Decorating & Design
20 Reasons Why You Should Trade Your Plain Drapery For Something Bolder
Published on October 20, 2020
We love sheer white drapery as much as the next person (it goes with just about everything and beautifully reflects natural light), but this season, we are itching to experiment with a bolder look. Think of drapery as a finishing accessory — what a colorful scarf slung casually over your shoulders does to an outfit. We’re making a case for swapping out your neutral drapery for fabric with color, pattern and texture. Scroll down to discover 20 reasons why you need statement drapery in your life.
They can add a hit of contrast. Golden curtains pop against the glossy, royal blue walls and contrast beautifully with the cherry red artwork for a winning combination in this New York dining room.
It’s an easy way to play with pattern. Zig-zag fabric? Yes please! Paired with beloved books and souvenirs from the homeowners’ honeymoon in South Africa, the eye-catching print feels even more worldly.
They bring warmth to a neutral space. In this white, black and blond wood dining room, designer Shauna Walton finished the look off with soft blush drapery, which reads as neutral.
They pump up a black and white palette. This ruby red drapery acts like a swipe of lipstick: its saturated color is an unexpected finishing touch in this high-contrast media room.
They add drama to a dining room. Color-blocked drapery takes center stage in this light-filled eating area. Sleek, sculptural furniture and accessories keeps the focus on the fabulous fabric.
They look lovely in ombré. If red is a bit too bold for your taste, might we suggest a gradient of more subtle hues instead? This ombré fabric goes from white to navy, and seamlessly blends into the silvery blue grasscloth wallpaper, giving this dining room a cocooning feel.
They make a small bedroom feel ethereal. Delicate lace details pay homage to this petite pied-á-terre‘s Parisian location, and create a canopy-like effect when hung on a thin gold rod above the bed.
They lead the eye outside. Designer Carmeon Hamilton’s love of green in her bedroom comes from “a mixture of my love for moody colors and my love for plants.” The textured drapery adds plenty of richness and depth.
They pair perfectly with purple. There’s something quite regal about the color purple, so when it’s used for velvet curtains, it takes any space to the next level. Exhibit A: this elegant home office.
They can hold an animal print. Design duo Les Ensembliers prove that zebra-printed curtains can be livable. The condo’s floor-to-ceiling windows let in enough light that the pattern doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the eclectic space.
They tie a room together. There are a lot of attention-grabbing elements in designer James Davie’s 1930s-inspired bedroom, but the silver, pink and dark purple drapery fabric makes the space feel cohesive.
They add even more character to historic pieces. In James’ handsome library, a Dutch book press — framed by scarlet red and navy blue patterned drapery — takes pride of place in front of the window.
They’re seriously sumptuous in velvet. You’ll want to catch up on some zzz’s in this cozy bedroom, thanks to navy velvet drapery to block out the morning rays and faux fur accents to keep you warm.
They make a soaker tub really sing. In this inviting country home, botanical curtains in a cheerful yellow hue turn this bathroom into a spa-like hangout. “I love that with the drapery wide open I have a beautiful view,” says the homeowner.
They can have a maximalist sensibility. Designer Tommy Smythe proves that sometimes, more is more, especially when it comes to drapery. Graphic chevron curtains add drama to this office nook.
They can double as artwork. “One of the homeowners loves florals, so we always do her bedrooms with a different type of flower,” says designer Richard Ouellette of the soft purple print sprinkled throughout this Palm Beach bedroom.
They bring the outdoors in. “Richly patterned floral drapery in muted tones doesn’t compete with the garden views beyond, instead adding an understated dose of drama,” says designer Sarah Richardson of this charming Nashville home.
They’re like a ray of sunshine. Is there anything more mood-boosting than yellow? H&H alum Joel Bray took inspiration from designer Rose Uniacke’s own home with this zesty lemon fabric in the dining room.
They work well with other prints. The key to pattern mixing is varying the size: a small but impactful print on the drapery lets the striped green rug and painterly sofa command attention.
They can read traditional. There’s a reason floral fabric is a classic! In this coastal Connecticut home, blue and white drapery feels synonymous with the nautical striped wallpaper and vintage-look furniture.