Drapery Guide

Starting a new project can be daunting, especially when you don't know how, or where to start. To help guide you through your next decorating project, we’ve created a cheat sheet of drapery information which you can refer to at any time. 

We also enlisted advice from some of our wonderful Warwick customers to share their expert knowledge and experience. With this guide, we hope you can feel that bit more confident and at ease when making informed decisions to bring your projects to life!

DRAPERY

If you’re looking to install new drapery, but you’re not sure what to get, we have put together a list of things to consider to help you decide.

SIZE AND WIDTH

It’s important to take the size and width of the area you’re wanting to install your drapery into account as it will determine the amount of fabric you will need.

Be sure to check or find out whether the fabric is continuous and wide width also. This is important if you’re looking at drapery for large-scale windows. 

A lot of things need to be considered in this process, including the drapery header and drop style, which is why it might be best to work with your curtain specialist as this can become complicated and easy to make mistakes.

As we can see from Graham’s instructions below on how to calculate the drapery size and width needed for your space, it’s important to note and make sure that this process is managed correctly as it is quite complex.

“For patterned drapery, it is dependent upon the overall height and width of the pattern, and the height and width of the individual curtain drops. Divide the overall height of the curtain, including hems, by the height of the fabric pattern and determine the number of finished patterns to completely cover the height, plus hems. Then measure the required width of each curtain, plus overlap at the ends. Multiply that by 2.4 to determine the width of the individual curtain and divide that by the curtain fabric width. Determine how many drops you require, then multiply that by the determined height of the fabric, taking into consideration the total number off complete patterns in each curtain drop.” – Graham, Pieces of Joy Studio.

Please note: S-fold and Roman blinds have different fabric measurements (metres) that are required.

TYPES OF DRAPERY

When thinking about your space, what kind of look are you going for with your drapery, and what sort of fabric do you require to meet that look? Are you wanting something breathable such as linen? Block out properties for sunlight? Or a sheer for filtering in light? Figuring out what type, finish and style of drapery you need is the first and most crucial step when you’re wanting to feature it in your interior.

LINEN DRAPERY

Linen is an investment and long lasting, durable fabric that creates beautiful, breathable drapery and looks stylish no matter where it lives. If linen is your chosen fabric, there a few things to consider in order for it to last for years.

After speaking to some of our wonderful customers, they estimate that on average in their experience, linen can last from 10 – 30 years, depending on how well it is cared for and how much sunlight it is exposed to.

“Using treatments, such as UV protection, can help ensure the fabric can withstand the harshness of the sun’s strong rays — it can also be applied every 10 years if required. A backing will also help protect it from the sun.” – Michael Patrick Johnson & Johnson Waters Interior Design.

When installing linen drapery, we recommend puddling/pooling on the ground. ‘Puddling’ or ‘Pooling’ are terms that refer to the amount of extra drapery length that is spilled (or puddled) onto the floor, creating an on-floor style.

Linen tends to move and change with differing humidity levels which is why puddling is used to disguise changes or shrinkage and allows the fabric to retain a natural, soft look.

LINEN VS TRADITIONAL POLYESTER DRAPERY

Linen and traditional polyester drapery both have their own differences and benefits. With linen being a natural fibre, it is a cool, breathable, and stylish fabric that is perfect for summer, however, it requires more care and treatments ­­— such as UV protection — to ensure its longevity.

Polyester/synthetic drapery, on the other hand, are mould resistant and retain heat which is great for the cooler seasons.

In terms of shared benefits, both linen and traditional polyester drapery are insect resistant and are easy to clean.

VELVET DRAPERY

We recommend all velvet curtains should be lined to prevent pile-loss and colour fading. Lining will also give a nicer overall drape. Please note: Velvets are not suitable for roman blinds.

When velvet curtains are hanged for the first time, it is recommended that they be drawn across and finely sprayed with water. The spray should dampen but not soak the velvet. The curtains should then be left to dry and under no circumstances to be touched during this period.

When the curtains are dry, most creases and marks will have come out and the pile should have lifted to reveal the richness and lustre of the velvet. If initially cared for, the pile should continue to improve as the atmosphere lifts it. This process can continue for several months.

ROMAN BLINDS

When choosing fabric for Roman blinds, any drapery that has passed the movement and shrinkage standards can be used. This will be marked on the sample and spec sheet as Roman Blinds friendly. As a minimum for a fabric to be considered for Roman Blinds, it needs to be 50% manmade fibre.

HOW IT SITS

Knowing and picturing how your drapery will sit when it’s made up is another thing to consider. Things such as the fabric’s weight, drop length, hem depth, whether it’s sheer, or full body play a role in determining how the drapery will be make and installed.

