Layering is arguably one of the most important words in any decorator’s vocabulary, and nowhere is it more important than in the art of curtain making, as I’ve discovered whilst working on my latest projects. Within the world of drapery, layering is when you build up fabrics to create depth and texture—and there truly are so many things to consider. To be brutally honest, it’s highly unlikely you will ever find a pair of off-the-peg curtains that fit just right, so I would always advise getting something made to measure. Sounds expensive? Well, I won’t lie to you, it certainly can be. A friend of mine who is a long-serving interior decorator says his clients spend upwards of $100,000 on each window, which of course includes swags and tails and handwoven silk with all the trimmings. But for us mere commoners, there are still plenty of modest and affordable options out there.
The first question to consider is: What do you really need from your curtains? Are they merely decorative, or do they need to serve a purpose, whether to block out the light or a chilly draught? This will, of course, inform how they are made—whether they need lining, and the weight of the fabric, for example. But let’s start with the former, purely decorative camp. Here, you have carte blanche to do what you want, but I have to say my preference is always for something more simple; medieval even. In essence, a panel of fabric with hooks and rings on a pole. Sounds straightforward? It took me months to figure out this window treatment for my latest project.