A Tip for New Draperies

So your new draperies have arrived. We understand... the first thing you want to do is play with them, making sure they operate and appear just like you expected when you ordered them. Today's tip, however, will explain why you should, instead, heed your installer's advice!

(If you simply cannot resist moving them, we suggest asking your installer to show you their operation before he steams and sets the panels.)

A Tip for New Draperies:

When the drapery technician installs your draperies, after steaming, (if necessary), he might tie the ends, as pictured above, and ask you to leave that tie in place for several days. Doing so will help your draperies look their best.

Why? Because most fabric has a tendency to retain it's shaping over time. In the trade, folks call that memory. This is especially important with stationary drapery panels, as it helps the fabric to retain the fold of the pleats, all the way to the floor. You'll also find memory useful in other window treatments, such as roman and balloon shades.

At Bernard Interiors, we recommend a minimum of 2 days, and as much as 5 days, if that's possible.

Certain fabrics will develop memory with more ease than others, though, so it's important to trust the instructions of your drapery specialist. For the draperies above, our technician recommended 5 days.

These beautiful panels are goblet pleated, using Pindler's scrumptious Douppioni Travertine silk, and have been showcased on striking rod sets from The Finial Company.

Draperies: To Line or Not To Line?

A question often asked by our clients is, "Do I really need to line my draperies?"
The answer is is a resounding: maybe. It really depends upon what you expect of them!

Draperies: To Line or Not To Line?

Let's take a look at the differences between sheer draperies and lined draperies, and then the advantages of each style, including adding interlining. At Bernard Interiors, we use high quality linings, ensuring that your draperies look, feel and perform at their finest. Our standard lining is Roc-Lon Sonata Sateen, which is a blend of polyester and cotton. Our interlining is 100% cotton.

Sheer draperies are exactly that... sheer and unlined. Many times fabric with a loose weave is chosen, or fabric that is thin and translucent. This gives the windows the opportunity to look "dressed", while still allowing sunlight to filter through the room. With certain sheer fabric choices, a more billowy look is achieved, complimenting a light, airy design style. Additionally, sheers are often paired with lined draperies, to increase options for operation and light control.

Some drawbacks to using sheers are:

• Sun damage: Sunlight will discolor and degrade the fibers in the fabric. 
• Replacement Value: These draperies may need to be replaced more often than others.
• Light control: minimal.
• Privacy coverage: minimal.

Lined draperies are the most common style of draperies. A single layer of lining is sewn onto the reverse side of the drapery panel and serves to provide light blockage, sun protection, privacy, and fullness, (body). Standard drapery linings are white or ivory in color, but at times a designer will choose a contrasting fabric to handle same job. Usually, though, the white and ivory are preferred for their aesthetic value, based upon an outdoor, street-side view of the residence. Lined draperies are going to last longer than sheer draperies, simply due to the strength of the lining against the savages of the sun.

Adding interlining to lined draperies can be compared to selecting an upgrade. Interlining is sewn in-between the main fabric and the lining. Interlining fabric is thick, rather like soft felt. It has a dense weave, giving it superb light blockage. The extra layer not only allows more privacy to the room, it also adds to the rich appearance of the draperies, providing fullness and stability, and aiding the pleats to retain their crispness and form. In terms of investment value, lined and interlined draperies have our highest recommendation, due to their fine quality and longevity.

Did you know, lined, (and interlined), draperies protect your furniture and carpet, too? They also help to block drafts and maintain room temperature!

Sheers absolutely have their place in decorating and design, but today's blog seeks to enlighten you on the merits of adding lining(s) to increase the value and performance of your window treatments.

To give you a visual, I asked our seamstress to prepare samples for the following drapery photo, which was taken in our workroom, using remnants. While this particular fabric is not specified as a "sheer", it is lightweight and you can clearly see the differences in the three panels. Notice the changes in light coverage and body, and the definition of the pleats, as you look from the sheer panel on the left, to the lined and interlined panel on the right.

What style of draperies are you in need of today?

We'd love to hear your comments on Draperies: To Line or Not To Line? Please leave your comment below, or contact us for more information.
Telephone: (847) 446-5730
Email: BernardInt@att.net

Robert Allen Fabric for Draperies

Just last week I was tweeting about this fabulous blue and white print fabric that was being sewn into draperies in our workroom. The job is now complete!

This downtown Chicago apartment shows off operational sheers for sun protection, and highlights that beautiful Robert Allen fabric for draperies, tied-back neatly at each end of these expansive windows.

Robert Allen is a company that many designers defer to when searching for fine quality fabrics. With 70 years of experience, you can count on a wide variety of colors and fresh, original patterns. Their bolts arrive often in our workroom, and our staff loves the ease of use... from draperies to bedding, pillows to table skirts.

Have you ever seen a fabric sample book? I'll bet you didn't know that the Robert Allen company was a pioneer in the distribution of those wonderful sample books! Stop by your nearest showroom and browse the latest designs today.

In or near Chicago? You will find them at the Chicago Merchandise Mart.

Then, once you've been inspired, let Bernard Interiors help you bring those ideas into your home!

Welcome to Bernard Interiors!

Welcome to Bernard Interiors! We are a drapery workroom, located in Northfield, Illinois, (a suburb just north of Chicago). Our specialties include custom fabric decor, like draperies and window coverings, bedding, table skirts, pillows, shower curtains, and upholstery services, all created in-house, by our very talented staff. Additionally, we offer a wide selection of shades and blinds from today's most popular manufacturers, as well as decorative drapery hardware and fabrics from top-quality suppliers all across the USA.

To introduce our company, we pulled a lovely photo out of the archives! This striking design was installed several years ago, and serves as a downtown commercial reception area in a high-rise office building. This particular design includes operating sheer panels against the windows, with tied-back draperies in the yellow print, free hanging stationary draperies in a solid blue, and a coordinating flat-panel and cone valance in the yellow fabric, completing the look. It is one of our favorites!

Bernard Interiors was established in 1981, by Mr. Henry Bernard, who was a pillar in the window fashions community. In December of 1996, in ailing health, Mr. Bernard sold the business to it's current owner. Henry graciously provided advice and counsel on business operations until his passing.

During the past 15 years, Bernard Interiors, guided by owner Michael Seul, has worked with interior designers and clients all over Chicago's North Shore neighborhoods, throughout the finest city locales and nationwide, assisting clients to decorate residences in out-of-state locations, such as Colorado, Florida, Maryland, New York, and Idaho.

Our inspiration for this blog revolves not only about sharing with you who we are and what we do, but also to offer tips, discuss new products in the window coverings industry, comment on new ideas, like green innovations for the home, and foster relationships with peers and other individuals. We hope you'll be back to read often and we will look forward to your comments!

For personalized quotes on our work, please contact us at:
BernardInt@att.net or call 1-847-446-5730.