If a fabric is particularly ‘full body’, you may want to think about what heading style will be used. There are several different styles of Curtain Heading Tapes, so the window treatment and interior design of the space it will be featured in should be considered when choosing a style.

Tip: “To make your drapery sit nicely, we recommend positioning sewn in weights on the rear of the drapery folds.” – Graham, Pieces of Joy Studio.

CREDITS

A big, special thank you to the following for their helpful advice and recommendations: Michael at Michael Patrick Johnson & Johnson Waters Interior Design, Graham at Pieces of Joy Studio, Sharon at Let’s See Design, John and Marie Hills, Tara Martin at Domayne, Sue Goodlet, and Jennifer Bell.

DRAPERY BACKINGS

3-PASS VS TRIPLE WEAVE BACKINGS

When a fabric has a ‘3-Pass’ backing or lining, it refers to a three-step process of applying a white foam to the back of the drapery fabric, followed by a black one, then another layer of white. The purpose of the white layer is so that the black doesn’t disrupt the decorative finish of the fabric. The black layer, however, is what blocks out light and retains heat.

A triple weave fabric generally dims out light rather than offering 100% block out due to the nature of weave structure. A pro with a triple weave is that the back colour generally matches the colour of the drapery (rather than a white colour that block out qualities have). This type of drapery also helps with insulation.

ACRYLIC BACKING

Instead of using silicone, we use acrylic backing on our 3-pass drapery backing option as it is more durable and commercial grade. It is also stronger with a soft and pliable finish, provides stability to certain fabrics, is 100% block out for light, increases resistance to seam slippage, features superior thermal and noise insulation, does not self-adhere, and is also washable.

FABRIC TERMINOLOGIES

There are specific terminologies that can be a little confusing at first if you’re new to the world of fabrics. To help and understand, we have put together a list of terms you will either see or hear when it comes to a collection or fabric you’re interested in using. 

PATTERN REPEAT VS PATTERN MATCH

A pattern repeat is the distance between 2 matching design elements. This distance helps determine how much fabric you need. For example, fabric with no pattern repeat can be matched along the seam generally anywhere, whereas a fabric with a pattern should be sewn where the fabric matches each other. 

Pattern matching refers to how the fabric is cut and made into furniture, or window treatments. The most important part of pattern matching is how the pattern lies on the fabric and then cut. When the fabric is a design (not a plain), the pattern needs to be lied down so that the fabric matches when it is sewn into the upholstery piece or drapery. Pattern matched pieces generally use more fabric and take longer to make in the manufacturing process.

CONTINUOUS VS WIDE WIDTH

When drapery is described as ‘continuous’, it means the fabric pattern runs sideways and does not require joins when used for curtains. This is most common with sheers.

Wide width drapery is where the fabric measures 300cm or more and provides a seamless finish.

FR TESTING

When you see AS1530.3 or AS1530.2 on one of our hangers, it represents the fire rating tests we have conducted. FR testing is more important for commercial spaces as they have a larger number of people (high traffic) within the environment.

A fire-resistance rating typically means the duration for which a passive fire protection system can withstand a standard fire resistance test. This can be quantified simply as a measure of time, or it may entail other criteria, involving evidence of functionality or fitness for purpose. There are multiple fire tests for Australia and New Zealand, they can also change on a state level and determine where and how the fabric is being used.

What’s the difference between AS1530.3 and AS1530.2?

AS1530.3 is a standard fire rating test within the AU and NZ building code for upholstery and drapery applications, whereas AS1530.2 is a test for drapery and wall coverings (including bed heads in some states) within the AU and NZ building code.

We can also treat any fabric with a FR treatment to pass specific standards. For more information, please contact: info@warwick.com.au.

OEKO-TEX

Oeko-Tex is the internationally standardised criteria directory for testing harmful substances issued by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile Ecology (Oeko-Tex).

Our fabrics featuring the ‘Confidence in Textiles’ label have been tested for harmful substances and are found to comply with all required criteria without exception.

Look for the Oeko-Tex sticker on your hanger sample.

FABRIC INFORMATION

If you’ve recently invested or are planning to work on a new interior project, choosing and caring for your new fabric is a necessity. In this section, we provide extra information that we hope helps with your decision, as well as ensuring your fabric lasts for years!

DUAL-PURPOSE

When a fabric can be used for both upholstery and drapery purposes, it is known as a dual-purpose fabric. This means the fabric has been tested for and passes both drapery and upholstery applications.

It’s important to keep in mind that fabrics should only be used in their correct classifications (ie. drapery) as issues are likely to surface if misused.

