Drapes are an essential piece of a home’s decor. Aside from adding to the interior design of the home they also provide insulation, keep out the cold, block the sun, and add privacy to any room. But with so many different options and styles available, it can be hard to know which ones are right for your home. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about drapes, from the designs available to the best ways to hang them.

There are two main types of drapes: ready-made and custom.

  • Ready-made drapes come in standard sizes and can be easily fitted to most windows.
  • Custom drapes and curtains are made to measure for any window size.

For custom window treatments in Denver or Greenwood Village, contact Wei Wei Drapery today! We offer a wide variety of customized pinch pleat drapes to match any decorative style or decor. Call (303) 292-1036 or email tommy@weisds.com to book an appointment with our design consultants.

Pinch Pleat Curtains and Drapes

Pinch pleat drapery and curtains are one of the most popular drapery styles. They are made with small, evenly spaced pleats that create a polished look with functional style. These drapery panels can be made from a variety of colors and fabrics, including sheer linen, cotton, silk, and some heavier upholstery-grade materials. These pinch-pleated drapes are often used in formal settings such as a dining or living room.

Pinch Pleat Benefits

  • They provide a lot of fullness and body to the curtains, making them look more elegant.
  • The pleats help keep the fabric neat and tidy, even when hanging loose.
  • They are easy to open and close, making them ideal for rooms where you need quick access to the window.

Pinch-pleated curtains and drapes are still a very popular choice for window treatments. Pinch pleats are a timeless design for drapery, although their popularity varies with fashion trends. They are now commonly seen in bedrooms, family rooms, and formal living spaces.

Types of Pinch Pleat Styles

  • French pleat (euro pleat) is one of the most classic styles. It is essentially pinching three measured-out pleats and sewing (tacking) them together 4” down from the top of the drapery header to form soft ripples creating a fuller look.
  • Inverted pleats are sewn with the folds/pleats facing inwards rather than outwards. This gives the curtains a more relaxed look; however, this style of pleating is not as easy to operate, so we recommend it for decorative inoperable curtains only.
  • The Parisian pleat is essentially a French pleat with the pleats being tacked at the top of the header instead of 4” down.
  • The Cartridge pleat features a round, tubular fold. This style is often used for heavier fabrics.
  • Soft top pleats feature a soft fold at the top rather than a sharp pleat giving the curtains a more relaxed look.
  • A 2 pinch pleat is a double-pinch pleat, which means there are two sets of pleats pinched together.

There are three types of 2 pinch pleats: Tacked at the top, center-tacked, and tacked at the bottom.

  • Tacked at the top pleat is our most popular and contemporary style. It consists of two pleats pinched together by sewing(tacking) them ½” down from the top of the drapery.
  • Center Tacked is two pleats pinched together in the middle 2” down from the top. This type of pleat creates an X effect on the curtains.
  • Tacked at the bottom is the opposite of the Two Pinch tacked at the top. The two pleats are sewn at the bottom of the header, 4” down from the top of the drapery.

Ripple Fold Drapery and Curtains

Ripple fold drapes and curtains feature large, evenly spaced folds and a consistent s-curve across the length of the track. Ripple fold drapes have a clean and modern look. This style is often used in banquet rooms and hotels in hospitality areas.

Ripple Fold Track System

Ripple fold drapes are hung from a special track system that allows the fabric to ripple evenly across the window’s width. The track system features a series of carriers that hold the fabric in place. The carriers are connected to a glider, which moves along the track and creates the rippling effect.

Ripple fold vs. Wave Fold

Ripple fold and wave fold drapes are similar. One key difference is wave fold drapes have a consistent wavy pattern, while ripple fold drapes have a consistent s-curve. Ripple fold drapes are more popular because they provide a cleaner look.

Grommet Drapes and Curtains

Grommet drapes feature large rings at the top. This style is hung on a curtain rod, making it easy to open and close the drapes. Grommet drapes have a clean and modern look.

Grommet Ring Sizes

Grommet or curtain rings come in a variety of sizes, from small to large. The size of the ring will determine the diameter of the opening.

  • Small grommets (1.25″/3.2cm) are typically used for lightweight fabrics.
  • Medium grommets (2″/5.1cm) are typically used for medium-weight fabrics.
  • Large grommets (2.5″/6.4cm) are typically used for heavy-weight fabrics.

Motorized Drapery

Motorized drapes offer several benefits over traditional drapes. They are easy to open and close, even for large windows. Motorized drapes can be controlled remotely, making them convenient to use. They are also a perfect option for difficult-to-reach windows. Motorized drapes provide privacy and natural light control and can even help to reduce energy costs as they can be programmed to open and close at specific times of the day.

Motorized drapes

  • Provide instant security and privacy with the press of a button.
  • Preserve carpet, furniture, and artwork from fading.
  • Can be programmed to close when the sun is shining.
  • Provide an unmatched degree of convenience, style, and safety.

Drape Fabrics

You can make drapery from various fabrics, including silk, cotton, linen, polyester, and velvet.

  • Silk is a luxurious fabric with a soft feel and a glossy sheen. It is often used for formal drapery.
  • Cotton is a versatile fabric that is breathable and easy to care for. It is often used for casual drapery.
  • Linen is a natural fiber with a rough texture and a rustic appearance, and it is often used for traditional drapery.
  • Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is wrinkle-resistant and easy to care for. It is often used for modern drapery.
  • Velvet drapes provide a luxurious fabric with a soft, plush feel, and it is often used for formal drapery.

Blackout Drapes and Curtains

This style is the perfect solution for bedrooms, media rooms, and other spaces where complete darkness is desired. Blackout drapes have a clean and modern look. Blackout drapes feature a blackout liner that blocks the light, making them perfect for rooms where complete darkness is desired, such as media rooms or offices with conference rooms using projectors.

Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient blackout panels can lower your energy bill by blocking out the sun’s heat in the summer and helping to insulate your home in the winter. In the summer, drapes can keep your home cool, and in the winter, they can help reduce heat loss.

Commercial Drapes

Commercial drapes are typically made from heavier fabrics, and they often feature fire-resistant and/or blackout properties. Commercial drapes are used in various settings, including office buildings, hotels, restaurants, etc.

Commercial drapes for hotels often feature a heavier fabric and a fire-resistant lining. This style is used in banquet rooms, meeting rooms, and hotel lobbies. Commercial drapes and curtains are used in patient rooms, waiting areas, and surgical suites in hospitals. If you need help with commercial drapes in Denver, our design team can help you with whatever needs your business may have.

Your Source for Custom Drapes in Denver

Drapes are an essential part of any home décor or office. We know that shopping for window coverings can be an overwhelming experience, so let our experienced design team help you make those difficult decisions with expert design tips. At Wei Wei Drapery Denver and Greenwood Village, we manufacture custom curtains and custom drapes in Denver and can create beautiful window coverings for any setting

Our seamstresses have over 25 years of experience creating beautiful, custom-designed drapes and curtains to match your personal style. We also carry all the major window-covering brands from Hunter Douglas to Graber. Call us today at (303) 292-1036 to book a consultation!