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Why Choose Draperies?
Nothing gives your home a finished look and feel like draperies. They are available in many styles and pleats to suit a variety of aesthetic preferences.
Draperies Louisville KY are long window treatments that hang from rings, hooks, grommets or rods. They can be used to create a decorative look or as a way to block sunlight and glare. They can also be customized with liners for light control.
Draperies are designed to block out the light from outside, which can create a sense of privacy and add an aesthetic to your room. They are made of heavier fabrics such as velvet, damask and silk to provide a luxurious look. You can also find a variety of sheers to complement your drapery, which will allow natural light into your home without losing privacy.
Drapes are more ornate than curtains and have the appearance of a traditional or neoclassical design. They offer a softer finish to your window treatments and are a great addition to a formal living room or bedroom. They can be used to tie in with the rest of the room’s decor and help create a dramatic effect that is sure to impress guests and family members.
A common question people ask is what is the difference between drapes and curtains? While drapes and curtains are similar, there are several differences between the two. For one, drapes are usually longer and thicker than curtains. They are also typically lined with either privacy or blackout lining to make them even more effective at blocking light and sound. Curtains on the other hand, are shorter and made of lighter fabric such as lace, linen or polyester.
While draperies are more luxurious than curtains, they can still be paired with sleek roller and solar shades for a layered look that is both functional and fashionable. The addition of a blackout lining helps to insulate your rooms against cold winter temperatures, warm summer temperatures and varying noise levels.
You can choose to pair your drapes with a decorative rod with rings or traverse rod with ball-bearing carriers. These can be opened and closed easily to allow in more or less light as needed. They can be paired with an elegant valance to add an additional decorative element or simply left plain to showcase your windows and the beauty of your home.
The choice of the perfect window treatment depends on your style, budget and the level of privacy you desire. For a high level of privacy, you may want to opt for heavy draperies made from opaque fabrics like velvet or satin that are ideal for bedrooms and rooms facing busy streets. They provide a level of privacy that will stop passersby from peeking inside your space and can contribute to a more peaceful sleep and tranquil working environment.
They Control Natural Light
When paired with other window treatment options, draperies offer versatility when it comes to natural light control. Sheer fabrics soften incoming sunlight and filter it through the window for a soft glow that can also reduce harsh glare, and many custom curtain fabrics are made to block out sunlight as needed. For added versatility, layer your custom curtains with blinds or shades that can be opened or closed for light and privacy control at any time of day.
Draperies are the more formal counterpart to curtains, and they project a sense of elegance in your space. They’re thicker, heavier in fabric, and they’re often lined for privacy or room-darkening purposes. Curtains, on the other hand, have a more casual homely feel to them and are often lighter in weight and shorter in length than drapery panels.
Many homeowners assume that draperies and curtains perform the same functions, but there are important differences between these two types of window treatments. The main difference is that draperies are designed to cover more surface area, making them ideal for insulating rooms from exterior temperatures. They’re also typically designed to be fuller in volume and to fully cover windows and doors, preventing gaps where light can peek through.
In addition to their aesthetic value, custom draperies can also improve the energy efficiency of your home by reducing air leaks and limiting heat loss and gain. They can help to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the day and reduce your reliance on artificial lighting and HVAC systems, which in turn helps to lower your energy bills.
When it comes to natural light control, draperies are one of the best solutions on the market. They can help to block out the early morning sun for a restful night’s sleep or they can be used to create a cozy ambiance in the evening. And because they’re custom-made to fit your windows precisely, you can be sure that your draperies will be well-suited for the specific dimensions and architectural impositions of your home. This is especially important when it comes to larger or uniquely shaped windows, where off-the-shelf curtains can leave behind unsightly gaps that compromise your draperies’ function and look.
They Add a Decorative Element
Aside from the privacy, light control, and noise-reduction benefits draperies provide, they also add an attractive aesthetic element to any room. These soft window treatments come in a wide variety of styles and colors to complement your design aesthetic. They can create the illusion of a taller ceiling, accentuate a stunning view outside your windows, or frame a beautiful piece of wall art or furniture.
Custom drapery designs can also be a work of art themselves, offering you a unique opportunity to express your personal design style. They can be adorned with embellishments like trim, lace, and beading to create a more intricate look or made from materials that create a more minimalist feel. They can also be paired with motorization to add a modern touch and allow you to control your drapes with the push of a button or even integrate them into your smart home system.
Different drapery pleat styles can also add a distinctive aesthetic to your room. For instance, Tailored Pleat Drapery features crisp, symmetrical pleats that evoke a sense of traditionalism. For a more contemporary look, choose Ripple Fold Drapery, which creates subtle highlights and lowlights in its curved lines.
