Glossary

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Types of curtains

Ascot Valance

This popular topper treatment requires a fullness of 2 to 1. They are sometimes decorated with a tassel or a beaded fringe.

Grommet Panels

This popular style from Europe is a growing trend. This modern curtain is easy to install, doesn't require any topper treatment and will fit any rod or pole.

Usually made with 8 steel or plastic grommets.

Typical fullness for a grommet panel would be 1 ½ to 1 which means that a 45" wide pole top panel will cover around 30".

Pair of Swags

Pair of swags give a traditional decorative look. They are often made in lace of sheers. They will be used with tailored valances in between when dressing a wide window. The fullness for swags is usually 2 to 1.

Patriot Valance

The Patriot Valance will offer a unique custom look to any window. They are often accessorized with fringes, tassels or beads.

The required fullness will usually be about 1 ½ to 1.

Pinch Pleated Drapes

Draperies are a traditional formal look. Available in many different widths, they are sold in pairs. They are made with a number of pleats.

The fullness for Pinch pleated drapes are preset: in other words if it is 40" wide it will cover 40" because the fullness is already included in the pleating.

A 40" wide drapery means 2 panels of 20" wide each.

Pocket Top Panels

Similar to pole Top except that the pocket top panel doesn't feature a header above the rod pocket. This will display a more contemporary tailored look.

Typical fullness for a pocket top panel would be 2 to 1 which means that a 50" wide pole top panel will cover around 25".

Pole Top Panels

Pole tops have a 2" header above rod pocket and a 3" rod pocket. They are popular on heavier curtains because they will fit any pole of up to 1 ½" diameter.

Typical fullness for a rod pocket panel would be 2 to 1 which means that a 50" wide pole top panel will cover around 25".

Rod Pocket Panels

Also called tailored panels, rod pocket panels feature a 1 ¼" header above rod pocket and a 1¼" rod pocket. They will fit standard rods or ½" metal rods. Rod pocket panels are usually sheers or semi-sheers.

Typical fullness for a rod pocket panel would be 2 to 1 which means that a 50" wide panel will cover around 25".

Scarf Valance

This topper treatment is a long piece of fabric (usually 6 yards) that will frame a window. There are many ways of hanging a scarf. Hanging instructions and decorative tips are included in each package.

Tab Panels

A popular casual style. They are easy to install, do not require any special topper treatments and are perfect on any decorative pole. They are made with 5 to 8 tabs depending on style and width.

Usually made in heavier opaque fabrics but can also be found in sheers.

Typical fullness for a tab panel would be 1 ½ to 1 which means that a 45" wide pole top panel will cover around 30".

Tailored Valance

The Tailored Valance, or straight valance, is a plain rectangular valance. It may be used on its own or with a pair of swags on each end. The typical fullness for a tailored valance is 2 to 1.

Topper Treatments

There is a broad variety of toppers involving many styles, influences and trends. We will only review a few of the most popular ones.