Traditional to Trendsetting – and Styles in Between
Drapes and sheers have expanded beyond the established pleated panels to include exciting new fabrics, hardware and headings in imaginative combinations. So, whether you envision traditional pleated drapes with sheers or contemporary flat panels hung on decorative hardware, our decorators in Victoria or Nanaimo can help you choose the style, fabric and trims that will suit your room’s décor. And because our decorators keep up with the latest trends, they can suggest fabrics and styles that you may not have seen yet.
With all of the new products available, do you wonder if it is still “fashionable” to cover your windows with draperies? Well, all of the reasons people used draperies in the past are still valid today. They are both practical and decorative. Drawn draperies provide privacy, insulate against temperature extremes, and offer additional sound proofing from internal and external noises. They soften all the sharp angles and edges in the home and create a warm, welcoming environment. The length and placement of your draperies can make a window or room appear larger or smaller; allowing you to redefine your living space.
There are a variety of custom draperies for a home
There are many reasons why custom draperies are important for a home:
- Draperies protect your floors, furniture, artwork and accessories from harmful UV rays which cause fading over a period of time.
- Draperies keep your home warmer in the winter. The main area of a home where heat is lost is through the window glass. Draperies are very effective at insulating against the cold when they are drawn across the window glass. The more layers of fabric used to make the drapery, for example using an interlining between the fabric and the lining, the more insulation the drapery will provide.
- Draperies provide privacy. Lined draperies offer two layers of material which provide privacy when drawn across the window or door. Often we install sheer unlined draperies to provide daytime privacy, and a lined drape in front which can be drawn closed at night over the sheer to prevent view through into your home.
- Draperies reduce the glare on your television. All too often we hear how hard it is to see TV screens and computer monitors in areas with direct sunlight. Draperies are very effective at controlling this light and eliminating the glare when they are drawn closed. Often we add a drapery in front of a window blind or shade for maximum light control. There are a wide range of lining materials available, from light-filtering to blackout so we are able to create the desired amount of light control for each individual space.
- Draperies add warmth and style to your windows and your home. There is a wide array of fabrics in an assortment of patterns, prints, textures and plains available to choose from and our designers are here to help you find the perfect one!
Curtains, Drapes, and Sheers: What's the Difference?
When it comes to window treatments, the terms ‘curtains’ and ‘drapes’ are often used interchangeably, however, there are some key distinctions that interior designers and home decor enthusiasts recognize:
- Drapes are typically made of heavier, high-quality fabrics like velvet, silk, or wool. They’re designed to be lined, offering not only style but also functionality such as blocking out light and providing insulation. Drapes generally have a more luxurious, formal appearance and can extend from the top of the window to the floor. Because of their weight and structure, drapes can also help with soundproofing and privacy.
- Curtains, in contrast, are lighter and often unlined. Made from fabrics like cotton, linen, or polyester, they provide a more casual, airy look. Curtains can be hung in various lengths, from just covering the window to floor-length options. While they offer privacy, they allow more natural light to flow through compared to drapes, making them ideal for relaxed, bright spaces.
- Sheers are the lightest of the three, typically made from thin, translucent materials like chiffon or voile. These offer a soft, ethereal look and allow for maximum light to enter a room while providing minimal privacy. Sheers are often paired with heavier drapes or curtains to provide a layered, versatile look, combining lightness with privacy control.
The Nuts and Bolts
Window treatments require drapery hardware in order to be mounted properly. The hardware can be decorative and enhance the beauty of the treatment, or it can be strictly functional and concealed behind the window treatment, under a valance, or even recessed into a pocket in the ceiling. We offer a wide variety of window treatment hardware and accessories such as curtain rings, finials (the decorative attachments for the ends of curtain rods), ornamental brackets, swag and tieback holders, along with standard window treatment hardware. These items are available in various materials and finishes such as metal, wrought iron, cast iron, wood and composite materials. We also offer conventional traverse rods which are ideal for hanging pleated draperies and sheers. Our designers are here to help you decide what hardware is most suitable for your draperies and your decor. There is a variety of specialty hardware available such as café rods, Dauphine (wide pocket) rods and cable wire systems available in a variety of styles so the possibilities are endless!
Here are some things to consider when choosing hardware for your window treatments:
- The weight of the fabric: Not all drapery or curtain rods can support the weight of heavy fabrics. For example, for interlined or blackout lined drapes you will need a more sturdy rod so it can support the weight of a heavy treatment without bending or coming loose from the wall or ceiling.
- The style of the drapery or curtain: There is such a wide range of rods & rails to choose from there is something to suit every type of drapery.
- The style of the room: Each type of drapery rod will add a different look to the drapery when it is installed. For traditional homes we carry a variety of wood & metal poles and finials. For a contemporary look, a clear acrylic rod may be best, or a ceiling-mounted track for a minimalist look.
- The location of the window: Typically we install drapery hardware into the wall or the ceiling depending on the window location. The mounting conditions may influence the decision as to the best type of rods.
At Ruffell & Brown, we understand that selecting the right window treatment is about more than just style, it’s about creating the perfect atmosphere in your space. Whether you’re looking for the elegance of drapes, the casual charm of curtains, or the airy feel of sheers, we have the right options to complement your home’s aesthetic and your needs.
Find your ideal curtains, drapes, or sheers in our Victoria or Nanaimo showrooms. Book your free consultation today
