Window Treatment Styles
Drapery Panels
A versatile look that can be hung alone, tied back or displayed with a combination of other treatments. The terms curtain and drapery can be used interchangeably, but traditionally, drapes tend to be pleated and evoke a more formal look than curtains. Some draperies also differ in the way they open and close. A center-draw drapery will open and close from the center, whereas a one-way draw opens and closes to one side. There are also rod or pole pocket drapery pairs, which can draw both ways. Some of the other popular styles include:
Pole Pocket
A formal option that can be slipped over a rod without the need for hooks or rings.
Tab Top
A relaxed, casual look that has flat loops or tabs that hang loosely from the curtain rod or clip rings.
Sheers
An elegant alternative to drapery panels, sheers are airy and light filtering. Most commonly made of a lightweight fabric called voile; these treatments are available in a variety of patterns, colors and textures, and can be displayed alone or with drapery panels.
Valances
A great way to top off a window. A valance can hang over drapes, blinds, shades or be displayed alone, and is available in a variety of fabrics from lightweight voile to heavyweight velvet. The following are three of the most popular valance styles.
Blossom Valance
A traditional valance that is stuffed with tissue paper for a full look.
Insert Valance
A traditional valance that is unstuffed for a straight, tailored style.
Scarf Valance
A versatile style that can be draped elegantly over window panels or hung creatively for a unique look all your own.
Curtains & Shades
Similar to the drapery panels, curtains can provide both full and partial window coverage. This treatment is generally gathered in style, and tends to evoke a more casual look than draperies. The following styles are most popular:
Curtain Panel
This full-length design can be less formal than draperies themselves.
Kitchen Curtains
These include upper and lower panels. The upper can include a valance and a shaped overlay, whereas the lower consists of two center-draw panels.
Roman shade
A flat-faced shade that folds into neat horizontal pleats when it is raised. There are several styles of Roman shades, but the most common is the flat-fold design.