White

doods, any reason you prefer white?

White will blend in better. Black will be high-contrast. So, it's whichever you prefer.

White because otherwise you see a black line on the ceiling when the drapes are open. The purpose of the full height ripple fold is to look architectural and seamless. If you want a black rod then do a simple pinch pleat traverse style installed just below the ceiling. Then the rod is a ‘thing’.

White

Mgdecor ... I prefer the white because to me the black line above the drapes in your picture just looks like a dark shadow, and imo (not a pro) doesn't add anything to the drapes or the room.

White for the rod.

But I would not select polyester sheers for the drapery panels. I would use a very thin linen look for your contemporary interior. The sheers fabric looks like too much of a throw back to the 70s.

Thank you everyone. White all the way! Yes Beverly, definitely a linen look sheer!

I'm back to this project and am deciding between 2 linen look fabric sheers. Which fabric do we like best? One is a little more sheer with less cross hatch visible. The other still sheer but denser cross hatch.

Here is a side by side...

We don't need curtains for insulation. We are installing these purely for aesthetic purposes.

Denser weave looks more intentional, and higher quality. The lighter one looks sort of cheap.

IMO the white track for a more uniform look. I LOVE the ripple fold drapery. Are they easy to install?