Draperies and Top Treatments - Drapery Desperation
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mwalker
03-14-08, 06:09 PM
HELP! I have so many questions:
I am having drapes made for my baby’s nursery and I would like to have them fashioned more or less in the style of the drapes seen here:
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Linens-Fabrics/Panels-Draperies/Check-Panel-with-Valance/p/6419?path=1%2C2%2C1465%2C1513%2C0&iProductID=6419
They will go on a group of 3 (individually opening) windows that measure 84” wide altogether. My fabric is 58” wide. Additionally, I would like to hang them close to the ceiling for a more elegant look, but I have crown molding. I would appreciate any and all feedback!!!
1. Does anyone know what this style is called, how it’s made or how might I give my upholster instructions to make them?
2. How many panels should I have them make if I want the look seen in the photo? I feel that they should make 3, but I don’t know how wide they should be nor do I know if it would look strange with the valance.
3. Should there be one valance or separate valances for each individual panel? Opinions?
4. Can anyone tell if the valance is attached or separate? I would also need some help/instructions regarding this.
5. I love the French pleats in the valance, but I don’t know how much more fabric is needed for these pieces.
6. Are they hung on a double rod or single?
7. How many inches from the crown molding should the rod be mounted? Is there a rule of thumb?
8. They will be lined with light blocking fabric. Will that cause the drapes to be too stiff to have that nice wavy look?
9. How many inches should they be off the floor, if at all?
Thank you for your help!!:)
I am having drapes made for my baby’s nursery and I would like to have them fashioned more or less in the style of the drapes seen here:
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Linens-Fabrics/Panels-Draperies/Check-Panel-with-Valance/p/6419?path=1%2C2%2C1465%2C1513%2C0&iProductID=6419
They will go on a group of 3 (individually opening) windows that measure 84” wide altogether. My fabric is 58” wide. Additionally, I would like to hang them close to the ceiling for a more elegant look, but I have crown molding. I would appreciate any and all feedback!!!
1. Does anyone know what this style is called, how it’s made or how might I give my upholster instructions to make them?
2. How many panels should I have them make if I want the look seen in the photo? I feel that they should make 3, but I don’t know how wide they should be nor do I know if it would look strange with the valance.
3. Should there be one valance or separate valances for each individual panel? Opinions?
4. Can anyone tell if the valance is attached or separate? I would also need some help/instructions regarding this.
5. I love the French pleats in the valance, but I don’t know how much more fabric is needed for these pieces.
6. Are they hung on a double rod or single?
7. How many inches from the crown molding should the rod be mounted? Is there a rule of thumb?
8. They will be lined with light blocking fabric. Will that cause the drapes to be too stiff to have that nice wavy look?
9. How many inches should they be off the floor, if at all?
Thank you for your help!!:)
Shadeladie
03-14-08, 07:00 PM
Hi and wow, you have an awful lot of questions. :eek: Why are you not giving this job to someone that makes draperies? They would and should know how to make these without you having to tell them how.
1. I could not possibly be able to give you an entire how-to since it would be way too time consuming for me as it would take many chapters. I suggest buying a book called: (Title is link to book)
The Complete Photo Guide to Curtains and Draperies (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Photo-Curtains-Draperies-Yourself/dp/1589232690/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205541067&sr=1-3)
I can't get a clear view of the pic, but they appear to be a two finger pinch pleat that looks like it's tacked at the top (like the Euro Pleat) and also at the bottom, with a button. Instructions are in the book.
2. If your windows have no space between them, I'd just put one panel at each end and each panel would have 2 widths, which is what the one in the pic has.
3. I don't understand the question.
4. The valance is attached and directions are in the book above.
5. The valance and panels are pleated together. How much extra fabric is needed depends on how long you want the valance.
6. They're hung from rings on one rod.
7. It's purely preference. You can hang them as far up or down as you want. Only rule of thumb is that the tops of the panels should be above the window frame, if outside mounted.
8. Depends on the lining used. There are softer and stiffer blackouts.
9. They can touch the floor, break on the floor (1-2") or be off the floor 1/4", no more than 1/2". Again purely preference.
1. I could not possibly be able to give you an entire how-to since it would be way too time consuming for me as it would take many chapters. I suggest buying a book called: (Title is link to book)
The Complete Photo Guide to Curtains and Draperies (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Photo-Curtains-Draperies-Yourself/dp/1589232690/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205541067&sr=1-3)
I can't get a clear view of the pic, but they appear to be a two finger pinch pleat that looks like it's tacked at the top (like the Euro Pleat) and also at the bottom, with a button. Instructions are in the book.
2. If your windows have no space between them, I'd just put one panel at each end and each panel would have 2 widths, which is what the one in the pic has.
3. I don't understand the question.
4. The valance is attached and directions are in the book above.
5. The valance and panels are pleated together. How much extra fabric is needed depends on how long you want the valance.
6. They're hung from rings on one rod.
7. It's purely preference. You can hang them as far up or down as you want. Only rule of thumb is that the tops of the panels should be above the window frame, if outside mounted.
8. Depends on the lining used. There are softer and stiffer blackouts.
9. They can touch the floor, break on the floor (1-2") or be off the floor 1/4", no more than 1/2". Again purely preference.
mwalker
03-14-08, 08:14 PM
Thank you Shadeladie!
I really appreciate your help. It is my hope that I can show the upholster the picture and he will know what to do, but I was hoping to give more him detailed instructions -- just in case. I ordered the book you suggested from Amazon - thanks for that.
I have another question regarding my question number 2. Given that the fabric isn't that wide, I fear that two panels isn't enough to achieve the fullness that I want. What is your feeling about that?
Thanks again!!!
I really appreciate your help. It is my hope that I can show the upholster the picture and he will know what to do, but I was hoping to give more him detailed instructions -- just in case. I ordered the book you suggested from Amazon - thanks for that.
I have another question regarding my question number 2. Given that the fabric isn't that wide, I fear that two panels isn't enough to achieve the fullness that I want. What is your feeling about that?
Thanks again!!!
Shadeladie
03-15-08, 07:25 AM
First I need to explain the difference between widths and panels. A panel is the finished item and the widths are the widths of fabric needed to make each panel. So when I said two widths were used in the pic, I meant they took two widths of the fabric and seamed them together to make one panel and two panels (one on each side) were hung.
So first I need to ask a question. Are you planning on hanging a wider rod so that you can stackback the panels off the glass during the day? The rod width is what you need to go by to determine how many widths are needed to make each panel. Let me know the rod width and then I can tell you how many you need.
So first I need to ask a question. Are you planning on hanging a wider rod so that you can stackback the panels off the glass during the day? The rod width is what you need to go by to determine how many widths are needed to make each panel. Let me know the rod width and then I can tell you how many you need.