Embellished Drapes

Today I want to talk about embellished drapes. Adding a little extra detail to stationary or operational drapes can add a lot to your decor.
For instance, look at these gorgeous operational drapes, designed by Sharon Miller of Interior Design:

We added a gathered skirt to the bottom, as well as a trimmed band to the top line and tassel trim where the main drape and the skirt are joined. For a different, more tailored look, you could use a coordinating narrow band of fabric, flat or gathered, instead of the tassel trim.

If you wanted to go more tailored than a gathered skirt, you could add a large coordinating or contrasting flat band to the top or bottom of your panels:

These two rooms are also designed by Sharon Miller of Interior Design.

Or you might add trim along the leading edge of your panels. Tassel trim looks especially pretty, as does brush fringe or a knife-pleated ruffle. For a more tailored look, you might use a decorative cording. For a wonderful masculine approach, what about a braided cord made of thin strips of leather?

This beautiful ivory silk panel was designed by Camille Sullivan of Chicago Design Team.


Here is another approach: adding an overlay to the top of the panel and cinching it with a nice chunky tassel. On these panels, (please excuse my un-lovely ladder!) we used the same fabric for a subtle overlay in a guest bedroom. You could just as easily use a coordinating or contrasting fabric if you wanted more pop.


These panels were designed by Katie Wozniak of Katherine Elizabeth Designs.

These are just a few of a myriad of possibilities! Best of all, you can add these options to your existing drapes to add a fresh new look to your room. What if you found a great pair of ready-made panels on sale at Pottery Barn and wanted to give them a little extra punch? You could even add this kind of detail to create a one-of-a-kind shower curtain!

These kinds of details are what makes your house your home. For a little extra fabric or trim, your home will reflect your personal taste and be just as individual and special as you are.

Now doesn't that make you smile?