Fabrics have been used for thousands of years to provide window dressings which not only offered a means of privacy but also helped reduced the amount of heat inside a room in hot climates and retain the heat inside a room in cold climates which was lost through the window opening before the introduction of glass. In later years curtains were placed in front of window glass to help reduce heat loss and draughts caused by ill fitting and single glazed windows. With the invention of double and triple glazed windows heat loss has been greatly reduced however, people still require a form of privacy and have the need to block out light during the night. As the need to have thick heavyweight curtains has been eradicated in the majority of homes, window dressings have become an integral part of interior design styles, with the focus on having a window treatment which compliments both the style and décor of a room.

To achieve a window dressing which looks ‘picture perfect’ at all times is usually custom-made. There are a variety of different window treatments which provide an elegant look to a room. Swags made from a piece of lined fabric, draped into folds to form a semi-circle are made as a separate pieces and fixed directly to a pelmet board or pole according to the swag design. The tails are made from a length of fabric which is folded vertically into a concertina of pleats. At the bottom hem of the folded tail the fabric will be visible from both sides so will need to be lined in the main or suitable contrasting fabric.

Swags and tails which are professionally made and hung offer an elegant and sophisticated window treatment. The curtains are usually left pulled back and held with complimentary hold backs, privacy and light control is provided by the means of a roller blind which is hung inside the window recess. Using a blind prevents the necessity to try and re-arrange the folds in the curtain fabrics and therefore offers an ideal solution to having a ‘picture perfect’ window dressing at all times. Contrasting rich colours in suede against a cream fabric are an modern approach to this style of window treatment, the subtle glimpses of the suede fabric in both the swags, tails and hold backs are ideal way to incorporate the curtaining fabrics with the interior design of the room.

Goblet pleated headings make a very stylish curtain heading which is the perfect solution for dressing windows which are high and long. Pleats fall from the goblets which are made in either the main or contrasting fabric. The pleats are then linked together along their base by a hand sewn cord. To help the goblets retain their shape they are usually stuffed with tissue or wadding, with an additional contrasting covered button at the base. This style of curtain is recommended to be custom made by professionals who will gauge the correct amount of goblets needed to ensure they are placed and spaced correctly. Goblet headings look chic and refined when the curtain’s fabric is a medium to heavy weight, such as a brocade or damask which has an overall design pattern incorporated within it.