July 2015 - Curtains on the Net Blog

So far, these blogs have covered applications for curtains of all kinds, from sheers to long drop curtains, as well as looking at some of the functional benefits of curtains, including the energy saving and light reducing features of blockout curtains. A variety of fixtures, fittings and accessories, which have the power to transform a drape in terms of hang and overall appearance, have also come under the microscope.

For readers still scoping out their options for the ultimate drape, it’s probably worth taking a quick look at three popular curtain styles: inverted pleat curtains, pencil pleat curtains and pinch pleat curtains.

The inverted pleat curtain (pictured top) is a great pleat style, created when two folds of fabric are folded toward each other in opposite directions to create the pleat. The result is an almost architectural look; a clean, flat surface along the top of the drape, from which the pleats descend in an ordered, visually pleasing way.

The pencil pleat curtain derives its name from its resemblance to a row of pencils laid side by side. Pencil pleat consists of tightly gathered folds that retain their shape by a cord being pulled on the heading tape. The cord can be adjusted slightly to the width of the window. Pencil pleat curtain headings can be used with either curtain poles or tracks, ensuring a good fit for any window.

Pinch pleat curtains (pictured bottom) are so called because the top of the curtain is literally pinched together. The pinched pleats are spaced evenly apart, and weighted at the bottom of the seams, resulting in a tailored look at the top. As the fabric drops, the pleats determine their fullness, creating a smooth, even hang. A pinch pleated drape is hung using metal hooks pierced into the fabric at the top of the back of the curtain panel next to each pleat.

While there are numerous options for drapes on the market, these three remain among the most classic and popular. Whichever one you choose, bear in mind that the kind of ready-made curtains you decide to purchase may well depend on a number of factors, including budget, location/orientation and the style of the room being furnished.

For example, the clean lines of the inverted pleat curtain give a great masculine look for a man’s office or dressing room, although the pleat is also loved by women who are after a contemporary look. This style works better for plain fabrics or those with a small, subtle print design; larger repeat patterns tend to be hard to work into the structure of the pleat, although if you can pull this off, the results are amazing. The pinch pleat curtain is a great addition to any traditional or elegant styled space such as a lounge or master bedroom, since it offers a dramatic, yet timeless look. As for pencil pleat curtains, their neat, ordered appearance make them ideal for dining rooms, studies or reading rooms; although of course they’re style that’s applicable almost anywhere.

Everyone seems to be watching The Block, checking Pinterest or scoping out Houzz.com these days and as a result, it seems renewed interest in interior décor is burgeoning. As part of this, the revival of curtains as a window treatment continues apace. With so many different influencers out there, trends are hard to pin down however, so if you’re confused by all this choice, here’s an anecdotal run-down of “what’s hot and what’s not” in curtain retail at the moment.

Sheer curtains double hung with linings continue to be one of the strongest trends around. These strong sellers are often hung with a blockout lining, sometimes coloured, at the back. Another option is to pair them with a blockout roller blind or similar blind treatment.
Natural linen looks are also on the rise. The swing towards linens is great for creating earthy, unfussy curtains that work well with a surprising range of décor styles, from classic through to modern industrial. A newer trend within demand for linen is that customers are showing growing interest in ‘linen with a twist’; in other words something with subtle, added embellishment. For example they might go for a subtle stripe or pattern in the linen or possibly a ‘luxe’ style that looks a bit like a cross between linen and shantung silk. A tip for customers interested in linen style fabric is that linen or linen look drapes really do need to be lined, as they tend to be prone to fading.
Vibrant prints continue to entice customers bold enough to go there, with anything from honeycomb geometrics to tropical florals making the cut. At the top end of the market, collaborations such as that between Designers Guild and luxury brand Christian Lacroix (pictured below) have resulted in a real wow factor that has influenced the whole curtain market.

In terms of the hang, the S-fold or S-wave is currently attracting a lot of interest; it’s soft and informal but also hangs well when drawn as well as stacking back nicely when open.
Motorisation is one of the biggest growth areas in curtains, not just because it provides ease of operation, but because of the new trend fora clean look, which is taking emphasis away from traditional decorative rods. Instead homeowners are opting for a ceiling mounted installation with a ripple fold hang. This looks clean and elegant and enlarges the appearance of their windows and curtains.
Insulation is in demand. One of the reasons for the growing obsession with drapes is that they are great insulators from both heat and cold. Demand for pelmets is also on the rise as a result, due to their insulation properties and partly for their visual effect. Evidence suggests homeowners are spending more and seeing curtains as a real investment. They’re looking for curtains with the appearance of high quality and durability. Drapes, whether readymade curtains or custom made ones are a great way of causing a visual stir when you walk into a room; they also provide a unique cosy feeling in winter and welcome cool darkness in summer.

Monthly Archives: July 2015

A classic trio: inverted box pleats, pencil pleats + pinch pleats

What’s selling in curtains?