To drape or not to drape? That is an excellent question, because there is no wrong or right answer. Just many opinions and options. So let's start at the beginning to see what your choices are.

First, you need a good foundation on your window. No, I'm not talking about hanging a girdle. I laugh because I'm sure my younger readers don't even know what a girdle is. Be glad for it! For the purpose of drapes, I am talking about a layer of window covering that takes care of your basic needs by controlling light and privacy. Don't think about orthopedic shoes. Instead, imagine beautiful Luminette® Privacy Sheers, gorgeous Silhouette® window shadings, a handsome wood blind or actually any Hunter Douglas window fashion. That's a great place to start.

Now let's explore your drapery options. What can draperies bring to your window? For starters, how about adding some color to your room? Since many of us select white or off-white foundations for our windows, a colorful drapery can add flair to any living space. This is especially true when you contrast the drapery color with your walls. Also, it can give you an opportunity to throw in a pattern. If your space is already decorated in solids, this pattern at your window could serve as the "glue" for your room by tying all of the solids together. A drapery can also add some softness to your window, such as the elegant styling of our Luminette® Modern Draperies. The subtle folds of the fabric will bring another dimension to your window covering. Don't forget to line the drapery, unless it's a sheer. Lining generates more volume to the drapery while protecting the fabric from the sun. It also adds a neutral color to the outside.

What about other customizing options, such as a valance? What exactly is a valance? It's a piece of fabric added to the top of your window. It works particularly well if you're trying to add color to a short window. That said, if your window is especially wide or long, draperies or drapery panels often provide a more elegant solution. If the foundation of your window gives the room the privacy that you need, just add side panels since you won't need to draw the drapes. Remember, this isn't time to be skimpy! It's supposed to look like your draperies could be closed if you desire this effect. With your side panels, add your valance, and your design is complete. Not only will the side panels and valance frame the window, it will also draw the eye upward, creating a more graceful proportion for the rest of your room. Another option: If you add a valance and side panels, stack your side panels off the window and onto your side walls. Place the valance over the side panels, and you'll fashion an optical illusion of a much larger window.

Another rule of thumb: Keep your panels plain and simple. Hang them a half-inch off the floor or puddle them onto the floor. Point of clarification: Puddling is not what your dog does; puddling is an elegant effect created by the hem of your drapery. Panels can also be accented with fringe, and this could be the same color as your drapery. One of my favorite choices: Add a contrasting color so the panel stands out. (Excuse me as I go for the WOW factor!) Panels can be shirred on a rod, threaded through grommets or pleated on a traversing rod. It's up to you. Panels can be hung straight or tied back at the window. Remember tie back near the lower third of the window, not at the halfway point.

Full draperies can provide additional insulation. Also, don't forget that lining the drapery adds one more layer. A single-cell Duette® honeycomb shade with a lined drapery actually adds three layers. If it is a "problem" window, I recommend Duette Architella® honeycomb shades, as this product is our most energy efficient window treatment.

To drape or not to drape? It's all up to you. But please start with the best—use a Hunter Douglas window fashion as your foundation.

As always, if you have any additional questions about finding the perfect window fashion, don't hesitate to send us an email.

- Sally