Drapes

Fashion is undeniably cyclical. The new ones will soon become old and will be replaced by another trend. However the old ones are never getting out of style, in fact they only get better every time a new one is introduced such is the case of drapes.

One of the oldest ways of making the windows beautiful is using drapes. Drapes are similar with curtains in many ways but one of the most distinct variations of drapes is that they are heavyweight. They are usually made of thick fabrics with different uses depending on the purpose. More often than not drapes are used for wider windows. They are generally hung using metal hooks or rod pockets. Among the types of drapes that use hooks for mounting, the pinch pleated is the most common.

Other way of hanging drapes especially those that have floor-length is using the traverse rods. The rods are equipped with cords or strings that are pulled when opening or closing the drapes. These cords or strings are hung either of the sides of the windows. The use of traverse rods is fit for wider windows that have more than enough space. Gone are the days when draperies always have a second layer of fabric mostly of sheer material. Today’s window covering that utilizes drapes are now made of single fabric.

One of the most widely used fabrics for drapery is silk. Silk drapes, is also known as satin drapes. These two are almost always used interchangeably. Drapes made of silk fabric do not easily get wrinkled unlike other materials. The nice thing about silk drapes is their inherent shimmer that easily plays with both the natural and the artificial light. Just imagine what a beautiful sight they become when the lights touches their rays on them. It is of little wonder then that many are so smitten with silk drapes.

The natural fibers that makeup silk drapes make them an excellent material in absorbing humidity hence they are the most preferred compared with other products. The downside of using silk drapes is that they can easily fade when exposed to the sun for a long time, nevertheless this concern can be remedied by using another layer of fabric that will protect the silk from direct sunlight. The most popular silk is the Dupioni. It is now a popular choice among drape lovers. Since dupioni is made from two cocoons of different types woven together gives it a toe-toned color that makes the silk more exquisite and distinct at every stroke of light.

Drapes are not only used to make the windows and the room or the house more attractive. More importantly they are also used to give insulation. The windows are the primary channels for temperature change. When the temperature outside is rising the heat can easily get into a room or the house through the windows. The same is true when the temperature drops to a negative. For this reason the thermal or the insulated drapes are generally used. Thermal drapes are thus used to help address the problem brought about by changes in temperature.
Thermal drapes are made of very thick and specialized fabric. Since thermal drapes trap the air the gets out and in the room, there is a tendency of moisture retention in the drapes. So the material to used should be mold resistant and rot-free. Good materials for thermal drapes are those that don’t keep the moisture inside the room or house. They should be breathable also.

Thermal drapes are excellent during hot weather. It can also work on colder days too. However they can be maximized when the windows of the house are installed with double-glazed windowpanes otherwise using thermal drapes is not advisable.

Drapes are good investment. They do not only make the house beautiful they also make the homeowners feel good about their house or room. Just like any investment, drapes too, need special care.