Window Treatment Design Idea
Learn More

Successful window treatment design idea

Read this information and advice on drapes, valances, pelmets, swags, tails and tie-backs.

Discover what it all means...

These are all those added little 'extras' or 'accessories for your curtains'.

They are 'headings', or extra 'drape-y' bits that go around the top of the curtain or curtain pole, or help to tie the curtain back.

They are mainly decorative - softening your window treatment design idea, or giving a smart, luxurious or formal feel.

Tie-backs are very practical though, pulling the curtain to one side for access, or to let light in.

window treatment design idea

Valances, pelmets, swags, tails and more...

These all tend to be quite traditional looks, and fairly formal in style, to a large extent.

If you have quite a modern, or minimalist room, but want to soften the look, try some drapes over curtain poles instead.

Drapes do work particularly well with blinds. But valances, pelmets, swags and tails, tend to work best when carefully color-matched to a set of curtains.

Read on to discover more - what choices do you have? What does it all mean, for you and your room design?

Draping over Poles
Valances
Pelmets
Swags and Tails
Tie Backs

Draping over Poles

window treatment design idea drapes

This is a very simple, but effective, way of adding extra fabric, and extra interest to your window treatment design idea.

Drape fabric over a curtain pole, in front of your ordinary blind or curtain, to soften the look, or add a sumptuous feel.

Drapes can even be added to bare windows, where privacy is not an issue, to stop the room looking unfinished.

Don't skimp on your fabric - use plenty of soft, lightweight or sheer fabric.

Just experiment, by looping your fabric over the pole a few times (or many times!) until it looks good.

I find drapes look best if you let one side of the drape hang down to floor length, whilst the other side reaches down about 1/3 to 1/2 of this distance.

For a shorter drape, try one side of the window with a drape length between 2/3 of the height of your window, and down to the sill, whilst the shorter 'tail' should be approximately 1/3 of the window height.

The look is soft, but quite informal, so you can use it in any room.

Return to the list

Valances

window treatment design idea valances

Valances are like mini curtains, hung from a pole across the top of your window.

They give extra interest to your curtain, hide the top of your window, and usually give a more formal look.

Valances, these days, tend to be a more traditional look, and are not really suitable for a modern, streamlined room.

They also suit country cottage styles well, too.

A valance will need its own pole - in addition to any pole or rail for the main curtain.

Do remember that a valance will restrict the light coming into your room a little.

Use simple-styled valances for kitchens, bathrooms and other 'practical' rooms. Keep more elaborate valances for bedrooms, and formal living areas.

Choose your style of valance from the whole range of available curtain styles and headings - click here to see curtain decorating ideas.

It is really important that you get the proportion (height) of your valance right - or it may ruin your whole window treatment design.
The height of your valance should be 1/6th of the overall height (drop/length) of your whole curtain.

Return to the list.

Pelmets

A pelmet is a very similar heading to a valance.
Where a valance is soft and gathered, like a mini curtain, a pelmet is a flat board, standing proud of the wall.
It goes across the top of the window to hide the curtain track, and gives quite a formal or traditional look.

Choose a simple, rectangular pelmet, or a more fancy-shaped finish, with elaborate curves.

pelmet idea

Pelmets can be a plain, painted board, or covered with fabric, to match your curtain.
Bits of trim, braid or tassles can also be added, to suit your style.

The height of your pelmet should be 1/6th of the curtain length.
But if you have low ceilings or small windows, try a pelmet which is 1/8th of the curtain length - to keep plenty of natural light flooding into your room - and to make sure your room proportions still look right.

Return to the list.

window treatment design idea

Swags and Tails

Swags and Tails are a more formal version of curtain 'drapes'.

A 'swag' is the 'loop' part of the window treatment, and the 'tail' is the hanging part.

Formal swags and tails look best on full length curtains, at tall windows, in large rooms.

If you like the look, don't be put off from trying them in smaller rooms and windows, but do be aware that they will block out the light a little, and may look a little 'fussy', or overpowering.

Make sure you get the proportions right, to avoid making a mess of your window treatment design idea.
The height of the 'swag' should be 1/5th curtain length, and the 'tail' should be 1/3rd to 2/3rd of the curtain length.

Return to the list.

Tie Backs

window treatment design idea tie backs

Tie backs are not for the top of your curtain, but they are an important part of your window treatment design idea. They are both practical and decorative.

Tie backs can, literally, tie back your curtain - to keep it out of the way of a radiator, opening door, or even just to keep from blocking the light.

Tie backs pull the curtain back to give it an attractive shape too - so that it drapes nicely, with an attractive curve, rather than just hanging straight down.

It is usual to position your tie back at sill height for long curtains, or 2/3rds of the way down shorter curtains.

Tie backs are decorative in their own right too - they can just be plain, with a fabric which matches or complements the curtain. Or they can have added braid, trim or tassles.

Metal curtain bands, which may match your curtain pole, can also be used to give a similar effect.

Return to the list.

There are lots of different styles, ideas and 'extras' to complete your curtains and window treatment design idea. So, take a little time to fully consider which styles will suit your room best.

Have you got your free subscription to my interior design e-zine?

Receive my free, monthly, e-mail newsletter, full of interior design tips, techniques and information, straight to your in-box.