Choosing Curtains, Part 2
Rods and Tracks
Rods are a decorative and versatile option for hanging curtains. Points to consider include:
Rods with a brass or metal finish for a formal look.
Wood or plastic rods for an informal style.
Slim, discreet rods for short informal curtains.
Large rods 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.
Headings
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.
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