What Are Window Drapes?
What Are Window Drapes?
Window drapes are a type of curtain designed to cover a window. There are various types, such as operated by weights or springs and pleated, both thick and thin. The most common type today is made from sheer fabric that attaches to the inside edge of the window on one side and is held in place with press studs or loops.
Sometimes, they are made from rods that can be clipped together over the window frame, which makes them much easier to adjust for size changes during installation. Window drapes are used for privacy, but can also be used as an accent.
Also, they can be used when they are hung on windows that face the interior of the house. The two primary types of window curtains are panel and pleated. Drapes can cover windows, doors, walls, or even other things such as shades and blinds for privacy.
For example, drapes can act as a covering for a room divider, allowing you to add privacy by creating a physical barrier between rooms in your home. They also come in various designs that suit the mood or atmosphere of a room. When deciding what type of window treatments to install, a lot of people opt for the panel type.
This type of drape is made from thick fabric that can be gathered or pleated in some cases and attached to the curtain rod on one side. The advantage of this type is that you can have a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles in one room.
It is also easy to adjust the size by simply changing the position and size of the curtain rod in relation to each other. An alternative to this would be a pleated drape, also known as a roman shade or box fold.
How Do You Measure A Window For Pinch Pleated Drapes?
Measuring for pinch pleated drapes is a bit different than measuring for rod pocket drapes or other styles. The main difference is that you need to take into account the width of the header, which is the fabric above the pleats that attaches to the drapery rod.
You’ll also need to decide how far off the ground you want the drapes to hang and whether you want them to stack on the sides when they’re open or closed.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you measure for pinch pleated drapes.
- Measure from the top of the curtain rod down to the floor: this will be the top of the drape.
- Measure from where the curtain rod attaches to the window frame and make a mark (this will be your starting point): this will be the bottom of the drape. Measure down from your mark to the floor: this will be how far you need to fold your drape down.
- Measure down again from your starting point, then measure up to the top of your window frame at the height you would like your drape: this will be your top crease point.
Measure across the window again and make another mark (this will be your second crease point): this will be how far you need to fold up the drape on each side of the window.
- Cut a piece of fabric that is twice as long as that measurement: Do not sew it yet.
Measure out the width of the drape across your window frame horizontally: this will be the width required for your drape. Fold it in half lengthwise, making sure that both folds are on top and that one side is folded over on itself (this is called an inside fold).
- Sew the fabric together along the length of both folds, leaving about four to six inches open on one side.
- Hand sew the Velcro or buttons on each side of your seam, depending on the type of drape you bought.
- Sew shut the opening you left in step six and be sure to reinforce all seams that are stress points.
- Hang them up.
What Is The Rationale For Why Cribs Must Be Located Away From Window Blinds Or Drapes?
Avoid placing a crib or any other child’s bed near a window to avoid the most serious of falls and to keep children from becoming entangled in cords from hanging window blinds or draperies and strangling. If possible, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends using cordless window coverings.
However, if you still need to use cords for safety purposes, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that you limit their use to blinds only and that children should not be allowed to play with them. Children should not be allowed to play with window coverings as they are very dangerous.
In fact, many injuries and accidents can be caused by children playing with blinds, curtains, or bed sheets tied around windows. Before purchasing any of these products, make sure you check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s list which can help you decide which types and styles of cordless window coverings will be appropriate for your home.
Another hazard that can result in injury is a trip and fall while entering or exiting the house because of slippage on the steps. Carpeting is an ideal solution to avoid this type of accident.
A secondary, but just as important, reason concerns the furniture itself. Furniture placed near windows can hinder a quick exit in an emergency and therefore should be stored out of the way or moved away from the window area on a regular basis.
Another source of danger is that curtains or blinds can attract small fingers which, when caught in zippers, can result in amputation or damage to nerves and blood vessels.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends using cordless window coverings for homes with children under the age of six to help prevent accidents from happening.
