If you are looking for plain, plaid, printed, woven or solid fabrics -- or sheers, textured sheers or lots of lace -- you'll find literally hundreds of ready-made styles, sizes and colors to choose from.

You'll also discover many window top treatments in swags and valances, plus fabric shades, mini blinds and vertical blinds, as well as decorative and utility rods and hardware. In short, everything you need for unique home decorating.

Styles of Window Treatments
Descriptions of window-covering styles,
as well as measuring instructions, follow:

Pinch-Pleated Draperies - Already pleated, the fullness is built right into this window treatment. It creates a more formal look on its own. Or it can be layered over sheer and lace panels. You'll need a traverse rod so you can open and close Pinch-Pleated Draperies easily.

To Measure:
If a traverse rod is already up, measure it and purchase the drapery size that most closely corresponds (always round up). You'll need to add a few inches to overlap when the draperies are closed.
If no traverse rod is up, measure across the window. Then add 12" for the stackback (the area that allows the opened draperies to stack, leaving the window area open). This measurement will correspond to the width of the drapery to purchase. Always round up.
For length: typically, 63" gives a more casual look. It is appropriate where more clearance from the floor is desired. The 84" length provides a more formal look, and is hung to reach within 1/2" of the floor.

Rod-Pocket Panels or Curtains - This style has a pocket sewn at the top. Simply thread the panel over your rod. Then gather (or shirr) the fabric in order to make these panels as full as you'd like them to be. These are the easiest of all window treatments. The measurements are dictated more by your tastes than by strict requirements.

To Measure:
More fullness provides more privacy and light-filtering. Less fullness shows pattern details and with sheers, allows more light to be transmitted.
If a rod is already up, measure it across. Multiply the width by 1-1/2 to 2 times, then divide by the width of each panel for the total number of panels needed. Round up for more fullness.
If there is no rod, measure across the window. Then multiply that width by 2 to 3 and divide by the width of panels for the number of panels needed. For example: for a 76"W window using 60"W panels:

Length to order: Typically 63" gives a more casual look, and is appropriate where more clearance from the floor is desired. The 84" length provides a more formal look, and is hung to reach to within 1/2" of the floor.

Tab-Top Panels - One of the newest window treatments, this style is designed to go on a decorative rod, since some of it will show through.

To Measure:
Refer to measuring information for Rod-Pocket Panels.

Valances - A valance is an ornamental drapery hung across a top edge of a window. Besides putting a more formal touch on draperies, it can hide structural fixtures. Common types of valances include: Scarf Valances, 2-Pc. Swag Set, Insert or Crescent Valance, Cascade Valance and Pouf Valances.

Scarf Valances - This valance basically is a long piece of fabric that tapers at the ends. It can be draped through decorative wall sconces or looped over a decorative rod to fall in "puddles" on the floor. It can be wrapped around a rod to frame a window, layered over panels, even draped over the canopy of a bed.

2-Pc. Swag Set - A Swag Set includes 2 swags that hang down the sides of the window and meet in the center. For wider windows, fill the center with extra Insert, Crescent or Cascade Valances.

Insert or Crescent Valance - Use at the center to complete a Swag Set. Tailored Insert Valance can also be used alone as a Straight Valance.

Cascade Valance - A Cascade Valance falls from one level to another in a graduated sequence. It has a flowing, more formal look. Use two or more Cascade Valances as a complete valance treatment. Or use the center for a Swag set.

Pouf Valance - Hang this style of valance as is, or stuff the pouf with tissue paper, plastic bags or batting to achieve the desired fullness.

To Measure for Valances:
For most valances -- measure across the window and multiply the measurement by 2 to 3 times. Valances look better when they are fuller. Divide the measurement by the width of the valance for the total number needed. Always round up.
To measure Swags and Insert Valances - measure across the window and multiply by 2 or 3 times. Subtract the width of the swags. Then divide the remaining width by the width of the Insert Valance to find out the total number of inserts to order. Always round up for more fullness.

Mini Blinds, Vertical Blinds or Shades. The classic choice for many people, these blinds and shades are perfect on all sizes of windows and doors. Easily adjusted for the light/privacy you need. Can be installed either outside the casing (recommended) or inside the casing installation. Installing blinds or shades outside the casing is the easiest to measure and to install.

To Measure:
Outside the Casing: Measure across the window and casing, plus at least 3" for the total width. The length should be measured from the top of where the headrail will be installed to the window sill, or to within 1/2" from the floor.
Inside the Casing: Installation requires that your window is at least 3" deep to allow for movement of the blind. The width can be 1/2" wider than the stated measurement of the blind or shade. For larger deviations, refer to "Outside the Casing" installation above. Measure the length from the top of the window inside the casing to the sill. Vertical blinds must have at least -1/2" clearance. Horizontal blinds can be longer than the window length, but will rest on the sill.

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