Accessorizing is the life blood of design and more often than not, it is those finishing details that have the most visual impact on a project. Ironically, if not tragically, they are often the last on the project agenda despite always being part of the big picture discussion.
I find some of my more minimalist clients get project and decision making fatigue so will say “let’s get everything in and live with it for a bit and then we will decide what accessories we need – if any.” Drapery and its big ticket pricing often gets tossed into this tail end, low on budget soup and is probably one of the biggest mistakes.
A long time client called me recently finally ready to move forward with her master bedroom drapes. The bedroom has been half done for years – headboard, linens, bench, some styling – but still on the list was drapery. We produced and installed just this past week and the visual impact was so startling that she now has decided to drape up the entire house (this, of course, while I am in my final weeks of work…can someone please pass me that gun?).
Why Window Cover?
Beyond the function of privacy, protection from sun damage and heat to your interior and limiting light into a bedroom, window coverings quite simply finish a space. They are the punctuation in a line of prose. I like to use pattern in rooms like the kitchen and kids bedrooms, some colour in the dining room but usually opt for super clean and plain linens and cottons that tone with the wall the drape will be up against for everywhere else. Maxwell has a slew of plains that are well priced and always do the trick. But if your budget allows, look at Rogers & Goffigon now managed by DeLany & Long. Patterns like Meltemi and Cloud Cover (this is actually 100% wool – spectacular) are my go tos – their weightlessness makes me swoon. THESE will be on my windows when I renovate. Crush.
From the Top
The style of drape definitely makes a statement. A goblet pinch pleat says ‘traditional’ where a casual pleat (that is a pleat pinched at the top vs at the middle of the pleat) says ‘transitional’. I am very recently obsessed with this. The wave is stunning and removing the hardware gives that clean, to the ceiling, all fabric goodness look. Uber modern while still super warm. Silent Gliss is for sure my new crush.
Hardware-ing
The hardware quotes (rods, rings, finials, brackets, joiners) ALWAYS leave my clients bug-eyed and I always explain it the same way – hardware is like under garments…you go cheap, and they will sag. This is the perfect example of spending good money ONCE. You will never change your hardware so I recommend going clean, simple and coordinated with your door hardware (bronze, chrome, nickel, etc.). Wood is also an option but the hardware will be more pronounced. Wood is less stable than metal so the rods tend to be chunkier – it may work with your space but will definitely make a deisgn statement. And there are all kinds of finials available (those are the do-dads that goes at the ends of the rod) but less is more – balls or cubes are ideal. My go to for hardware is Robert Allen but be prepared to get bug-eyed.