Draperies

They're retro-chic; draperies are making a big décor comeback (to some they never left!).
"Drapes" add instant elegance, provides privacy and also softens a room. And today's styles are a far cry from the old, solemn-looking fussy creations before. Most are now simple side panels that just frame windows, thus making them timeless and transitional.

Besides enhancing the mood of a room, drapes can hide architectural flaws (like off-center windows) and ugly outside views. They can also keep a room warm or cool and can prevent that prevent early morning sunlight from flooding in (use lining draperies for this purpose). They can also be dressy or casual (regular or casual drapes can be used in family rooms and basements, silk ones for master bedrooms and/or dining rooms.

Try to always go for a classic look and solid colors ; being too "trendy" can end up costing you more (and do you really want to keep replacing drapes every two to three years?). Exception: Now if you sew and are quite good at it, go for the trendy (or any design you want)!

To give grandeur AND coziness to a room, the ideal height to hang a drapery rod is at least 4 to 6 inches above the window trim; the drapery panel bottom should skim the floor or come just above it.

Here's what to look for when shopping for new draperies:

The five needed essentials to take with you are:
Measurements--for buying ready-made draperies
Paint swatches of the wall colors
Pictures of the room, but particularly pictures of the windows if nothing else
Pages from home décor (or interior design) magazines of drapery looks that you like
Fabric samples-a reclining chair arm cover, for example

Current popular looks are:
Fabricssuch as bigger geometric prints and banding (where one fabric, such as a solid color, is combined with another (sometimes a print).
Styles like side panels and cornices
Trims: Wooden beadings and brushed fringe
Bronze finishes and streamlined industrial rods
Mixing different metals for a warmer, more lived-in look

Prices can range from $20 to $100 per panel for ready-made-There's practically an endless selection of colors, styles, sizes and patterns that vary from store to store.
Semi-custom will run from $100 to $150 per panel-There's hundreds of fabrics and styles to choose from, but there will be a limit with sizes.

Custom-made will set you back by $250 and up (!) per panel-but they'll be designed to be as lined, pleated and/or tall as you want and in any fabric or style you desire