Drapes are not only good for privacy, but they can also put the finishing touch on your space. Whether you want something formal or casual, to filter light or block out light, or something decorative or functional, there’s a drapery style out there for you.
If you’re struggling to make sense of the different drapery styles available to you, you’re in the right place. Our guide can help you understand what your options are and what might work best for your particular windows and space. Read on to learn more.
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Sheers
Sheers are thin and mostly see-through. They do offer some privacy, but still allow natural light to come in. They are often made of nylon or polyester and usually come in light or pastel colors.
If you’re looking for something to offer a high level of privacy and to darken your room, sheers aren’t the answer, however.
Blackout Drapes
Blackout drapes do just that—they black out any natural light. These are ideal for a baby or child’s room to ensure they don’t wake too early or have difficulty going to bed if it’s still light out. They’re also ideal for adults who want the ability to sleep in past sun-up!
These drapes also help keep your home cooler in the summer, saving you money on your energy bills.
Pleated Drapes
Pleated drapes are a more formal drape style and can come in several different types. A pinch pleat is the most common type. Other examples include goblet pleats, pencil pleats, cartridge pleats, tuxedo pleats, and ripplefold.
If you want to go the formal, pleated drapery route, you might consider making a custom drapery order to get precisely what you want.
Tab-Top Panels
Tab-top panels are drapes that have loops of fabric at the top, which you slide a curtain rod through. Tab-top drapes are an excellent option for printed materials, as they hang flat. However, it is difficult to pull them across a curtain rod, so they are often stationary, making them best for windows where they are purely for decoration.
Grommet Panels
These types of drapes hang from metal rings, called grommets. The rings are attached to the drapes at the top of the fabric, and then the curtain rod is inserted through the grommets. Decorative curtain rods with decorative finials on the end look best with grommet panels, as much of the rod is seen.
Grommet panels can be formal or casual, making them an excellent choice for any decorating style. They also move quickly across curtain rods, making them a reasonable option in rooms where you open and close the curtains regularly.
Drapery Styles to Dress Up Your Home
Choosing window coverings for your home can seem overwhelming. Hopefully, this guide to drapery styles gives you a basic level of understanding of what’s out there and can narrow down your search.
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