Vintage window treatments: simply the best!

February 14, 2024

Intimidating, buying curtains? Maybe... Taking the right measurements, choosing the right installation - so many options, possibilities.

Yet curtains have an incredible impact on the design of any room and can create or change a mood so easily.

Chic and elegant? Groovy, funky? Pop of color or floral madness?

Opaque, allowing light to filter through or a simple veil?

Curtains suit any decor.

Not being an expert in the field, I rather offer you some basic notions, related to the products offered in my store, in order to facilitate your choice.

Curtain, panel, drape, valance… what is the difference?

Curtains and drapes are both types of window treatments, made of one or more panels, but they have some key differences in terms of fabric, length and functionality. Here are the main distinctions between curtains and drapes:

Fabric and Weight

Curtains: Curtains are typically made of lighter fabrics and are less lined, allowing more light to filter through. They are often used for decorative purposes and to add a touch of privacy.

Drapes: Drapes, on the other hand, are made of heavier fabrics and are usually fully lined, providing more insulation and light-blocking capabilities.

Length

Curtains: Curtains are generally shorter, often reaching just below the windowsill or stopping at the floor.

Drapes: Drapes are longer and can extend all the way to the floor or even puddle on the floor for a more formal and luxurious look.

Formality

Curtains: Curtains are often considered more casual and are suitable for a wide range of settings, including living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.

Drapes: Drapes are perceived as more formal and are commonly used in formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and other areas where a more luxurious appearance is desired.

My approach with Inegal Vintage products somewhat simplifies the semantic differences in window treatment.

Generally, I use the terms curtains and drapes rather interchangeably.

A valance is a short curtain, located at the top of your window, with different functions: hiding the curtain support, adding a touch of color and texture without affecting the brightness, accenting a window.

Geometric drapes, two panels, 1960s/70s

70s orange mesh curtains, two panels

Yellow mesh floral kitchen valance, 1970s

How to make sure your curtains will fit your window?

Whether you choose a drapery that touches the floor, a curtain that reaches the window sill, or a valance, here is how the measurements included in our products' descriptions are calculated.

Each measurement is calculated per panel. If the product has a pair or multiple panels, measurements are always for a single panel.

Width, in inches:

The width is always calculated flat at the top of the panel.
If the curtain has sewn pleats, such as this one, the measurement is taken from one end to the other, from the back of the panel.

Oversized 70s net woven curtain

If the panel has pleating tape, like this one, the measurement is taken flat, without the pleating hooks, therefore without the pleats. It will be necessary to take into account that when installed with curtain clips and the folds are formed, the curtain will occupy less space.

60s geometric pattern pleated curtains

Rod curtains are also measured flat.

Length, in inches:

The length is taken flat.

In some cases, the length of the hem is given, providing possibilities for lengthening the curtain.

Measurements of your windows:

The majority of curtains sold in our store are designed to be installed on the outside of the window frame. It's always possible to install them inside the frame if you have the proper hardware. It's your choice!

You must decide on the location of the rod or track in relation to your window to determine the ideal width of your curtains.

Once you have determined the width of the rod, you will need to calculate whether you want curtains that will cover the entire window when closed or whether they are accent curtains that can simply be placed on either side of the window.

For example, if you want the curtains to cover the entirety of a 40" window, and your rod measures 50" when installed, you will need one or more panels totaling at least 50" in width.

Here, these curtains measure 25" each in width, so they would fit perfectly.

Sears 80s blue plaid pleated curtains

These measure 20.5" each in width, but since the measurement was taken flat, without the pleating hooks, two panels may not cover the entire width of the rod.