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How to handle Window Treatment for Big Windows

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Stumped on how to handle large windows or as some people call them a wall of windows? There is no doubt that multiple windows on a wall or multiple sliding glass doors or multiple French doors can be a challenge. However, we have many ways to tackle big windows using decorative window treatments or privacy and light control window treatments. To help with heating costs, we can add insulated window treatments to reduce drafts caused by large windows.

To get started, ask yourself, what exactly do I need to accomplish? Whether you need full black out drapes for sleeping and privacy or just decorative panels, both can look stunning. Generally speaking, decorative panels use less fabric and will cost less money. In this picture, we show one width decorative panels in a grommet drape style. This is simple and elegant with a bit more contemporary look. We love the sleek lines of the panels which give the room dimension and subtle accent color. Drapes don’t always have to scream “look at me”. The color block drape seen here can be found in our custom drape department. Using two coordinating solid fabrics can really make your drapes go from ordinary to spectacular by simply adding another color.

This room scene shows 4 panels on 2 rods. As an alternative, this window treatment project could have been done with one continuous rod and 3 panels. In that case, we would have recommended the 3 panels be 1.5 widths of fabric to give the center panel a bit more fullness.

If you love the “light” decorative panel look but need some privacy, you can add a sheer window treatment or sheer curtain and maintain the sleek contemporary look of this room.

Posted in Challenging Windows, Drapes, Slider & French Doors, Window Treatments | No Comments »

How to measure Drapery Width & Length

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

Measuring for Privacy and Light Control

These measuring instructions are for drapes in that you plan to use as operating drapes for privacy and light control as opposed to stationary or decorative drapes (panels). A Two-Way draw splits the drapery and the fabric is drawn to the left and right with a center opening. A One-Way draw is a single drapery panel stacking all the fabric to the left or the to the right. One side stacking is common on sliders and French doors.

Step One Width Measuring

If you have existing curtain rod, measure the width from bracket to bracket. This is your ordering Width. If you are installing new hardware, first determine where the drapery hardware brackets are to be mounted. We recommend that you add at least 4″ beyond the outside edge of the window frame on both sides and 4″ above the top of the window frame. If you want to expose more glass when the draperies are open, extend the brackets farther from the side of the window frame. If your drapery is to stack to one side, then you should add a minimum of 8″ on the stacking side. Once you locate the brackets, measure from the outside edge of one bracket to the outside edge of the other. This is the “Bracket to Bracket” or “Width” that you will need to note. Also remember to check that you have wall clearance to accommodate the rod and the decorative finials. If your Bracket to Bracket measurement is 52″, you would select 52″ from the Width pull down on your drapery product.

Step Two Length Measuring

Standard or Traverse Rod Length Measuring For draperies using a standard curtain rod or a traverse rod, measure from the top of the bracket or rod to the finished point that the draperies will hang. If the drapery is going to the floor, deduct 1/2″ for floor clearance. This is the Length. If you are replacing an existing drape and are happy with the length, then measure the existing drape and order the same length. Decorative Hardware Length Measuring For draperies using decorative hardware (rod and rings) measure from the top of the rod to the finished point that the draperies will hang. Then measure the outside diameter of your ring and deduct that amount. This is the Length. Do not make a deduction for floor clearance. For hardware using thin metal rings measure from the top of the rod to the finished point that the draperies will hang. Then measure the outside diameter of your ring and deduct that amount. If the drapery is going to the floor, deduct 1/2″ for floor clearance. This is the Length If you are ordering draperies with our decorative rings sewn on, measure from the top of the rod to the finished point that the draperies will hang. If the drapery is going to the floor, deduct 1/2″ for floor clearance. This is the Length. We will make the allowance for the rings.

“Take-up” for Rod Pocket & Tab Style Drapes

Measure from the top of the rod to the finished point. If the rod pocket drape has heading, add this to the length. On these styles, you will need to add an allowance for take up which is caused by the rod width. Add the take up to your drapery length based on the rod you are using and the guideline provided below. This is the Length. If you want the bottom of the drapery to rest or “puddle” on the floor, you can create a break at the hem by adding 2″ to 3″ to the Length. For a full “puddle” effect, add 8″ to 18″ depending upon the amount of puddle desired.

