Drapery Pleat Styles & Design Ideas

Pleat styles might come and go in the world of fashion…

But in home décor, they’re a mainstay!

woman adjusting draperies in dining roomFor one thing, pleated draperies lend depth and texture to the room while making a bold statement when paired with complementary fabrics.

If you’re thinking about making an upgrade to your window dressings, here’s a chic, nifty guide to the mysterious world of pleats, pockets, and panels, which is one of the top window treatment design trends for 2015

Before choosing the cut of your drapes, decide how much you want them to move along the rod. Deciding between stationary and traversing drapes significantly impacts the final cost of labor and yardage.

Stationary styles mean the drape won’t operate and is considered a decorative piece. In contrast, traversing drapes can open and close using a rod or hand baton—letting you control the light, privacy, or temperature with ease.

Another choice to make is with the types of hangers you want. Some drapery pleat styles require curtain rings, which can be another way to show off your design prowess, while others adhere right to the rod for a more minimalist look.

close up view of draperies

Once you’ve figured out your curtains’ practical needs, you can get to the style selection. The cut of a curtain can create the same nuance as the neckline of a dress, so knowing your ripples from your rod pockets can prove to be pretty helpful.

See the Latest Pleat Styles (VIDEO)

This video from the International Window Coverings Expo 2015 explains the different types of drapery pleat styles by our very own O’D McKewan and features some of our favorite design choices.

Drapery Pleat Styles Available

Each pleat style can be presented with a variety of fabrics. Medium weight is the most common, as they’ll maintain the pleat’s shape throughout to the bottom, though lightweight fabrics offer a softer hang. The pleat styles can range from elegant to easy-going, depending on your decorating demands.

Drapery Pleat Styles for Your Home (Design Ideas)

Choosing the style that’s right for you depends on the windows’ function and your own flair for the dramatic.

  • If you’re looking to dress up the dining room, a Goblet Pleat paired with brushed metal hanger rings creates an elegant duo.
  • If you’re trying to jazz up a window with a not-so-great view, a Traditional Tab Top paired with an ornate finial will keep things sleek and stylish.
  • If you’d like to add even more depth or simply allow more sunlight, sheer curtains are a great option. They keep things bright and breezy, even when paired with a heavier weight panel.
  • Valances to cover the top portion of a window make a grand gesture when paired with sweeping drapery.
  • Cornice Box also serves as a statement-making topper. Their structured silhouettes allow for a little playtime in terms of custom details. You can wrap them in complementary fabrics—flowing latticework for easy style or a scrolling damask for royal flair—for a sophisticated accent to your drape design.

 

Download Our Window Treatments Buyers Guide

buyers-guide

This guide is a great starting point in your redecorating adventures. Please contact us to find the perfect drapery pleat and design styles for your home.

Download Guide

 

More Home Design Inspirations from 3 Blind Mice Window Coverings

Add a new burst of style and decorative inspiration to your home with new window coverings. The vast array of colors and fabrics set a luxe or laid back tone, while pleated details draw the eye upwards, adding height to the room. Happy pleating!

Comments (1)

I never knew so much went into deciding about purchasing drapes! This is great information, especially about how much fabric to get depending on how much they need to be moved.

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