A formal room deserves formal window treatments to make the room complete. Formal window dressings should blend with the furniture and accessories in the room. Consideration should be given to the fabric already in place on furniture in the room. Patterns competing with patterns will not show-case the windows or the furniture. The perfect blend of style and fabric is needed for an elegant room. Does this Spark an idea?
Fabric
Select fabric in velvet, silk or damask for a formal look. Velvet and silk make beautiful drapery fabrics and are considered elegant materials. Damask cloth has a woven design that is raised above the background of the fabric. The design is generally large and draperies using damask can over power a room unless careful thought is given to furniture and accessories.
Create a formal look with pleated sheer curtains that are framed with drapes. The look of French pleats, or triple pleats, will give a finished look to a window. Use two separate curtain rods for this look. Sheer curtains can be drawn open during the day with the drapes pulled and hooked to tie-backs. During the evening the curtains should be closed with the option of closing or having the drapes hanging to the side.
Toppers
Decorate the top of the window with a cornice for a dramatic upscale for a treatment. A wood cornice can have a stained finish or it can be covered in fabric to match the draperies. Padding is used under the fabric to round and soften the corners. The bottom edge can be cut straight, curved or scalloped.
Using a swag that matches the draperies will complete a formal look. Large swooping swags will add elegance to a window. Swags will also hide rods when curtains and drapes are pulled back. Mounting swags higher than the window frame will add height to a window to make it stand out in a room.
Extras
Select a finial made from brass, crystal or wood to attach to a rod. The finial should complement the décor of the room. If crystal is displayed in the room then buy crystal finials to blend the window with the room. A room used for a study or den with beautiful wood molding will be complemented with ornate wood finials.
Draw the drapes to the side of the window and use tasseled ties on holdbacks for a rich look. Braided or twisted silk rope with a tassel attached is very attractive and functional as well. Finials and tasseled ties are an instant fix for more elegant windows.
Tags: formal look, drapes pulled, furniture accessories, tasseled ties, window with, with drapes