Silk drapery fabric is one of the easiest ways to create a more elegant decor to any room of your home. Silk has always been regarded a premier fabric and Thai silk fabric is regarded universally as the "Queen of All Silks."
Whilst Thai silk fabric is often associated with class, luxury, and elegance, it is also a very durable, versatile fabric and not as expensive as you may think. Remember, a fabric with all these characteristics will cost a few dollars more but with proper care, you will have it for a lifetime!
It's this versatility and ease of use that ensures it is always a favorite with both designers and customers. There are many varieties of silk including raw silk, satin, chiffon, charmeuse, brocades and naturally dyed fabrics.
Drapes and Curtains!
To keep things simple lets define drapes as longer curtains. Generally drapes are used to beautify windows or even to make a major statement in a room. If you are looking for a smart, stylish curtain or drape then you have to be quite selective about the fabric you buy and do some research. This will help you decide on the style of silk drapery fabric you prefer that will perfectly match your room. In your research make sure you look at both the "function" and "form" of your fabric. Function is simply how you intend to use the silk fabric whilst Form is what it will preferably look like.
How To Choose Silk Drapery Fabrics
There are so many silk fabric styles, patterns, textures, weights and color ranges to choose from so once you have decided on "function" and "form" for your silk drapery fabric, make sure you are fully aware of some other important characteristics of your silk drapery fabric including how easy it is to clean; how resistant it is to dust, dirt and bugs and finally how durable it is.
Silk drapery fabric can provide an absolutely stunning backdrop to any room. The inherent soft characteristics of Silk drapery will create intimacy as well as regulating the amount of sunlight that streams into your room. Another option to consider for your silk drapery fabric is "partnered" silk that has patterns that bring the silk to life and create a definite "discussion piece" backdrop in any room.
Silk drapery fabric can be striped 2 or 3 color material that gives a unique effect showing different colors shimmers in the changing daylight. However, if you choose textured silk, it is thicker, heavier and gives a more robust look to any room.
100% Naturally Dyed Thai Silks
Thai Silk Magic specializes in creating unique, handmade and eco-friendly Thai silk fabric using only 100% natural dyes - these 3-ply and 4-ply fabrics are ideal for drapes, especially if you are looking for that natural, organic or "country" touch!
Measurement
It is very important that you measure your windows carefully before you order any silk drapery fabric. For drapes, always measure from top to bottom and don't forget that your silk drapery fabric will be hanging from a curtain rod above the window frame and will usually fall to a point about 2 or 3 inches from your floor. When you are doing the drapes side measurements use a length about 3 or 4 inches wider than the window frame and then double your side-to-side measurement to enable a more luxurious effect.
Cleaning Your Drapes
Care must be taken with your silk drapery fabric, as although it is versatile and durable, incorrect washing will ruin its luster and/or permanently wrinkle your fabric. Make sure you use ONLY mild detergents and NEVER use a washing machine or leave out in the direct sunlight. If you are at all unsure, have your drapes dry cleaned. For your help please use this link for more details on "How to Take Care of Your Thai Silk."
Your Drape/Curtain Maker
Please make sure you give specific details to your drape maker re your preferred drapes' style, if you want your drapes to be closely fitted to your windows or a more flowing effect and whether you want your drapes to be pleated or not.
Don't forget to consider sheers in your discussions with your drape maker as these usually hand beneath the drapes and help control both sunlight and glare.
There is nothing that can renew or completely refresh a room like silk drapery fabric so go ahead and enjoy some luxury - it's more affordable than you realize. At your convenience, we encourage you to check out our online store for some surprising Thai Silk Magic fabrics.