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Choosing Curtains, Part 3

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.

Curtain Accessories

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.

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This entry was posted on Friday, September 12th, 2008 at 5:22 pm and is filed under Home Improvement. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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