DRAPERY FABRICS – LOOK & PERFORMANCE

Satins and Jacquards

Usually the most traditional, they are generally made from lightly woven, heavy, soft materials, which hang straight from top to bottom in (formal) folds.

Casements, Open Weaves

These have a lighter, more casual feel. They are usually made from loosely woven, textured yarns that hang in looser folds than the normal satins and jacquards.

Sheers

Made of soft, see-through fabrics, sheers are appropriate in most decors. Light and airy, they are sometimes used in combination with heavier draperies in more formal settings. They are billowy, unless weighted, and can be made to drape quite well.

Prints

Suitable in most decors, prints are made from a light, tightly woven fabric, usually cotton or cotton-polyester blends.

Drapery Linings

Linings add substantially to the luxurious appearance necessary for good window treatments, and also provide a fuller pleated look for maintaining a soft drapable hand.

The lined-look provides uniformity to the exterior appearance of a home while allowing a broad choice of textures, weaves, colours and patterns for the interior.

The combination of sunlight and air pollution will eventually take its toll on all colours. There is no such thing as an absolutely colourfast material or dye. Some colours, however will show fading more dramatically than others. Bright colours tend to show fading more than subdued tones, and solids before prints.

Linings help draperies last longer. They afford some protection against sun and fading. They also protect the draperies from water stains – either from condensation on the inside of the window or from a sudden shower.