Pinch Pleated Drapes
Pinch pleated drapes offer a formal look to your draperies. Rather than have the drapes gathered at the ends randomly and open to a straight fabric, pinch pleated drapes have pleats that run vertically down the drapes. The pleats are spaced at intervals to control the fullness of the drapes. Even when the drapes are fully drawn closed, the pleats still exist.
A natural benefit of pinch pleated drapes is added insulation. The pleats add additional airspace between the drapes to offer more insulation. During the hot summer months, your room will be cooler and during the cold winter months, your room will stay warmer with pinch pleated drapes than with drapes that stretch straight made of the same material. Typically, pinch pleated drapes are made of a heavier material than sheer curtains or silk drapes. Many offer insulated thermal or blackout linings as well.
Most pinch pleated drapes install as the outer most layer of window coverings. It is common to have another inner layer consisting of sheer curtains or shades. The inner layer is for moderating light during the day to make the window translucent, creating privacy while letting light in. The outer layer is typically used to darken the room or for insulation purposes. When deciding on the inner layer of window coverings make sure you pick a material that will not clash with the look of your pinch pleated drapes.
For example, you may want to choose a much lighter color shade or sheer curtain than your pinch pleated drapes. Also, you probably don’t want to have two pinch pleated window treatments layered. Therefore, shades that open up and down are a good combination with pleated drapes.
Think of the pinch pleated look as similar to that of a nice ironed shirt. It’s more formal and even. Unlike silk drapes that may have less form, pleated drapes are typically made of stiffer cloth to keep the shape. Otherwise, the function of pinch pleated drapes is generally similar to those of other materials such as silk or velvet. As with purchasing any draperies, make sure you do your research and understand the materials that you have chosen. If you decide to buy online, make sure you have visited a fabric
store to understand how various fabrics feel and function.
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