Dramatic Drapes
Nothing brings drama to a room like gorgeous drapery panels framing the windows. There seems to have been a trend favoring simple window treatments over the last several years, with blinds and shades becoming the norm. These are certainly functional choices and can be the best option for certain designs. But often this omission is a lost opportunity to bring personality into a room through the endless array of fabrics from which to have panels made. Color, texture, pattern and warmth...I see a few windows in my house that need drapes!
Take away the green panels (which verge on lime!) from this room and it remains interesting, but without such energy. The color choice is perfect for the space, just a couple shades lighter than the bright green chair and the large palm placed in the corner. These modern selections are in wonderful contrast to the ornate architecture of the room.
The orange cherry blossom fabric brings gorgeous pattern and color into a soothing bedroom of soft blue. I usually don't care for repeating a fabric on different surfaces within a room, but these pillows made from the drapery fabric adds a peaceful cohesiveness to the bedroom. And look closely, a narrow band of brown trim along the hem elevates the design of these panels wonderfully.
Dark, moody and glowing, this room is a stunner. The tall rich drapery panels add a rich layer of texture and an element of softness to a room made up of very similar hues. I simply adore this room...and it's drapes!
Could this corner be more intriguing? Again, remove the drapes lining the wall behind the seating area and the magic of the space is gone. The green, brown and ivory fabric is outstanding and just beautiful as drapes. The wide brown band along the hem effectively adds detail and visually anchors the drapes.
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| The design of these drapes appear simple, but look closer. The color of the panels and the sheers they are layered over are a striking compliment to the room. The gray is dramatic and brings the eye to the bay windows, stretching up the entire height of the room, while also referencing the artwork and seating in the foreground. The color of the sheers is almost lost with the sun shining through the windows, but like the drapes, the warm wheat color is also repeated in another piece of artwork and a simple wooden chair. |
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by Olga Adler
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| These drapery panels made from the bright red, white and black chinoiserie print showcasing pagoda motifs are the star of this room. The drapes had to be the first item selected for this space as both the color palette and style of the furniture and accessories is lead by the print. It all adds up to a very dramatic and interesting design. |
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| These black and white geometric print drapes reach towards the ceiling while framing beautiful french doors and a transom window. I often see another choice in such situations, where the drapes are hung just above the doors and below the window above. This choice is so much more successful, one that accents the height of the opening with flair. |
So what came first, the lantern or the drapes? The colors are a perfect match, with the line of trim along the edges of the drapes repeated exactly in the lines of the light fixture. I just love the trend of placing drapes close to the ceiling, it accentuates and makes the most of the height of a room. The panels are layered beautifully over simple shades edged with trim that repeats the signature color of the room. What a delight!
This room could well be called pretty in pink! The patterned drapes provide a break within the sea of pink and draws your eye to the window. The mix of prints on the drapes and chair, which share a dark raspberry color that is also repeated on the pillows, make this charming design work.
The boldly striped green and white drapes frame the view seen out the window perfectly, highlighting and connecting the green in the distance to the room itself. This was quite the brilliant choice for window treatments.
The retro print of the drapes brings a playfulness to this simple and quiet space. They show how drapes don't have to be complicated to bring a lot to a room.
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| Where to begin with this design? There are so many subtle layers of color, texture and pattern within this stunning room, but I only have time to focus on the drapes. The unusual gray fabric with green undertones blends beautifully into the room while still managing to become a striking element of the design. The drapes are edged with a golden accent, while both colors of the panels are repeated in the wallpaper. And again, look at the height these drapes are hung. I see a trend! |
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by Amy Lau Design
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| Here drapery panels are used in mass with a dramatic and effective result. The large scale print makes this possible. Imagine a smaller print and the look would be overwhelming. The sunny colors and playful spirit of the print work perfectly within the room, which embraces the 50's with colorful style. |
Comments
Centsational Girl Just lovely Janell, what a fab collection of very inspiring photos !
3 years ago · Like
emmillee Fantastic article and images.
3 years ago · Like
Tammy@InStitches You chose some beautiful examples, Janell.
3 years ago · Like
eyeseepretty Gorgeous! I love the drama that the drapes provide.
3 years ago · Like
The Impatient Gardener Those striped drapes are to die for. I'm swooning.
3 years ago · Like
Anita My two favorites are the black and white geometric and green and white stripe. It was a must to hang the blk and white high. Hanging it below the transom would have made the room feel cut up. And the green is just gorgeous and brings the lush green from outside right into the room. Who would love to have their coffee in the morning at that table?
3 years ago · Like
Karen Evans You've definitely illustrated your point well, Janell. I love the drama that floor to ceiling panels make in a room.
3 years ago · Like
patscats2 Thanks for showing photo's of drapes that are not only beautiful, but that are also installed correctly. There should be lessons out there instructing people the correct way to hang drapes.
3 years ago · Like
andrea_of_ffft Well done!
3 years ago · Like
Dana's Design Studio Gone are the swaggy days, thank goodness. But you are right, most people play it too safe with panels. Thanks for showing us a better way. These are simply delicious!
3 years ago · Like
sophie777 What a great collection! I love the 1st and 3rd examples the most. The rods definitely look better near the ceiling.
3 years ago · Like
Sara Ingrassia Interiors Wonderful group of examples!
3 years ago · Like
Emily A. Clark Love these examples. I think the green ones in the first image are my favorite.
3 years ago · Like
jjsuarez I'm having off white window treatment made for my living room; they are simple pinch pleat panels. The walls are decorative white Benjamin Moore paint, and the tones in the room are soft grey, white and a chrome crystal chandelier. What color rob do you suggest for the window treatment to give a classic, glamour look.
17 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on July 28, 2010.
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