Measuring and Ordering Draperies

Begin the process by taking complete window measurements. Measure: *Frame to frame across *Top of window to floor *Top of window to ceiling *Walls on each side of the window to see if the panel can be mounted past the window to allow more light to come in. Note any obstructions surrounding the window such as wall switches, light fixtures, heating vents, and so on. Hardware placement is usually 2”- 6” above the window.

Stationary or Full Working Draperies

A full working drapery will open and close by means of a traversing rod or hand baton, covering the window. The function is to provide light control, privacy, and/or temperature control. You need extra fullness for panels that open and close. Please allow 2-3 times fullness for the window width. 36”(window width) x 3(fullness) = 108”(total width of fabric needed) => 54”(fabric width) = 2 (one width panel).

Working panels should not be made to puddle or break in length due to the extra fabric dragging on the floor. A stationary drapery means the drapery does not operate and it is for decoration only.

Determining Drapery Length

• Floor length draperies are usually allowed to clear the floor or carpet by about a half of an inch. The length can be from the top of the window or they can go all the way to the ceiling.
• Breaking length will break on the floor, usually by 1” – 2”. This gives the same look as a man’s pant leg breaking on the top of his shoe.
• “Puddle length” can be as small as 3” – 10” or as much as 20”. Puddling or pooling is fabric laying on the floor like a puddle on the ground.

Using this information you should be able to determine the length of your draperies and how many panels you need for each window.

How to Dress Your Draperies

Formal Styles:

1. Draw the draperies to the stack-back position.
2. Stand with the headings at eye level and arrange the pleats. The pleats are arranged forwards and the gaps (the fabric in between the pleats) folded evenly between each pleat.
3. Take each pleat from the top and smooth it down the drapery as far as you can reach to form a fold. Follow these pleats through to waist height.
4. Kneel on the floor and follow the folds down to the hem. Finger press them into place.

Informal Styles:

If you want your new draperies to fall into soft folds, or to look as though they have been there for a long time, try one of the following window dressing ideas. Either pull the curtains back and forth about a hundred times to unstiffen the fabric, or pick them up, pull them towards you and drop them down again , until they have settled in nicely.

Drapery Care

Regular care and attention will prevent curtains from becoming dirty. If disaster strikes or if someone in your household smokes, etc., use a dry cleaner known to you, or a furnishings specialist who will come and clean them. Dry Cleaning is the only realistic option for most draperies. But generally, unless accident or smoke makes cleaning inevitable, dry cleaning should be avoided in favor of regular vacuuming and airing. Vacuuming will aid in the regular removal of dust and is vital to prevent particles of household dust settling into the fabric. Pay special attention to the pleats and fringes. For delicate fabrics make a muslin cap, fit to cover the end of the brush to minimize fabric abrasion. Airing is the best and most effective way to keep curtains clean and fresh. Choose a slightly breezy day, open the windows wide, close the curtains and allow them to blow in the breeze for a few hours. If you can do this every few weeks, your draperies should always remain fresh.