now that you have a little bit of knowledge under your belt, you’ll be on your way to choosing the right look for you. Don’t hesitate to call the experts at G&L Drapery/Upholstery Shop at (239) 596-5550 or visit www.gnldraperyshop.com.