WINDOW TREATMENT GLOSSARY

Apron

Wood facing below the sill on windows.

A LA DUCHESSE

A type of bed with a canopy suspended from the ceiling rather than supported by posts, also known as an angle bed.

Baldachino

A canopy resting on columns, usually an altar.

Banding

Strips of coordinating or contrasting fabric, finished and affixed to the style as a decorative accent.

Bias

A line or cut across a fabric that is not at right angles to a side of the fabric.

Bias Binding

Strips of fabric cut on the bias.

Bleed Through

When two fabrics are used in layers, and the darker color of the bottom one 'bleeds through' to the top one, spoiling the color and pattern.

Blind Stitch

A stitch frequently used for attaching applique pieces or binding, hidden under the top.

Canopy

A draped covering suspended over a piece of furniture, like a bed or seat of honor.

Cased Heading

A curtain heading consisting of a simple hemmed top through which a rod or narrow pole could be slotted.

Ceiling-Mounted Track

Track mounted to the ceiling for curtains, useful for high windows or wide sills.

Combination Rods

Two or three drapery rods sharing one set of brackets, used for layered looks.

Contrast Lining

A colored fabric used as a lining when some parts will show from the front.

Center Draw

A pair of draperies that open and close from the center of the windows.

Clearance

The distance between the wall and the back of the rod or treatment.

Crinoline

Stiffening material similar to buckram used in drapery headings.

Curtain Wire

A coiled wire used for lightweight fabrics, sheers, and nets, fixed by eyelets.

Detachable Linings

Lining that hangs by special heading tape from the same hooks as the curtain but is not stitched to the fabric.

Double Tracks

Tracks useful for using two sets of curtains or a pelmet and curtain.

Drapery Panel

One complete section of drapery, often used as stationary side panels.

Drop Length

The distance from the top of the object to where the fabric ends.

Dust Cap

The wood board at the top of treatments to prevent dust settling on the under treatment.

Envelope Curtains

Casual curtains that do not pull back, with hooked bottom corners.

Extendable Track

The most common curtain track that can be adjusted to fit different window widths.

Fan Curtain

Similar to a fan shade, used on half-circle windows with the fan facing up.

Fan Flooded

The vertical fold of fabric creating folds for pinch pleats.

Fan Shades

Arcs of fabric fastened to the back, pulled together in the center.

Face Fabric

The main fabric that faces the interior of the room.

Finished Width

The actual width of a treatment after all allowances.

Finished Drop Line

The place where the curtain stops.

Finished Length

The exact vertical measurement for draperies or curtains.

Flexible Track

Tracks designed to fit bay or bow windows, made of PVC.

Flush Mount

Depth required to mount a window treatment recessed inside the window frame.

Fullness

The ratio of total fabric used to the finished width of a drapery.

Half-Tester

A rectangular canopy above a bed extending partway from the bed.

Hem Allowance

Extra fabric added to create a hem.

Inside Mount

Installation of a window covering inside the window frame.

Ladder Cord

Thin cords holding blinds together, sometimes substituted with cloth tape.

Leading Edge

The inner vertical edges of the curtain that meet at the center of the window.

Lift

The control, usually a cord, which raises and lowers blinds or shades.

Light Strike

The gap in a window treatment through which light penetrates.

Mullion

Trim that separates smaller panes of glass in a window.

Outside Mount

Installation of window coverings beyond the window frame.

Panel

Sections of fabric sewn together to cover a window.

Passementerie

Fancy decorative trimmings such as tassels and ribbons.

Pattern Match

Matching random pattern repeats vertically at the selvage edge.

Pattern Repeat

The interval between repetitions of the same pattern.

Pleating Tape

Fabric tape sewn onto drapery headings for stiffness and concealment of hooks.

Polonaise

A bed set lengthwise against a wall and surmounted by a small dome.

Projection

The distance from the wall to the front of the rod.

Puddle

Long draperies lying on the floor in a puddle fashion.

Railroading

Using fabric horizontally instead of vertically to avoid seams in long lengths.

Return

The distance from the front of a window treatment to the wall.

Right Side

The printed side of the fabric, which is the finished side.

Stackback

The area used by pleated curtains when open on either side of the window.

Stagecoach Valance

A panel of fabric mounted on a board attached to a narrow window frame.

Tester

Canopy framework over a four-poster bed.

Trouser Beak

1-2" of extra fabric beyond what’s needed to reach the floor.

Turkish Bed

A narrow bed set into a shaped recess.

Velcro

Hook and loop tape used for attaching fabric to a mounting board.

Wadded Edge

A rolled fabric border, stuffed to create a sausage shape.

Wadding

A soft material used for stuffing shapes like goblet headings.

Wrong Side

The back of the fabric, less finished side with stray threads.