window coverings glossary of window treatments

Glossary of Window Coverings and Architectural Terms
Compiled by No Brainer Blinds and Shades

A-B | C | D-F | G-K | L-P | R-S | T-W

taffeta: Fine, crisp silk with a finish that also gives it the name ìpaper taffeta.î It has numerous man-made imitations. It should be treated with care as it wrinkles badly.

tails: Hanging trail of fabric, either shaped and stiffened or falling fluidly from the end of swags. tape; A strip of fabric used in the construction of curtains. Decorator tape is used in making some headings, while hook-and-loop tape is used to attach a cornice or valance to a valance shelf. Twill tape, or web, is sometimes used to reinforce a handmade heading. tape-gathered heading; A curtain heading framed by a narrow, threaded tape sewn on at the top of a curtain. When the parallel threads are pulled up, a gathered effect is created.

tapestry: Woven either by hand or by machine. The latter is sold by the yard as a Jacquard imitation. Available in a wide variety of designs and colors, it is used for chair upholstery and cushions.

tartan: A woolen cloth woven with a particular checked pattern of specific colors, each belonging to one of the Scottish clans. Its rich, deep colors can be effective in any interior and it has good insulating qualities.

template: A shape cut from cardboard or paper and used to mark specific outlines on fabric.

tented ceiling: A ceiling covered in fabric to imitate the inside of a tent.

Thai silk: An iridescent fabric, slubbed and dyed in vivid colors. It is very expensive.

ticking: A striped cotton originally used to cover mattresses. Traditional ticking has narrow black-and-white stripes, but modern tickings come in a range of colors. White downproof ticking is intended for cushion pads but can also be made up into curtains and shades.

tieback: A band, cord, ribbon, chain, or other means of tying back a curtain to the wall.

toile: Printed cotton fabric. The original copperplate printing was done in Ireland in mid 18th century, and the famous factory at Jouy began printing them some 20 years later. Depicting charming rural scenes or Classical designs, it is used for curtains, bed hangings, wall hangings and light upholstery.

Top-down/Bottom-up: Uses two sets of lift cords to either stack a honeycomb shade at the top and/or the bottom.

Tilter: The mechanism of a horizontal blind which causes the slats to swivel.

Translucent: Term used to describe any product that lets SOME light filter though it, like the Hunter Douglas Duette classic and the Graber Crystal Pleat.

traverse rod: A rod that allows the curtains or draperies to be operated by a cord and pulley. A two-way traverse rod operates two curtains/draperies in opposite directions at once.

trundle or truckle beds: 17th century beds on wheels which could be stowed away.

Tussah silk: A raw silk, originally Indian. Not easily dyed, it is typically a yellowy-brown color.

tweed: Made with wool yarns, it comes in a variety of textures and colors. It can be used for curtains and upholstery.

valance: A gathered or pleated panel that hangs above the curtain to hide the curtain rod. An attached valance is attached to the top of the curtain, but other types usually hang from the front edge of a valance shelf. Unlike a cornice, a valance is not rigid.

valance shelf: A board mounted above a window at right angles to the wall like a shelf. One or more rods, a cornice, a valance, a swag, or a covered cornice board may be attached to it.

velour: A fabric with a thick pile that lies in one direction, it is made of cotton, wool or synthetic fibers. It is good for heavy curtains or tablecloths.

velvet: A closely woven pile fabric of cotton or synthetic fiber, it comes in a variety of weights and colors. It is best used flat or smoothly draped. A plain velvet used for upholstery can quickly look shabby, as the pile is flattened, while a light-colored velvet will show the dust. Figured velvets are the most practical. Velvet curtains are good for insulation and blackout but can have a deadening effect on the room. In general, velvets do not mix well with modern fabrics and interiors. Gaufraged velvet has an impressed pattern. Brocade or faÁonnÈ, velvet has a burnt-out pattern.

Vertical blind: A blind vertically aligned vanes, made of either vinyl, fabric, or fabric inserted into vinyl.

Vertiglide: A vertically installed Duette honeycomb shade, used mainly for sliding doors, made by Hunter Douglas.

viscose (rayon): Viscose is the oldest man-made fiber. It adds strength and luster to cotton and silk blends. Its distinctive sheen in used to highlight patterns, particularly in damask.

voile: A light plain-weave cotton or man-made fabric. Suitable for sheer curtains.

Waverly: Very popular fabric vendor with traditional, English flair. A division of F. Schumacher. (79 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016)

weights: Round pieces of lead-like metal, pierced with two holes in the center and used to weight hems of curtains, draperies, and shades so that they hang better. Covered chain weights are a form of weighted tape used in the hems of sheer curtains.

welting: Piping cord covered in fabric and sewn around the edges, often into the seams, of tiebacks, valances, curtains, etc., for decoration.

Westgate Fabrics: Fabric vendor. (1000 Fountain Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75050)

width: The distance from selvage to selvage on any fabric; usually either 48" or 54".

worsted: A hard-wearing wool fabric with a smooth texture which is useful for upholstery.

Zirlon: High quality brand of vertical blind track made by Louver Drape and Levolor.

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