House Design Ideas

In part one of this series we talked about some of the most basic types of curtains and window treatments, plus ways to choose the appropriate style for your home’s design. Now we’ll go a bit further into that topic, and look at the most popular decorative accents and accessories which can enhance your curtain decor even further.

Curtain Rods and Tracks
Curtain rods are a decorative and versatile option for hanging curtains. Like curtains and drapes though, there are many different styles to choose from. Here’s some tips for getting a specific decorating look:

• Curtain rods with a brass or metal finish create a formal look.
• Wood or plastic rods are best to use for an informal style.
• Slim, discreet rods are an excellent choice for short informal curtains.
• Large rods are best used for long straight runs, and to carry the weight of heavy floor-length curtains.

Curtains can be hung from rods in a number of ways. The fullness of the curtain can be taken up with a heading tape, then hung from rings. The curtain can be made with a tab heading (loops of fabric that go over the rod) or it can have a casing (a horizontal pocket that slides over the rod) and cannot be drawn. For dramatic effects with a rod, try draping swags or hanging a valance.

Tracks have a streamlined effect that suits many modern furnishing styles. Although most are functional rather than stylish, some decorative types are available. The curtains are hooked onto runners designed to glide smoothly along the track. Points to look out for include:

• Special lightweight plastic and aluminum tracks can be bent to fit bow and bay windows.
• Steel tracks are available for the heaviest of curtains.
• Combination tracks make hanging two curtains, or a curtain plus valance, extremely easy.

The fullness of the curtain can be gathered up in a range of heading styles which play an important role in the final look of the window dressing. The curtain heading usually covers the track; if there is no pelmet or valance, the curtain is best left undrawn, and held off the window with tiebacks so that it always conceals the plain track.

Curtain Headings and Casings
Headings determine the way that the fullness of the curtain or valance is gathered up. They range from simple gathered headings to elaborate smocked and pleated types. The most commonly used headings are gathers, and pencil, triple, cylindrical, and cartridge pleats.

Casings are the simplest ways to hang a curtain. A hem is stitched along the top of the curtain, then it is gathered onto the rod. The width of the hem can vary from a meager 1in to a casing wide enough to take deep continental or cornice rods. The casing can be stitched with or without a heading, which sits above the rod as a frilled edging.

Lightweight, short curtains made with a casing can be supported on tension wire - an ideal solution for sheers in a small window or across a dormer window.

Valances
A valance hides the curtain rod or track and heading and adds a decorative finish to a window. Depending on its height and depth, a valance can be used to alter the proportions of a window, making it look taller or shallower. A soft valance is a deep frill that hangs in front of a curtain to give a soft, pretty finish to a window and, depending on the type of heading and trim used, is suitable for most rooms. Soft valances can be straight or shaped, and edged with braids or fringing. In a hard valance the fabric is stiffened with a backing fabric, or stretched over a wooden frame. A hard valance can be straight, cut with a decorative edging, or bound or trimmed with cord, braid, or fringing.

Swags and Cascades
Swags and cascades are a dramatic treatment for windows. The swag is a drape of fabric which hangs in front of the curtains; the cascades are the elegant lengths of fabric that frame the window on either side. The more formal version is fixed to a valance board, but fabric can be draped informally over a rod as the only form of window dressing. Although the formal swags look best on tall windows, dressing full-length curtains, they can be effective scaled down to suit smaller windows.

Tiebacks
Curtains that are hung straight suit a very small window, or where you want a simple style, perhaps for a cottage look or a nursery. A straight curtain can look handsome, but consider tiebacks for a more decorative or elegant finishing touch.

No-sew tieback options include using a heavy cord and elaborate tassel, or you can loop the curtains behind metal or wooden holdbacks.

Lining
Lining adds insulation, protects the curtain fabric from the sun, and prevents fading. It also makes the curtains drape well. To add interest, use a contrast lining with a pattern or a coordinating color. Specialty linings, including room-darkening or thermal fabrics are available.

Interlining curtains with a soft layer of padding between the curtain fabric and lining makes them hang beautifully and gives extra insulating properties.

Sheers, Shades, and Blinds
One solution for problem windows, or bay or shaped windows, is to combine the curtain with a shade, blind, or separate sheer curtain.

A blind or shade works well on windows that are covered by curtains at night, but need alternative screening from excessive sunlight or prying eyes during the day, and they can be styled to match curtains.

A sheer curtain is another answer on windows where you need to hide a view, or have daytime privacy, because it allows light to filter into the room.

Other Curtain Design Tips
Gleaming metal and softly draped fabrics are a magical combination in a window dressing. In a traditional style, hanging the curtains from a brass rod or on metallic rings, or securing them away from the window with wooden or brass tiebacks, looks luxurious.

For simple yet exciting window treatments, contrast the richness and softness of curtain fabrics against the ruggedness of iron rods. Draping delicate sheers over a matte black iron bar is very dramatic, and well suited to a modern decorating scheme.

©2007-2008, Kathy Burns-Millyard.

Design Tip: Designing a home which has brick on the outside is an excellent way to make the house more energy efficient.