Drapery Decoded: Sojo’s Top 4 Insights You Need to Know for Stylish Windows

May 20, 2025

When it comes to window treatments, drapery can be a game-changer in the design of your home. Whether you want to add elegance, control light, or boost privacy, drapery is an essential element.

1. The Importance of Fabric Choice

The fabric you choose for your drapes sets the tone for the room. Heavier fabrics like velvet create a luxurious feel, while light linens or cottons offer an airy and relaxed atmosphere.

  • Heavy fabrics are perfect for creating a formal, dramatic look.

  • Light fabrics are great for casual, breezy spaces like kitchens or living rooms.

  • Textured fabrics add depth and interest to simple spaces.

2. Layering for Function and Style

Layering drapes with other window treatments, like sheers, blinds, or roman shades, can add both style and function. This approach allows for flexible light control, privacy, and aesthetic appeal.

  • Sheer + blackout panels are a perfect balance of light control and softness.

  • Drapes + blinds create depth and dimension while providing privacy.

  • Roman shades + drapes allow for easy light adjustment and an elegant layered look.

3. Proper Installation for Maximum Impact

How you hang your drapes plays a big role in how they transform the room. Thoughtful installation can make your windows look larger, your room feel taller, and the overall design appear more polished.

  • Mounting drapes high on your wall or on the ceiling itself creates the illusion of height.

  • Extending rods beyond the window frame makes windows appear larger and more open.

  • Floor-length drapes help elongate the room and add a luxurious touch.

Bonus Tip: The Power of Lined Drapery

Lined drapes enhance the look of your windows and improve their functionality. Here’s why you should consider them:

  • Improve light control: Lined drapes block out more light, making them perfect for bedrooms or media rooms.

  • Better insulation: Lining helps keep heat in during the winter and blocks out heat during the summer, improving energy efficiency.

  • Durability: The lining adds strength to your drapes, helping them last longer and maintain their shape over time.

  • A polished look: Lining your drapes creates a more finished, elegant appearance, with a clean, structured look from both sides.

At Sojo Design, we see drapery as more than a finishing touch – it’s a powerful design element that transforms a room’s look, feel, and function. From creating the illusion of height to enhancing privacy, light control, and installation, the right window treatments do it all. Choosing the proper fabric, layering, and placement, your windows can become standout features in any space.

Author

Tel: +64 21 823 743 julie@sojodesign.co.nz