| Choosing the right fabric can make all the difference in | | | | with these matters. |
| a beautiful window treatment. Consider the weight of | | | | Getting back to fabrics, there are many textile qualities |
| the fabric. Your drapery fabric should be similar in feel | | | | to consider. Some fabrics are printed on and some are |
| to the other fabrics on the furniture or pillows and table | | | | woven. Some silks are dupioni and some are |
| coverings. Consider the style of the room. Country | | | | handkerchief weight. Certain fabrics can be specially |
| styles would include cottons, eyelets, calico prints. | | | | coated with protectants for spills and sun exposure. |
| Contemporary styles might be geometric, and | | | | Drapery fabrics are generally 54" wide so you should |
| transitional might have more florals. Color is a big factor | | | | always use 54" linings with them for easier sewing. |
| in a good window treatment design. The window | | | | Fabrics with polyester content will be stronger than |
| treatment fabric should be either lighter or in harmony | | | | those without. Certain fabrics should never be ironed |
| with the furnishings and carpets, and wall color. | | | | or steamed like moire. Moire is also called |
| If you're in doubt or need help, bring in a designer. They | | | | "watermarked" fabric. Its a solid fabric used widely in |
| can help you identify all of these things and avoid | | | | homes on draperies. |
| costly errors in fabric purchases and shopping hours. A | | | | Casement fabrics are have an open weave look. |
| designer can explain why a lighter, or silk fabric may | | | | They are used lined and unlined and are popular in |
| need interlining for that extra body it provides. Why | | | | commercial settings such as hospitals and hotels. Any |
| would you use a white versus an ivory lining? Do the | | | | fabric referred to as "faux" is an imitation of another |
| outside elements play any role on window coverings? | | | | more costly fabric. There are many faux silks on the |
| Believe it or not, they can cast color into your rooms | | | | market because of the high cost of silk and high |
| that affect the look of draperies, paints, and | | | | demand. |
| sometimes carpets. A trained professional can help | | | | |