Things to know
Drapery Decor – Selection
Area
1. In a small room
a) patterned drapes tend to reduce room size
b) plain drapery tends to give more area
2. Striped patterns with
a) vertical stripes create an illusioned height and are good for wide windows
b) horizontal stripes are suggested for tall narrow windows
3. Swags should be in character with the rest of the decor in the room. They tend to crowd a small room.
Colour
1. Colour can not be carried in your head.
a) carry swatches with you when selecting drapery
b) don’t depend on mental colours
2. Rooms are already having a distinct colour array
a) require plain drapes
b) would become crowded by adding more colour
3. Lighter tints of colour
a) lend a quiet hue
b) enhance an otherwise dark room
4. Bright, colourful patterns
a) appear to add warmth to northern room areas
b) are suitable for darker rooms to create an enlightened effect
Practicality
a) For kitchens, washable materials are a wise choice.
b) Non-fade draper is a wise choice for sunny areas.
c) For children’s room, select patterns of interest to children.
d) Lining a drape will protect it from sun fading and give it better draping qualities.
e) Draperies beautify your window and your room.
f) Quality merchandise always pays off in beauty and longevity.
g) Vat-dyed fabrics will remain longer.
h) Pre-shrunk drapery is more practical as well as beautiful.
i) Beauty in drapery has many other dependent factors. Therefore, select and buy from reputable stores.
Drapery Decor – Care
Drapery damage
1. The greatest cause of drapery damage is due to extreme fibre weakness caused from:
a) the effect of sunlight exposure
b) the build-up of airborne soil and acid
c) forming gas wastes from industrial sources
d) gas waste from household appliances
e) water damage from sweating windows
f) fraying along the pleated top from rod contact when drawing drapes
g) fraying along the bottom or outer edge from contact on window frame or other objects
h) heat from registers and radiators
2. Oftentimes sun fading may be evident in the best available dyestuffs exposed to direct sunlight for a period of forty to sixty hours. This may be mistaken for soil condition, until after cleaning, when it is found to be a color issue due to sun.
3. These conditions are all normal and cannot be prevented. However, all curtains and drapery last longer, and look better when cleaned or laundered regularly, at least once a year.
For best results
1. Pick the right fabric for the job
a) For sunny locations, use fabrics that are resistant to sunlight deterioration.
b) Do not use shear fabrics as a substitute for shades or blinds.
c) Synthetics are more resistant than cellulose fibres, silk least resistant.
2. Line all drapery for protection against fading and fibre deterioration.
3. Synthetic fibres pick up dry soil (dust) due to static.
4. Cotton and Rayon yellow with age.
5. Although Terrylene, Dralon and some cotton drapery are washable by hand or machine washable, they will keep colors longer, and maintain original contour if cleaned regularly by a professional drapery cleaner.
6. Never attempt washing a Rayon, Acetate, Mohair, Satin, Velvet, Polyester or Hopsack drape. These must be dry cleaned.
7. Never use washing solvents, detergents or spot removers. Only a professional cleaner can check drapes for durability.
8. If in doubt, call a Becky’s or professional drapery cleaner for advice.
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