Decorating Guides
Designer Details: Banded Drapery Panels
Bands of Color Add Custom Appeal to Your Window Treatments
An easy way to add interest and style to your draperies is to combine two colors or fabrics for a banded two-tone effect. It is a simple concept that can be dramatic or subtle depending on how it's done. To see how to get this designer look in your home, read on.
Darker fabric at the base. This stunning room features blue drapery with a rich bronze band at the base. The dark band grounds the panels and adds a touch of the unexpected.
In this example, chocolate brown at the base provides dramatic contrast to the Moroccan inspired print, and becomes a dark backdrop for the light-toned furniture.
Lighter fabric at the top. The panels in this elegant dining room are done in 1/3 ivory and 2/3 taupe lightweight fabric. When the draperies are closed, light filters through the gauzy panels, with more brightness at the top. Lightweight fabrics and rings add casualness to an otherwise formal looking space.
Lighter fabric at the base. Pale periwinkle blue and white make this contemporary bedroom seating area light and airy. White at the base of this panel is fresh and prevents it from blending into the blue and white patterned carpet.
One band toward the base. A dark charcoal band contrasts dramatically with the white fabric drapery, creating a striped effect. This works well with the accent panel in the wall and the rest of the horizontal lines in this loft living area.
Multiple bands. In this stylish nursery, two narrow chocolate brown bands at the top, and one above the wider one at the base of these panels repeat the border pattern in the area rug.
Tip: If you are on a budget and can sew, buy readymade panels and add your own bands.
Tip: If you are on a budget and can sew, buy readymade panels and add your own bands.
Leading edge. Instead of horizontal bands, try vertical ones on the leading edges of each panel. The yellow ones on these drapes add to the brightness provided by the throw pillows, chair and ottoman.
The leading edges on these blue-gray panels are subdued and coordinate with the ivory walls and furniture.
Top, base and leading edge. In this type of detailing, the panels are outlined on three sides. Here, white drapes with dark brown bands repeat the colors of the area rug and provide a contrasting backdrop for the chairs.
Be creative. Add elegance to your bath with a custom shower curtain. This clever designer created a cheerful pink and white Moroccan inspired bath. A pink graphic print fabric on the base of the curtain provides a fun pattern and brings the wall color down to the floor.
More: Browse draperies in the Products section
How to Get Your Window Treatment Right
Custom Draperies 101
More: Browse draperies in the Products section
How to Get Your Window Treatment Right
Custom Draperies 101