Rod Pocket Drapery features a sewn pocket at the top that accommodates typical curtain rod hardware. This creates a relaxed and casual aesthetic ideal for rustic, farmhouse, or country decor. Goblet Drapery is another drapery style that delivers a romantic, feminine feel with its goblet shape at the top of the fabric. However, because this drapery has uneven pleats across its width it’s best used for decorative applications only, as it doesn’t stack well on itself.
Another way draperies can add a touch of elegance to your room is by pairing them with a pelmet. This is an upholstered board that goes across the top of your windows and covers the curtain rod. Typically, a pelmet matches the color or design of your drapes, but you can also make an artistic statement by choosing a contrasting color or pattern to create a bold, eye-catching design.
They Add Value to Your Home
Draperies are an investment in your home that can add a layer of richness to your interior design. These fully-functional fabric panels can be made in any color or pattern you like, and they come in light filtering, room darkening, and blackout options to suit your home’s energy needs. They are also more substantial and heavier than curtains, with the added benefit of being lined to reduce heat gain or loss.
Drapes can be hung either on a traverse rod with ball-bearing carriers or on a decorative rod with rings. They are often pleated and can be trimmed to add even more refinement to your room’s décor. They can be designed to puddle on the floor or they can hang a little higher, depending on your preferred aesthetic and style.
There are many different drapery styles, and the type of pleat you choose will affect the look of your windows and the overall design of your space. Choose a Tailored Pleat Drapery with three “fingers” pinched at the top for a sleek, modern appearance that works well in a variety of aesthetic styles. Or, opt for versatile Pinch Pleat drapes that can be hung to create a natural visual break with the window or door frame.
If you prefer a more elegant, stately aesthetic, consider Inverted Pleat drapery with flat, crisp folds across the top. This style is suited for aesthetics that emphasize linearity and symmetry, from modern to neoclassical designs.
Curtains typically feature a coordinating valance, which is an attractive finishing touch to your window treatment and can be used to conceal the mounting hardware. However, you can also choose to go for a more dramatic look with a custom-designed pelmet. The pelmet is mounted above the drapery and can be designed in a complementary or contrasting color, to further enhance your room’s decor.
Whether you’re looking to elongate your ceilings or just to warm up your space, draperies can make a big difference in your room’s décor and your home’s value. They can also help to increase your home’s energy efficiency, as well as reduce noise and block light from outside. If you’re interested in adding the beauty and functionality of custom draperies to your home, contact us today. Our local showrooms are the perfect place to view our selection of 650+ drapery fabrics and interact with our displays to see how the different drapery styles work when drawn open or closed.
Cabinet Painting – How to Prepare Your Cabinets for Painting
Cabinet Painting Sacramento can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. It is one of the most popular DIY home improvement projects.
Before you paint, clear out cabinets and label drawers and hardware. Protect floors and walls with rosin paper, plastic drop cloths, or 5 gallon paint buckets.
A good primer is like the glue layer that connects your cabinets to the paint. It’s specially formulated to adhere really well, and it provides a better base for the top coat. Without it, the paint may rub off or even peel.
Primer is also important because it seals the surface, preventing stains from bleeding through your paint job. Cabinets receive a lot of wear and tear, opening and closing, spills, and moisture, so they need a strong, tough paint job to stand up to it all. A high-quality primer such as BIN Shellac Primer or a latex primer will help your paint to last a long time and hold up to the elements.
Choose a primer that is suitable for your cabinet material, such as bare wood or manufactured composites like MDF. Oil-based primers tend to fill the wood grain best and dry more quickly, but water-based products can work just as well. Some hybrid acrylic urethane primers combine the benefits of both oil and water-based primers, making them a good choice for most situations.
Apply the primer with a brush along edges and tight spots, or use a roller on large surfaces. Let the primer dry completely before you start painting, and lightly sand the surfaces to smooth them and improve paint adhesion. Especially in the kitchen, where grease can drip and stick to the cabinets, it’s important to make sure your surfaces are clean before you start painting.
When you’re ready to start, cover any areas you don’t want primed or painted with painter’s tape and drop cloths. This protects your walls, furniture and flooring from paint spatter and makes cleanup easier. You may also want to remove handles and hardware before you begin so you can work more easily, and to reduce the risk of getting paint in places it shouldn’t go.
Start with one coat of primer, then sand again to smooth it. Then apply the second coat, sanding lightly after each coat. If you are painting over a light color, only one coat of primer is usually necessary, but two may be required for a darker color.
