TERMINOLOGY

Design and Drapery Terminology

To make it easier for our customers to explain their ideas, we have included a list of terminology used in design and drapery. Some of these terms we have heard most of our lives as we have grown up, others may seem completely foreign to some customers. Our goal is to help our customers realize their design dreams and make it happen.

Fabric Terminology

  • One common term often taken for granted is the fabric “weave.” The pattern or structure of the weave is determined by the way the fabric is woven in a loom. This pattern can add an artistic element to the fabric as well as structure.
  • Fabric weight is the thickness of the fabric, drapery weight fabric is commonly used in window treatments and is lighter than upholstery fabric.
  • A “bolt” is a large roll of cloth; it commonly has a predetermined length.
  • The term “hand” refers to the feel of a fabric.
  • Denier refers to a unit of measurement for a single thread.
  • Needlepoint is hand-sewn stitches through a grid pattern canvas with backing.
  • The term “faux” refers to products reproduced to look like the real thing.
Fabric Blinds And Curtains — Genie’s Drapery Service — Charleston, SC
Bedding And Pillows — Genie’s Drapery Service — Charleston, SC

Bedding and Pillow Terminology

  • Batting is a cushioning layer inside pillows and upholstery.
  • Half tester is a partial canopy cover over the head of a bed.
  • An “A La Duchesse” is an angel bed that features a canopy attached to the ceiling.
  • A polonaise is an alcove bed with elaborate draping.
  • A slipcover is a separate fabric covering designed to protect or conceal existing upholstery.
  • A banquette is an upholstered bench; it can be built-in or freestanding.
  • Poly fill pillows are pillows filled with poly fibers.
  • Down (feather) pillows are filled with the finer down feathers, down pillows are typically higher in quality than poly filled pillows.

Window Treatment Terminology

  • Hand drawn drapery is opened and closed by hand or with a wand.
  • A traversing rod is a rod that is draw back and forth across the window to traverse (open and close) draperies.
  • Cording is a covered cotton batting used to accent or finish the edging of cushions, pillows, duvets, cornice, and the inside edge of draperies.
  • “Buckram” is a type of stiffener used inside drapery headings.
  • Coffered refers to a ceiling pattern of recessed panels formed between interlocking wood beams.
  • An arch is a curve design into furnishings, windows, or doorways.
  • One common term often taken for granted is the fabric “weave.” The pattern or structure of the weave is determined by the way the fabric is woven in a loom. This pattern can add an artistic element to the fabric as well as structure.
  • A “bolt” is a large roll of cloth; it commonly has a predetermined length.
  • The term “hand” refers to the feel of a fabric.
  • Denier refers to a unit of measurement for a single thread.
  • Needlepoint is hand-sewn stitches through a grid pattern canvas with backing.
  • The term “faux” refers to products reproduced to look like the real thing.
Clean Window Treatment — Genie’s Drapery Service — Charleston, SC
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