Drapery 101: How do I get that "high end" look?

3 years ago

Hello, smart Houzz community!

I'm wondering how to get that "high end" look with curtain drapes, as shown in the image below. I ~sort~ of know some of the elements (I think?), but I don't know what to look for, what to Google search to learn more ("expensive looking curtains"???), or what I'm supposed to buy when it comes to them.

I ~do~ know that really nice looking window treatments usually have some specific looking pleating (what kind? where can I learn more?), are hung on rings (which ones should I buy? what are these called? how many do I need?). I don't know what fabric they're made of, or where to buy them. Can I get ones on Amazon? How many panels? I've also seen posts on Houzz about drapery weights. What are those? What kind of curtain rod is pictured? Is there a good article or YouTube video someone can point me to so I can learn more about how to achieve this look in general?

Any help is appreciated!

Featured Answer

M Miller

3 years ago

I ~do~ know that really nice looking window treatments usually have some specific looking pleating (what kind? where can I learn more?)

Actually, no specific pleating - there are many options, and it's more about the quality of the fabric than the style of pleating. True luxury drapery fabrics are wool, silk, and cotton also but very high quality cotton. Also there is the "fullness" of the fabric - the amount of fabric that is used to cover the width of your curtain track or pole: 0 fullness (i.e. flat), 50% fullness, 100% fullness.

You simply are not going to get the look you want on Amazon or website or a department store.

or what I'm supposed to buy

One thing that you will see in luxury draperies is that they are hung significantly higher than the window, i.e. the rod is quite a distance above the window, just under the ceiling if possible.

Is there a good article or YouTube video someone can point me to so I can learn more about how to achieve this look in general?

I would buy Architectural Digest magazine every month and see the window treatments in the homes they picture. That will develop your eye for what makes up a luxury window treatment.

If you are serious about buying draperies for your home that are high-end, you need an interior designer who works with a custom curtain maker. She will help you pick out the right fabric, pleating, and rod for your home. You can find interior designers who will work on an hourly basis for small jobs like that rather than doing an entire room or an entire home.

I was just at a Designer Showhouse (a charity event), and there were draperies in one of the fabulous rooms that were plain ripple pleat. But they were very fine wool, and with a gorgeous edging. Price for two narrow windows was $8k.

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Comments (7)

shars55
3 years ago
I had mine custom made. I couldn't find anything online anywhere that looked as nice. They're much more expensive but they are beautiful.
jck910
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Quality fabric and lining make a huge difference in how drapery hangs. Weights are put in the hem. If the curtains are more than a fabric width wide, weights can help the training process of getting those nice vertical folds. There are multiple styles of pleats also. Google "drapery pleats styles" to learn more. That looks like a corner rod in the picture you posted.

In my younger years I made my own window treatments but now as I redecorate I have them custom made
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Rebecca Hicks
3 years ago
High end draperies are custom made. You will make yourself crazy trying to find ready made that will look right. Good quality fabric, lining, style, correct width and fullness can be difficult to find and there is an art to drapery design. Visit a drapery workroom or contact a local interior designer for guidance.
arcy_gw
3 years ago
Truly fabulous drapes have sewn in pleats with pleat hooks on traverse rods--not loops you put on yourself. It's about the weight and hang of the fabric. Weights in the hem help with this. Your inspo. pick is not a great representation of a quality drape or install.
Nicole Futino thanked arcy_gw
Nicole Futino
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
@M Miller Wowwwweee, $8K?! OK maybe the next step instead is to accept the fact that there's no way I can afford the look I want, lol.

Thanks for the answers everyone! I was looking to spend at most $1K but it seems like that won't get me anywhere near the look I want... I guess now I'm wondering, is there truly no middle ground for drapes? Either crappy IKEA off the rack ones for $40 each, or custom for thousands?
Nicole Futino
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
@arcy_gw

Thanks for your answer! I'm seeing a traverse rod for the width of my window is almost $900 itself, lol. Does this make much of a difference verses the hooks and loops you put on yourself? I guess it's a smoother opening and closing of them?