If upholstery fabric is used for drapery, the thickness of the product will affect the drape, the backing will potentially delaminate, it’s more difficult to clean, premature fading can occur, and there will be issues with movement, such as shrinkage and dropping.

On the opposite side, if drapery is used in upholstery, it will wear prematurely and is high risk of tearing, there will be potential seam slippage issues, and slipping against foam. 

FABRIC FADING (NATURAL VS SYNTHETIC)

Traditionally, natural fibre will fade quicker, but with changing technology, it is less about the fibre type and more about the quality of dye used — using the right dye for the fibre and the colour chosen.

Eventually, everything will fade, especially in the harsh southern hemisphere and in full sunlit rooms, so depending on the environment you are placing the fabric in, it is sometimes worth thinking about what colour will fade the slowest. Highly saturated deep tones such as black, red, purple and blue are all known to fade faster than lighter alternatives such as whites, yellows and lighter taupes.

Some fabric damage will be evident where fading is most pronounced. In situations where rooms are northerly facing or exposed to constant daylight, we recommend extra caution in selecting furnishings. In extreme environments, it might be worth selecting from our SUNDEC indoor/outdoor ranges.

CAN 300CM WIDE FABRICS BE TURNED?

Technically yes, but should only be turned in consultation with the customer and the manufacturer to make sure the drapery is made up to how the customer is expecting it.

Another thing to watch is the movement test results (dimensional change to hanging and water) so that the drapes do not shrink or expand unexpectedly with environmental or washing conditions.  

DRAPERY FOR KID’S ROOMS

When choosing drapery for a kid’s room, Graham from Pieces of Joy Studio makes an excellent suggestion:

“The best curtains for a kid’s room are curtains that, in pattern terms, are going to help the child grow intellectually. A children’s room should always be focused on at least 4 – 5 years ahead of the child’s age to encourage development, that way the child will grow to love their drapery and not see it as childish as they get older.” – Graham, Pieces of Joy Studio.

CLEANING

When it comes to cleaning your fabrics, it’s important to check what is recommended on your Care Label and consider using a professional to see which cleaning method is preferred.

HOT WATER EXTRACTION

The Hot Water Extraction method is where water mixed with gentle cleaning detergents is heated up to 212 degrees, creating steaming hot water that sanitises surfaces. Using industry-grade equipment, technicians then inject hot water under high pressure into the stained fabric. The hot water combined with the steam restore the upholstery fabric’s original appearance, removing any stains and dirt.

DRY CLEANING

Similar to the Hot Water Extract method, instead of using water and detergents, companies use their own chemical mix with minimal water, creating a solvent. The process also uses a high-pressure machine in a similar nature where the low moisture that is produced, combined with the chemicals used, removes any stains or spots.

For more information, be sure to read through our Cleaning Guide.  

HERE TO HELP

Here at Warwick, we want to make your next project as easy as possible!

OUR SHOWROOM SPACE IS YOUR SHOWROOM SPACE (NATIONWIDE)

Our national showrooms are spaces where anyone can come in and make themselves at home! The environment is like a second office or design space, and we encourage you to browse from the widest range of fabrics for all projects.

Take your time, be inspired and create!

ONE STOP SHOP
 
We have the widest range of fabrics (Upholstery, Drapery, Commercial) to choose from. From opulent and extravagant, to refined and raw, there is a textile for all situations and varying product types for home decorators.

In our showrooms, you can expand on our fabric range which includes outdoor, OnGuard etc — there is a fabric for every situation.

FASHION ORIENTED

We are driven to continuously meet the evolving needs of today’s global textile markets by constantly creating and updating collections with the latest trends and classic designs, pushing boundaries, and creating quality products that inspire creativity in the interior design world.

We are passionate about being innovative and are committed to our promise of exceptional quality and service, now and into the future.

ONLINE SUPPORT

You can experience your project before it comes to life! Our Virtual Experience tool allows you to visualise Warwick Fabrics across a variety of furniture. Choose from our high-quality digital renders of interior furnishings and customise with your choice of Warwick Fabrics.

We also have a Favourites Board where you can add your favourite fabrics to and create digital projects boards to share with clients and colleagues.

FREE CUTTINGS

Whether online or in one of our showrooms, we offer a free cuttings service for everyone. This is a great way to see and feel the fabric you’re interested in first-hand and how it will look against your current interior colour scheme, as well as in the natural light of the room you are working on.

WEAVE

Once your fabric is complete, we offer rugs, cushions and throws to help finish the look and tie your style together!

In need of some interior inspiration? Head over to our Instagram for daily inspiration, or visit our Pinterest account! The sky is the limit when it comes to creating and interior design, and together, any desired project can come to life!