Rod Type	Drape Pocket or Tab Size	Take Up Amount
1″ Sash Rod	1-1/2″	1/2″
1-3/8″ Pole	3″	1″
2″ Pole	4″	1-1/2″
2-1/4″ Pole	5″	1-3/4″
2-1/2″ Flat Continental Rod	3-1/2″	1/2″
3″ Pole	6-1/2″	2″
4-1/2″ Flat Continental Rod	5-1/2″	1/2″

Stacking Considerations (Approximate)

Stacking is the width dimension of a drape when it is in the fully open position. To create a drape header style, the fabric is gathered to form a pleat. The workroom uses materials such as buckram to stiffen the header to form and maintain the style. When the drape is opened, the header does not compress or gather the way a shower curtain would. Therefore, if you want to clear the glass of the window when the drapes are open, you need to add additional width to your casing to casing measurement. The chart below will give you approximate stacking amounts for a range of window widths (casing to casing). Here are a couple of examples:

1. Casing to Casing Width =	60″
Stacking Amount =	20″ (10″ each side)
Width to Order =	80″ (60″ + 20″)

2. Casing to Casing Width =	100″
Stacking Amount =	33″
Width to Order =	133″ (100″ + 33″)

Casing-to-Casing Width	Drapery Stacking	Approx. Width to Clear Glass
24″	8″	32″
40″	13″	53″
60″	20″	80″
80″	28″	88″
100″	34″	134″
120″	40″	160″
140″	48″	188″
160″	54″	214″
180″	60″	240″
This chart does not apply to relaxed drapery styles such as the Flat Panel Drape. The header is not pleated and therefore the drape will stack more like a shower curtain.

Posted in Drapes, Measuring | No Comments »

Drapery Width Explained

Monday, July 27th, 2009

What is drapery width is one of the most frequent questions we are asked. Drapery width is a behind the scenes technical term used in the workroom for how much fabric is needed to start a drape or curtain fabrication. However, the term is often used by industry professional in conversations with their clients. We also use the term for ordering decorative drapes or panels in specific departments on our site.

Fabric is manufactured by the mills and the machinery used to make decorative fabric for drapes and home decor is primarily 54″ wide. So when we speak of a width of fabric, we are talking about 54″ wide. In making drapes, 8″ of the 54″ is needed for the hems on both sides, so we are left with 46″ of face fabric. Then in the fabrication of the drape, we use a minimum of 2 to 1 fullness to create the beautiful drape header. That simply means if you want a finished drapery panel to be 50″ wide, we will need 100″ of face fabric or two widths of fabric (54″ x 2 widths = 108″ less 8″ for hems = 100″).

Fortunately, you as the customer do not need to know the gory details of how the workroom determines the width and the math behind it. However, when you order decorative drapes on our site where we use width specifications, you should know what the finished product is going to look like. Below you will find the finished width measurement for common decorative sizes. We have also provided a chart to help you determine what width is right for your particular window.

Finished Drapery Width

1 Width Panel – the finished width of a single 1 width panel is approximately 20″ to 27″ wide. The width of two panels (pair) is approximately 40″ to 54″ wide.

1-1/2 Width Panel – the finished width of a single 1-1/2 width panel is approximately 25″ to 40″ wide. The width of two panels (pair) is approximately 50″ to 80″ wide.

2 Width Panel – the finished width of a single 2 width panel is approximately 36″ to 54″ wide. The width of two panels (pair) is approximately 72″ to 108″ wide.

Window Size Recommendations
Below is a general guideline for ordering the right drapery width for your window sizes. If your window is outside these measurements, stationary panels will still work, but you may want to call us to discuss your project.

Window Width	Widths of Fabric
28″-48″	1 Width/Panel
49″-72″	1.5 Widths/Panel
73″-98″	2 Widths/Panel

Posted in Drapes, Technical Information, Window Treatments | No Comments »

A Beautiful Drapery Idea

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

We often get asked if it is “ok” to use one pair of drapes on two separate windows on the same wall. Well the answer is yes. Many decorators would only consider a pair of panels for each window, however, we believe one pair for both windows not only saves you money, but they look terrific.

Our favorite look for this situation is shown in the picture below. By pulling the drapes back, you create a swag effect and it frames the two windows very nicely. The insider tip here is the 12″ rule. If you have more than 12″ of wall space between the windows, you should pull them back as shown. If you have less than 12″ of wall space you can opt not to use the drapery tie-backs and have them hang straight down. Many custom drape styles such as pinch pleat, rod pocket, goblet pleat look great with drapery tie-backs. The room setting below show an elegant silk fabric in a rod pocket drape style using beautiful tassel tie-backs. A pinch pleat drape in nearly any fabric would work equally as well in this room setting. We highly recommend using drapery tassel tie-backs for a very decorative accent to your custom window treatments.

Posted in Drapes, Slider & French Doors, Window Treatments | No Comments »