Custom drapery is popular for its one-of-a-kind style. At Value Blind & Heirloom Design, serving Arlington VA, our talented seamstresses and experienced designers help you choose the fabric, pattern, and type of drapery that’s right for you. There are many terms specific to drapery design that you may want to get familiar with — take a look!
Leading edge. The leading edge is a sewn fabric edge at the opening of your custom draperies. This part of your drapery can be coordinate with a secondary color in your decor and used in other accents, such as pillows or throws.
Puddling. Puddling refers to an amount of extra drapery length that is spilled or “puddled” onto the floor. This design technique is most popular with drapery panels. Drapery that is opened and closed regularly doesn’t work well with the function or style of puddling.
Break. The break in a set of drapery is the length at which the fabric hangs past the floor. From a design perspective, the floor is a visual break that causes a fold in a fabric. A 3-inch break is popular.
Hem. A hem is any bottom, side or top portion of the drapery fabric folded and sewn toward the back of the treatment. A 3-inch bottom hem is most common. Larger hems have a more high-end look.
Tieback. A tieback holds each drape away from the center of the window. Tiebacks can be bands of matching fabric, braided cords, or tassels. This drapery accessory can be as toned back or dramatic as you’d like it to be.
Inside or outside mount. Mounting drapery or other window treatments on the inside of your window frame creates a more contemporary look. Mounting on the outside of your window frame is more popular, and allows you to create window coverings that are longer than your actual windows, making the windows look bigger.
Drapery Vs. Curtain – Which is It?
While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably but they do mean different things. Curtains tend to vary in length, while draperies usually fall all the way to the floor. The term “draperies” also can refer to lined or backed curtains with a fuller and heavier feel.
Custom Drapery in Arlington VA
Value Blind & Heirloom Draperies is a locally owned business serving the Washington DC metro area and Northern Virginia for 14 years. Visit our Hunter Douglas Gallery showroom in Ashburn and see hundreds of window fashion samples and functional displays of child-safe window treatments. We offer full-service interior design services including color consultation, room layout, and complete lines of blinds, shades, shutters, custom window treatments, custom rugs, wall coverings, bedding, pillows, and furniture. Contact us today!
