Quiz: Test your drapery smarts 07/24/2011
How much do you know about window coverings? Take this quiz and see what you can do to improve your drapery smarts. 1- What is "puddling"? 2- How can you make a window appear larger? 3- What are the benefits of any window covering? 4- If your walls are white, what color should your draperies be? 5- Do you need both blinds and drapes? 6- Where else can you use draperies other than covering a window? * Remember, there is an exception to every rule so don't worry too much whether you are doing it right. But, don't cheat yourself out of a fully furnished room by skipping the all-important draperies! ANSWERS: 1- "Puddling" is a term used to describe draperies that are several inches longer than necessary to reach the floor. This extra length is pooled around the bottom and creates a puddle of fabric on the floor. 2- A window can be made to appear larger by adding a valance across the top. Hang the rod high enough above the top of the window trim so that the bottom of the valance fabric just covers the trim. That will add extra height to the window size. Also, installing the rod several inches wider than the side trim of a window will allow the draperies to pull back far enough as to not cover the window and allow the full width of the window to be exposed. 3- Any window treatment has many great benefits. Draperies allow you to control the amount of light entering the room. They allow privacy for rooms that could be viewed from outside. Draperies soften the feel of a room and even cut down on noise. Adding color and texture are important reasons to use draperies. Also, a beautiful view looks even better when framed by appropriate draperies. 4- This is a trick question. There are no definite rules. Choosing draperies that contrast your wall color will create emphasis and draw your attention to the drapery treatment. Matching the wall and drapery color will blend the wall with the window and visually expand the space. I recommend bringing color into the room with draperies. 5- Having blinds as well as drapes as a window treatment is very convenient. You can control the light and privacy with blinds and then create a tied-back treatment with the draperies. You don't want to be constantly rearranging your drapes every day so leave them tied back. 6- Drapery panels are quite versatile. You can create a headboard for your bed by hanging drapes on the wall behind. A canopy for a bed can be created by hanging drapery panels from the ceiling around all four corners of the bed. A large television can be made to look like a theatre by hanging draperies from the ceiling on each side of the TV as well as a valance above. A wide doorway from one room to another can be enhanced by adding drapery panels that will frame the opening. Be creative and see how many places you can use draperies to enhance your decor. SCORING: If you answered correctly on all six questions, Congratulations, you must have beautiful window treatments. If you didn't know some of the answers, good for you. Now you'll be able to have a great time shopping and decorating with draperies! Click on photo for larger view  Add Comment | AuthorJo writes articles on Interior Design and will share them with you here. ArchivesCategories |
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