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When planning out your draperies there are a lot of elements to think about. Some of the most important questions are:
- What style are you trying to achieve?
- What fabric should you use?
- What type of product will work best for your window?
We immediately focus on the fabric and the drapery style. One of the questions that often gets overlooked until the end is: What kind of hardware will you use?
This step is just as crucial as finding the right fabric. Without knowing exactly what hardware you will use in the beginning, you cannot determine the correct finish length or return when you are making your draperies. And no one wants drapes that are too short or too long on install day.
After sifting through hundreds of fabrics to find the perfect one, sometimes looking through hardware can be overwhelming. I like to think of it as the final touch, the piece of jewelry that finishes the window, the perfect tie or the perfect shoes to an outfit. It takes your beautiful custom draperies to an entirely new level based on what hardware you select. So let’s break down hardware and show you some of our favorites, plus some trends and new products that Carole can help you pair perfectly with your draperies.
Mixed Metals
Think about your window. Now take a step back and think about your entire room. You may already have metal finishes in your room on light fixtures, door hardware, cabinetry hardware or plumbing fixtures. Long gone are the days when all your metal finishes had to match – and thank goodness! You can mix several different metals but keeping it to a minimal number may help your room look more cohesive and balanced.
Carole’s new Forest Drapery Hardware has metal finishes that will fit all of your needs. From contemporary polished chrome, to the very “in” matte black, to a soft brushed brass. Depending on what fabric and other furnishings that are in your room, pick a metal finish that complements the style.
- Polished Metals: Sleek and contemporary, a hint of glamor, stands out
- Brushed/Satin Metals: Softer finish, blends with finished window product instead of standing out, metallic effect without being too bold
- Dark Metals: Can be mixed with more traditional looks BUT black can work in very contemporary spaces too
Using different metal finishes throughout your room can add lots of interest and create depth.
French Returns
French returns are a perfect solution when you want your drapes to stack back to the wall and eliminate a lot of the light gap on the sides of your windows. The rod curves toward the wall for a seamless look and does not require end brackets or finials.
Carole offers several different French Return options from both Forest Drapery Hardware and Paris Texas Hardware. Both allow you to custom order your length and select the finish that works best for your project. The design is simple but there is so much beauty in simplicity when placed in the right room.
Wood Rods
Wood drapery hardware is classic. Wood can be more substantial in size and can really help anchor your window treatments, especially if you have a long drapery length. The texture and graining in natural wood shows beautifully in different stains and more distressed finishes.
The diameter of your rod can help accentuate your drapery and, in wood rods, Carole offers diameters from 1” to 2-1/4” depending on the hardware collection. You can also change the look of a wood rod by using the Sedona collection from Magnolia Drapery Hardware that pairs metal finials with wood rods.
Just note, the thickness of the rod affects your drapery length depending on where you plan to hang the rod. So keep that in mind when specifying your drapery hardware.
Decorative Ripplefold
If you go in most hotels, you’ll likely find a Ripplefold drapery or something similar. They have soft, natural folds that easily open and close while neatly stacking back when open. Unlike pleats, the drapery is made with a tape that is sewn into the header that snaps into carriers in the Ripplefold track. This style uses less fabric (depending on the fullness) and gives a clean contemporary look. We’re seeing this look more in residential settings and now paired with decorative tracks. Forest Drapery Hardware offers Ripplefold in both basic, decorative wood, decorative metal and motorized tracks.
We’ve made it easy for you to order your Ripplefold draperies. You can order both your Ripplefold drapery and hardware at the same time at Carole ensuring the track and drapery are matched and will be a perfect fit.
Motorized Drapery
“Alexa, open the drapes.” I’ve said that aloud many times… problem is my drapes aren’t motorized. With so much automation in the home, motorized drapery is becoming more common and much easier to access. We’ve teamed up with Forest Drapery Hardware to include three styles of motorized drapery tracks in basic metal, decorative metal and wood.
The Forest Shuttle Motors include a 10-year warranty, the only one currently on the market. These tracks have an ultra-quiet operation and can be controlled using the included remote, touch control, home automation system or app. So next time we talk, maybe I’ll be able to open my drapes while sitting on the sofa. Now if I can just find a way to get snacks brought to me.
Hardware is an important component to your overall window. It’s the final touch that brings your custom window treatment from ordinary to extraordinary. With so many options and styles, you can let your creativity flow and find the perfect accent to finish your room!
For more information, log in to carolenet.com to see all of our hardware collections.
Maria Rhinehart
Senior Manager, Merchandising & Marketing
Maria has taken the industry by storm with her fresh style and upbeat attitude. She is excited to share her top picks for this season.