This month, we are going to be talking a lot about window dressing. We feel it is the right time because spring to summer is when we may be thinking of swapping for the season. Heavier curtains, blinds or shutters are used to insulate and provide warmth to spaces during the winter nights. Then they may be opened up in order to let in as much light as possible during the short daylight. In the spring and summer, we may opt for lighter, more translucent to enjoy exposure or block out the light in spaces that can benefit from it such as media rooms.
Well, in order to start talking about window dressing, we need to understand some key terms that can help us talk to a designer or salesperson. The following is a list of terms that are used in the manufacturing of curtain panels. We will address the trims, styles and mechanics of application in later articles.
What is the Face Fabric?
This is the fabric that will face into the room. It’s usually the most decorative and rich because visually, it will create the most impact. In later articles, we will help you navigate how to pick the right color, texture and material to suit your needs.
What is the Return?
It refers to the portion of the drapery that goes from the face to the wall. If you think of the face of the curtain as the part that points towards the interior of the room, the returns are the two sides that go back towards the wall. Be aware that not all styles have them, but it is a very important term to know.
What is the Heading?
This is the top of the curtain. Just as when writing a letter, the heading goes on the top. Inside the curtain panel, there is usually a heading tape which gives the fabric body to be able to stand up. The head or heading can be finished in different ways such as a French pleat, a pencil pleat, banding or rouging.
What is a Stack-back?
This is the amount of space needed to accommodate the curtain panel when it’s collapsed onto itself to let light in through the window. In other words, if you open the window panels and go as far as possible, how many inches of the bunched up fabric would still block the window.
What are Tracks?
A track is a guide usually made of metal that accommodates the mechanism that allows the panel to glide as we open or close the curtain.
What are Rods?
Like the Track, a Rod is used to allow the curtains to move with ease as needed. Instead of wheels or bearings, rods use rings or hooks to attach to the Heading of the curtain.
What are Hooks?
These are metal hooks that are attached to the Heading and are used to connect it to the Rings or Bearings of the Track or Rod.
What’s a Leading Edge?
It is the inside side of the panel, where it meets the other panels. It can be as simple as a hem or elaborately embellished with trim, fringe or embroidery.
What is the Hem?
At the base of the panel, the fabric gets folded towards the back side in order to give a crisp edge. It then gets sewn into place or glued. Sometimes adding small weights inside is necessary to allow the fabric to hang neatly and parallel to the floor if the fabric is not heavy enough.
What is the Lining?
It is the fabric behind the face of the curtain panel. It can be useful to create insulation, protecting the more expensive fabric of the face from fading or moisture. It also adds to the body of the panel. Quality linings will even be resilient to ultraviolet light.
#interiors #design #decor #interiorstyling #luxury
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