Soft Window Treatments

What is the difference between a curtain and a drapery?

Essentially, they are the same thing. Both consist of fabric and thread. Both are mounted using some type of “rod” or “track” or “hardware”. If there is a difference, curtains are hung on “curtain poles” where the poles can be seen above the treatments. Draperies are traditionally hung on “drapery tracks” where the tracks are hidden above the header of the draperies.

Do you just offer draperies?

No. We offer a full line of soft and hard window coverings including blinds, shades and custom draperies.

What is a top treatment?

A top treatment is designed to decorate the header of the window, and usually, in doing so, obscure the less attractive drapery hardware. Top treatments can be cornices (wooden boxes that are either covered with fabric or just painted wood), valances, swags and mock roman valances.

What is a valance?

A valance is a top treatment that usually has soft fabric folds on the face. The most common type of valance is a pleated valance.

What is a cornice?

A cornice uses a face made from a rigid material, usually MDF or wood. It can be covered with polyester fiber fill and fabric to soften the look or simply painted or stained to create a millwork look.

What are swags and cascades?

Swags are the prototypical top treatment that is a step up from a cornice or valance. Swags resemble gathered fabric half circles that undulate across the head of a window. Cascades are the solt gathered folds of fabric that fall from the left and right sides of the window to complete the look and fully frame the window.

What is a shade? How is it different from a drapery?