Thursday, January 12, 2012 by {darlene}
I love drapes. Have you noticed?
{to see more drape-loving design, click here to view my portfolio}
If I can use drapes, I will.
Here is why I adore drapes:
1. They add texture to your space. Silk brings shiny texture; burlap brings nubby texture; velvet brings rich texture; etc.
2. They are the largest, undisturbed fabric presence in your space. Therefore, they have grand presence. Perfect, especially if you love fabric.
3. They can tie a room together – decor coherency – by using a fabric that links/combines colors in the space.
4. They take your decorating vertically; not many other items in your room do this.
5. If hung properly, they add height to your space.
6. Versatility: They can provide privacy, or just be a decor presence.
7. They can save you money. Drapes insulate from the cool, and shield from the sun.
8. They can add a strong punch of style and be a powerful decor statement depending on your fabric choice.
9. It is a safe place to use fabrics like silk and velvet, without worry of daily wear and tear.
10. They can be as light or as heavy as you want them to be.
okay, and the main reason why I love drapes? Let’s call it 10 and a half, shall we?
10.5. They are dramatic. That makes me happy.
Drapes give you the perfect opportunity to put a “ribbon” on your room, by adding that final touch of perfect fabric.
Is it time for you to add some drapes to your home?
**********
{The last three photos are via my Pinterest board: “My Thing for Drapes.” Hop on over for more Drape Love.}
**********
The January FHD Giveaway has begun! Be sure to enter by clicking here, or by clicking on the photo below:
Darlene, we are kindred spirits when it comes to drapes. I have them in almost every room of my house, and always choose them for clients over valances when I can. Nothing like them for a room. Nothing!!
they really DO kick a space up a notch into gorgeousness, don’t they? Thanks, Carol!
Great points! I use drapes wherever I can. On a few windows in my home, drapes won’t work well, but I’m comprimising with roman shades so I can still use a fabulous fabric =)
yes! roman shades are wonderful for the same reason! I also love pelmet boxes in places where drapes won’t work. Thanks for your comment, andrea!
I agree with you…For all the reasons you listed I think drapes are fabulous. I live in the Caribbean and drapes/curtains are the preferred options for most people.
oh, janelle!!! I am ready to visit! It just goes to show that drapes are just as home in a tropical climate as they are in snow. The fabric choices make drapes so flexible. Thanks for your comment. Come back anytime!
I agree with you to. They soften a room and add warmth.
Yes, I love the warmth they add! Thanks, Taylor
Oh, my! What a lovely collection of inspiration photos! I’ve been missing some opportunities for a little drama with my draperies. It might be time to make a few changes 😉
Hi Darlene!
I agree, totally!
I usually sew my own drapes, but since we are staging to sell right now, with our goal of listing in early June, I have taken down the colorful or more fussy drapes I made, and replaced them with white linen-look panels from Ikea (because we have 9′ ceilings and I can’t find the 96″ ones anywhere else, and I can’t find fabric any cheaper to do them myself). I am really liking the simplicity of them. Simple, breezy, soft.
Your list is perfect.
I especially like #10. Light is what I want them to be 😉
I pray you are well this new year! I am trying to make things beautiful like you encourage us to!
HUGS,
me
I completely agree. They are like the jewelry of a room and give any space a feeling of being complete…essential in my book!! Thrilled to find and follow your blog ~
I’ve been trying to decide whether to go with roman shades or drapes in our office, leaning toward shades because it’ll be cheaper to buy less fabric. But you’re right – it SAVES money in the long run because of energy efficiency. Gonna work on selling that idea to my husband. 🙂
Actually….. If you buy/order the fabric yourself and take it to a seamstress and have panels made, and hang with clips, drapes can be WAY cheaper.
🙂 Sold.
I concur with all your sound reasons. I will now call you the Voice of Drapery Reason. Money well spent!!!!
Love, love this post!!!!!
Love the article on drapes, but one question I have is how do you choose the type of fabric and pattern?? When do you blend the color with wall color and how do you choose a great pattern fabric? Julie
Oh, Julie! This is a LOADED question, that I am sorry to say does not have an easy answer. The choice of fabric and pattern depends on LOTS of factors: What you already have going on in the room, what the family’s needs are, what colors are present, the style of the home itself…. and that is just to name a few.
As general design advice I would say, if you are having trouble picking things: 1. Get to know your own personal style {this site is a great place to start, click on http://www.fieldstonehilldesign.com/category/defining-your-style} 2. ALWAYS pick things you love and 3. Use images of other rooms you love to guide and inspire.
Finally, if you cannot help yourself, you might consider a designer!
Good Luck!
[…] totally rock any room! That star rug!! And…I happen to be a complete and total sucker for dramatic drapes. And, it is just like a sweet and awesome friend to rock my pink and red obsession for […]
[…] Drapes!!!!! You know how much I love the drama of drapes. What I love about these drapes is that they are […]
[…] Drapes! […]
[…] A neutral, textured canvas. Neutral grasscloth walls. Neutral drapes {I love drapes!}. Neutral rug. These all offer texture, but at the same time create a bare canvas so that the […]
fhd press:
FHD’s popular posts
sponsors I love
peruse
shop like it’s your job
FHD in blogland
categories
31 Days of Favorite Spaces A room I love about me Affordable Designer Rooms beautiful colors beautiful thoughts Bebe bebe bebe nursery before and after BHG blogland built-in of the Week client spaces contrast decorating yourself defining your style design boards design in progress design question ditto ditto d.i.y. ditto-worthy designers en masse farmhouse simplicity five faves for a song from my files here at Fieldstone Hill hiding the uglies high-gloss glamour Home tour Images Of inspiration Inspired to lessons in design living with beauty Living with Beauty: Beauty Tips and Tricks Living with Beauty: Wellness Living with Beauty: Whole Food Eating Living with Beauty: Within Master Designer mixed metals must have objects organizing overcome decorating paralysis project project kitchen project library project nursery punch color renovation rituals room by room sponsor style notebook traditions trends Uncategorized vision
br> br>Archives
br> br>Theme by Design by Kendall