Sanding
The surface of your cabinet doors and drawers need to be smooth and free of grease and grime before you can successfully paint them. If you skip this step, the new paint will not adhere well and may flake or bubble. A degreaser and a damp cloth are your best bet for cleaning the surfaces of your cabinets. You can also use a cabinet-specific cleaner to help ensure the paint will stick.
Once your surfaces are clean, you will need to sand the cabinetry to roughen up the finish and prepare it for paint. Using medium-grit sandpaper, begin by scuffing the surface to remove any sheen and give the primer something to grab onto. Once you have roughed the surfaces, clean them with a lint-free tack cloth to get rid of any remaining dust or debris.
When sanding, make sure you use light pressure to avoid damaging the surface of your cabinets. It is helpful to use a sanding block instead of a hand sander when possible, as it is more efficient and provides a better grip on the wood for a more even finish. You should also swap out the sandpaper frequently for a fresh sheet as you work, making sure to always clean the surface after each switch. If you want a more even finish, you can opt for finer-grit sandpaper such as 180 or 220.
If you have any dents or gouges in your cabinetry, you can fill them with a quality wood putty that will allow you to apply a smooth coat of paint over the top. You should let the wood filler dry according to directions before proceeding with your project.
It is a good idea to label your hardware as you remove it from the cabinet doors. This will make reattaching the hardware much easier and prevent you from accidentally putting the wrong piece back in its place. You should also take the time to number each piece of hardware and write down where it goes so you can remember when you are reassembling your cabinets.
Paint
Cabinet paint comes in a variety of colors and finishes. There are matte finishes that give off a classic look, glossy ones that really make your cabinets pop, and more. You can also find specialty products like chalkboard and milk paint that offer unique looks.
It’s best to take a break between coats, giving each one time to fully dry. If you need to speed things up, it’s easy enough to put on a second coat after the first dries. Just be sure to sand again in between to get a smooth finish.
Once your paint is dry, it’s time to reattach your doors and drawers. Before you do, you should wipe down all surfaces with a damp rag to remove any dust or dirt that has settled on them. If you don’t do this, your new paint won’t stick and could come off easily.
While you’re at it, you should clean your cabinet boxes and doors with de-greasers or a deglosser to remove any grease or other oily residue. This is especially important in kitchens where food is prepared and stored. Oil will cause your paint to peel over time, so it’s essential to remove any excess before you begin painting.
If you want your new paint to last, it’s a good idea to use an alkyd oil-based product. Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore both make alkyd paints that will hold up to moisture better than other types of wall paint. They also won’t yellow as quickly as oils do.
You can also use a water-based enamel for your cabinets if you’d rather not deal with oil-based fumes. Just be sure to sand with 220-320 grit sandpaper between coats and let the surface completely dry before you apply another.
As with refinishing, there’s a lot of prep that goes into cabinet painting, so it’s best to have a professional do the job for you. They’ll know what type of paint to use based on the material your cabinets are made from and what kind of finish you’re looking for. They’ll also have access to special equipment that allows them to spray a large area quickly and evenly without drips.
Finish
Painting cabinet doors is a fun way to add a splash of color, update hardware, and give your kitchen an instant facelift. However, before you get started, you must prepare the surface and choose the right finish. There are plenty of options, from matte to high-gloss, so it’s important to find a look that fits your home and personal style.
The first step in preparing your cabinets for paint is sanding. This removes the glossy top layer, exposing bare wood for primer and paint to adhere. A medium-grit sandpaper will work, or you can use an electric sander to make the job go more quickly. After sanding, wipe the surface down and remove dust with a tack cloth.
Next, you can apply the primer to the cabinet doors. This helps the paint adhere better and creates a smoother surface, which is important for a quality finish. After the primer dries, you can apply two coats of your chosen paint, applying one-third of an overlap with each application.
Once your cabinet door paint has dried, you can apply a clear varnish or coating to protect it from water damage and other elements. Be sure to use a product that is safe for your wood, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
When choosing a clear coating, consider the amount of traffic your cabinets will receive. If your cabinets are in an area that will see a lot of wear and tear, a glossy option is best to protect against smudges and finger marks. If your cabinets will mostly be used indoors, a satin finish can provide an attractive shine without being too slippery.
Once your cabinet doors are painted, you can reattach the hinges and hardware and enjoy your new look! Be sure to allow the cabinets to cure for a few days before handling them, and avoid slamming or scraping them until they’re completely dry. If you’re unsure of the proper curing process, consult a professional.