Julie Fergus: Drapery Details

May 7, 2013

There are dozens of considerations to mull over when choosing drapery: beautiful fabrics adorned with trims, detailed with pinch pleats, and printed with intricate designs, plus the wide variety of functional purposes drapes can serve, from privacy to light control and insulation. Many aspects of the design need to be carefully considered before purchasing anything, including the important detail of drapery hardware. After all, the biggest challenge when creating custom drapery, other than budget, is the mounting and installation.

First, there are the technical considerations. Where the hardware is mounted will determine the size of the decorative bracket and the rod diameter. When drapery will be opening and closing, the mounting brackets need to be extremely secure because of the amount of pulling on the rod that occurs. Drapery rods are always mounted above the window trim (for the “designer” look) which means that hollow wall anchoring will be necessary. 

Photo courtesy of decoist.com

There’s also the functionality of the rods, the options being manual, traverse and motorized. The manual system is great because there are no mechanical issues that can arise when installed professionally. Rings freely move on a rod by hand. Traversing rods are great for tall windows and doors, and for hard to reach drapery. Double traverse rods are perfect for pairing a sheer with a privacy or room darkening drapery. Motorized are of course a great choice for those who have a smart home, or prefer to operate their curtains with the push of a button. 

A traverse hardware system by Orion Ornamental Iron. Photo courtesy of Orion Ornamental Iron

After determining the placement and functional needs of your hardware, it’s time to consider the aethsthetic options, which are both the most plentiful and the most fun to choose. Some of my favorite sources for beautiful, unique rods, finials and hardware include Orion Ornamental Iron, Lundy’s in Lynn, Mass., Robert Allen, Kirsch and Paris Texas. 

A metal rod with a crystal final by Orion Ornamental Iron; photo courtesy of Orion Ornamental Iron

Knot finial by Robert Allen; photo courtesy of Robert Allen

An acorn-shaped finial by Robert Allen; photo courtey of Robert Allen

A finial by Kirsch; photo courtesy of Kirsch

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie’s clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley but she also travels throughout the state and Northeast. www.JulieFergus.com

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