April 20, 2017
For commercial spaces that are constantly in use, you need drapery that is not only elegant but that also wears well. Here are a few fabrics to keep in mind:
This fabric works well for a more graceful and refined look. Chiffon is a sheer fabric, lightweight, woven from crepe yarns. The twist in the yarn crinkles the fabric a little in both directions after it has been woven. This allows it to stretch just a bit and makes it feel a bit rough to the touch. When magnified, chiffon appears as a fine net or mesh, which gives it a degree of transparency.
Chiffon was first made from silk, but now also is made of such materials as nylon and polyester.
Suede is considered to be the velvet of leather. It is made in a distinctive way. The tanning process for suede uses the split sides of the leather, rather than the full-grain as leather does. Then, the fabric goes through a buffing process, which creates a napped finish. The finished product is a softer material without the tougher skin of full-grain leather.
Suede is flexible, soft and has a refined appearance that makes it a great material for drapery. Also, the colors in suede are more vibrant than full-grained leather because the nap finish absorbs the dyes more thoroughly. Because of its weight, suede is also effective at blocking out light and keeping in heat.
Velvet is a heavy kind of fabric that is tufted and woven, where the threads are laid out uniformly. It has a short, dense pile, giving it a unique and very soft feel. Velvet can be manufactured from synthetic or natural materials.
Velvet is woven on a special loom in a somewhat complicated process, and for this reason, it is a fairly expensive fabric. Several different materials can be used to make velvet, including silk, cotton, mohair, linen, wool, polyester, nylon and a rayon-silk combination.
Velvet has a very distinguished history. The fabric has traditionally been associated with nobility and religious vestments. And there is good reason for this, as the fabric has a sumptuous, stately look. The most beautiful fabrics in medieval times were Italian velvets. As with suede, velvet is also effective at blocking out light and preventing heat loss.
As with the other fabrics, silk gives a room a rich texture and luxurious feel. Heavy silk is also a great insulator. It has a smooth, soft texture and is one of the strongest natural fibers.
This is a very durable fabric that is plain woven. It is usually made from cotton or linen and has a plain weave rather than a twill weave. There are two types of canvas. One is called plain, the other duck. The threads in the duck canvas are woven more tightly together.
In the United States, canvas is classified by a number system. The numbers signify the weight of the canvas material, beginning with the heaviest at number 1, and becoming progressively lighter as the numbers become higher.
Canvas drapery can be used in many different locations. It comes in many different colors and patterns, and can augment many different types of decorative styles. Canvas works especially well in covering larger windows and holds up well in sunlight.
Drapery provides a true finishing touch to the look of the rooms in your hotel, resort, restaurant or office. You will be amazed at how the right drapery can give your enterprise a casual, elegant, established, or modern feel, just by changing your window treatments. Contact either our Los Angeles or Dallas office to learn more about our services and how we can bring to life the mood you want your rooms to evoke in visitors.
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