When you're picking out drapes, the amount of fabric options can be overwhelming. While it may seem like the choice of fabric is not all that important, each has different features and therefore different functions. Whether you're a part of the country's party and event planning industry, which employs about 134,000 people, or you need drapes for a particular special occasion, knowing the difference in fabrics will be essential in picking the right one for your needs.
Velour Drapes
If you've ever been in a theater, you've probably seen velour drapes. Its iconic lush feel comes from its pile knit texture and these drapes are often seen in black. Typically, velour fabric is made of cotton or synthetic material (such as Polyester) and has a range of qualities, depending on the weight and type of velour drapes you choose.Theaters often use these soft drapes because of their rich and luxurious appearance, durability, and light-absorbing qualities. Although velour is often confused with velvet, the two fabrics are made with different methods. When weavers make velour with the pile knit texture, they cut off the loops at the end. In contrast, velvet is a pile weave fabric and weavers loop yarns in one direction to make it. This makes velvet softer, but more delicate and suited for lighter applications like clothing.
Poly Satin Drapery
Polyester is a man-made fiber that is generally regarded as being both durable and easily laundered. Due to its customized nature, polyester is used in a wide variety of end products. While many may think that satin is another material type, it is actually a type of weave. Using a satin weave makes for a smoother finish because rather than the yarn going over and under every alternate cross yarn, it jumps over some of them.Poly satin drapery typically has a glossy finish and is very flexible. It is well-suited for elegant weddings and events.
Sheer Drapes
There are many different fabrics with which you can make sheer drapes, but voile is a popular choice for good reason. Most commercially used Voile is typically made of Polyester, but it can also be constructed in cotton, rayon, silk, and silk/cotton blends.This fabric is breathable and super smooth, making it the perfect material for drapes in a whimsical and airy wedding. Sheer voile is not quite as flexible as poly satin drapery, but its light quality makes it perfect for ceiling drapes, uplighting on backdrop drapes, and more -- it’s truly a versatile decorating fabric.
By choosing the right drapes for an event, you will set the right tone from the very beginning. Be sure to make your fabric choice based on the functionality you need and then follow your design instincts for the style you want.
