Delving into drapery: Single-width vs wide width
Why be drab when you can have great drapes?
Curtains are a design opportunity that shouldn't be ignored. Not only are they a protective barrier between interiors and the outside world, but they also offer a way to control light and warmth and add personality and noise control.
There is a great variety of drapery fabric options to choose from. From sheers to block-out, drapery fabrics are available in more colours, textures and unique designs than ever. And this makes choosing the right product for your design very important but also a little challenging when you have so many choices.
Single width vs wide width
First, the major difference is the useable width of the fabric drop in drapery. Single-width drapery is about 140cm wide for a single drop. Wide width drapery is about 300cm wide for a single drop. Looking at these measurements, it's clear that single-width drapery is designed for standard-size windows. But this isn't a hard and fast rule when you want your drapery to look full and control light and privacy when closed.
Measuring the window or other area where the drapery fabric will be hung will help determine if you need single-width or wide-width drapery fabric. Another factor to consider is the type of curtain header style. This is how the fabric is sewn or pleated at the top of the curtain, and it will have a direct impact on the way in which the fabric will drape or hang, as well as its functional characteristics. Different header styles include box pleats, pinch pleats, flat panels, and more.
Wide-width Drapery
Single-width Drapery
Getting the right look
What's wonderful about both single-width and wide-width drapery is that the fabrics available can give you the exact look you're working to achieve. Sheer curtains add softness and a minimalist look.
“ Drapery fabric with pattern and colour can add personality or even frame a window with an artful look. While you want to drapery fabric to look fantastic, it should also fulfil functional requirements.”
This is where the choice of drapery fabric becomes quite important. If you’re not concerned about privacy, you will fall in love with sheer fabric. It’s a feminine and elegant choice for curtain draping. With colours such as marshmallows or ivory, a swish of sheer fabric over your window can make the whole room feel ethereal.
When you need to control light or perhaps darkness is required for restful sleep, a dim-out or block-out drapery is the best choice. Drapery fabrics can also assist with noise control, and a heavier fabric such as chenille or velvet can be among the top choices. Silk fabrics are also an elegant fabric choice for a variety of applications.
Windows to the world
Window treatment fabric doesn't only frame your view out to the immediate environment; it forms part of the interior environment and can be an anchor point of the design. You can draw inspiration from nature or other elements in the room to choose your drapery fabric.
Another source of advice or inspiration is the Home Fabrics showroom. Our consultants are able to help you choose the right fabric for both function and aesthetics to achieve your design goals. Watch our Reels and follow our social media posts for regular product inspiration that can help expand your view of drapery fabrics.
