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In the past, draperies tended to be very extravagant, made up of swags, jabots and tasseled trims. Today's draperies are much simpler, fitting nicely into our clean lined, more-modern interiors.

Mixing hard and soft treatments is a timeless way to dress our windows, allowing for privacy; management of afternoon sun and - most importantly - style.

Whether you use wood blinds or some kind of shades to tackle these problems, adding simple, stationary drapery panels can give the room that special designer's touch. And with the comparatively-low price of fabric, panels are a much more cost-effective way to create a finished look.

Even drapery hardware has come a long way. Now there are state-of-the-art finials and rods in sleek modern finishes. Discuss the options with your decorator to make window treatments an essential element in your decor.

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Tips for choosing the Best DRESSED Drapes
1. Have your stationary panels hang over, or into, the window
about three or four inches.

2. If you have low ceilings, install your draperies four inches
below the ceiling to make them look higher.

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3. If doing two-story draperies, it's best to extend the height of
the hems and headers. This keeps the overall look to scale.

4. When using a contrasting fabric as a "skirt" on your draperies, have that bottom section measure about one-third of the total height.

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5. Cords are not necessary on traversing draperies. If you have
children, consider using pull-wands or a motorized system.

6. If you love the look of silk draperies, consider using faux, as silk
window treatments require blackout lining as well as interlining
to protect it from sun damage.

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7. Be sure to go over all of the pleat/head styles with your decorator to choose the correct style and function. For instance, grommet top panels should only be used if the panels will never be moved. If you draw them, they flatten.

8. Tab-top panels can be installed on medallions instead of rods.

9. The standard installation height from the floor is one-half inch, but if you're using a heavy fabric, discuss installing them an inch off the floor.

10. Remember that stationary draperies and sheers can be installed
even on arched windows and other "problem" windows.

Marie Stewart Interiors 818-457-3939