Wednesday, April 20, 2011

About Decorative Curtain Accessories

A tassel is one type of decorative curtain accessory.


You’ll find an endless variety of types when choosing decorative curtain accessories. Select something that matches the decor of your room. A gilded gold or wooden accessory goes well with traditional decor. For a contemporary look, consider a nickel finish with a streamlined design. For a classic look, wrought iron in black or dark bronze may fit the bill. Decorative curtain accessories add personality to a room. Does this Spark an idea?


Curtain Rods


Set up for curtains combines the use of functional items with the decorative. The most basic item, a curtain rod, holds the curtain to the window. Designers make curtain rods with many decorative features such as fluting or a twisted design. They also come in many different materials and finishes. Decorative curtain rods are made from wood, pewter, wrought iron, brass and more. Allow the rod to show through by using curtains that don't completely cover the rod.


Finials and End Caps


Finials and end caps attach to the ends of the curtain rod and further customize the window treatment. Designers offer choices to fit your personal taste. You may find finials and end caps made in the same finish as your curtain rod, or you can choose complementary materials. End caps feature an understated, subtle design, while finials may includes shapes such as leaves, stars or flowers. For an eclectic look you can choose finials made from colorful hand-blown glass. To add a touch of sparkle, consider a finial encrusted with crystals.


Brackets and Sconces


Brackets support the rod on the wall. Though they may be designed to be inconspicuous, you may select a highly decorative design that accents the rod and contributes to the overall appeal of the window treatment. Sconces, another type of bracket, allow you thread to a curtain scarf directly through the sconce without the use of a rod. You then drape the fabric to create a valance. You can purchase sconces carved out of wood or cast in resin or metal.


Curtain Rings


When placing a curtain on a decorative rod, you should hang the curtains from them in a way to keep from covering the rod. You can use rings for this purpose. Rings may be metal or wood and be sewn onto the curtain, or clip on for a casual look. Rods come in a variety of diameters and lengths, so choose the size that will fit your window and the rod pocket of your curtain


Valances and Cornice Boards


If you are not interested in using a decorative curtain rod, you may decide to use a valance or a cornice. A valance is a long piece of fabric that starts above the curtain rod and covers it. You may select a valance decorated with fringes, or cut in a style similar to the curtain.


A cornice is a traditional living room piece. This wooden piece covers and runs the length of the curtain rod, and is generally polished or covered in a fabric that matches or complements the curtains.


Tie Backs


Tie backs allow you to fix window treatments in an open position. You can purchase metal tie backs in the same color of your rod. They screw into the window frames and allow you to drape the fabric back. A classic choice is a simple cotton or polyester rope holding curtains off to the side of the window. To match the design of the window treatments, use a neatly hemmed strip of fabric to hold the curtains back. More decorative tiebacks include beaded strings, elaborate bows or tassels.







Tags: decorative curtain, curtain accessories, curtain rods, Decorative curtain, drape fabric