Customize Your Space: Discover the World of Drapery Options

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Draperies are window treatments made from pairs of drapery panels that hang from a rod via fabric sleeves, rings, or grommets. Drapes are meant to be seen as much as they’re intended to be used. They are often floor length or longer, so the fabric hangs elegantly below your window. They are fabricated with thick, high-quality materials and lined to improve their light-blocking and insulating qualities.

Professionally made drape panels (such as the ones we design and fabricate in our custom workroom) come in various heading styles, fabrics, and dimensions. Continue reading to learn what makes a drape a drape and become familiar with the possibilities of working with a professional.

Decorative vs. Traversing Drapery Panels: Making the Right Choice

Choosing between decorative side drapery panels and traversing panels depends on functionality and aesthetic preference. Decorative side panels frame windows and add visual interest without covering the window, which is ideal for rooms where light blockage isn't a priority. Side panels are stationary and usually more decorative than practical. Traversing panels, however, are functional and can be drawn to cover the window, offering light control and privacy. They're suitable for areas where you need adjustable light and want the convenience of easily moving the drapes aside.

Both decorative side panels and traversing draperies can be customized, allowing tailoring to your exact preferences and room requirements. Whether you prefer the stationary elegance of side panels or the practicality of traversing panels, customizing your drapes ensures you get the perfect match for your home's style and functional needs.

Drapes Aren’t Curtains!

Curtains and drapes are not the same, though the terms are usually used synonymously in everyday life. The differentiating details are essential when considering your window treatment outcomes:

• Drapes are typically made with thicker fabrics than curtains, making them more sumptuous and formal and more effective at insulation.

• Curtains are often unlined or more lightly lined than drapes, meaning they rarely block light as effectively.

• Drapes are usually longer, hanging from above the window frame to the floor or even pooling slightly, depending on style preference. Curtain panels are shorter and stop a few inches below the window frame.

• The top of a drapery panel (the heading style) is often pleated, which adds fullness and dimension. Curtains tend to be flat panels with rod pockets, grommets, or rings for hanging.

Curtains certainly have their place in the home — for example, you might prefer curtains or Roman shades in your kitchen or child’s room — but it’s helpful to know how they differ from drapes.

The Pinched Pleat’s Custom and Semi-Custom Drapes

The Pinched Pleat specializes in window treatment design and fabrication. We offer custom and semi-custom treatments, including draperies. Both options come with meticulous attention to detail during fabrication, as all our projects are made-to-order. 

When you order drapes with us, every detail is up to you, including:

• Length and width. Get the perfect fit no matter your window’s dimensions.

• Fabric type, color, and pattern. Choose from cottons, linens, silks, velvets, wovens, and sheers.

• Lining. Opt for unlined, lightly lined, privacy-lined, or blackout-lined.

• Style. Popular drapery heading styles include double pinch pleat, double Euro pleat, triple pinch pleat, triple Euro pleat, inverted box pleat, soft fold, and ripplefold. Don’t love any of these? Order custom, and we’ll design a new style just for you.

See examples of several popular heading styles below:

Double Pinch Pleat

Three-Finger Pinch Pleat

Inverted Drapery Pleat

Ripplefold

Double Euro Pleat

Triple Euro Pleat

Draperies Are in the Details

A drape can be a simple but sophisticated panel of well-stitched fabric or an ornate, intricate, and expertly designed piece of art. The Pinched Pleat has the design knowledge to make suggestions in the planning stages and the professional fabrication experience to craft your draperies with luxury details and different styles of pleated headings.
Learn more about The Pinched Pleat’s drapery design and fabrication process with a complimentary Welcome Call, or email us at hello@thepinchedpleat.com.

About the Author

WINDOW TREATMENT SPECIALIST • SOFT FURNISHINGS DESIGNER • EXPERT FABRICATOR • CERTIFIED HUNTER DOUGLAS CONSULTANT

Dana is the owner and principal of The Pinched Pleat. With a lifetime of fabrication and decorating experience, Dana is the creative force behind the company’s bespoke window treatments. Her impeccable eye for detail and quality has made her a go-to expert for custom window treatments, regularly serving renowned interior designers and homeowners nationwide.

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  Dana's articles aim to empower readers to create beautiful soft furnishings that reflect their unique style. She shares her expertise, making stunning window treatments accessible and fun to design. Dana invites you to embark on her creative journey of transforming your spaces - one window at a time.

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