Glossary

Decorating Tips

Glossary of Window Covering Terms

Confused about all the choices and terminology? Here is a list of many of the terms used to describe window coverings:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Passementerie: Fancy edgings or trims which emphasize the shape of the curtain, such as fringe, tassels, braid, and ruffles.
Pelmet: See cornice.
Puddled Curtains: Curtains with long side panels allowed to puddle on the floor to create a soft, full look.
	Passementerie
Rod Pocket Curtains: The most common window treatment. A stitched pocket at the top of the curtain is gathered or shirred onto a curtain rod.
Roman Shades: Drawn up from the bottom by means of cords and rings, these shades create horizontal folds when raised. When down the panel is flat.
Sheers: Curtains made of sheer or translucent fabric. Usually used underneath a heavier drapery.

Shirred Curtains: Curtains gathered on rods at both the top and the bottom.	Roman Shades
Stagecoach Valance: Used on narrow windows, this is a panel of fabric mounted on a board, and attached to the inside frame of the window. It is rolled up and tied in the center with a ribbon.
Swag: One or more pieces of fabric draped over a rod, typically used at the top of a window treatment with jabots. Also known as a festoon.
Tab-Top Curtains: Curtains with fabric bands attached to the top into which a decorative curtain rod is inserted.
Tension Rod: A curtain rod which stays in place inside the window frame through spring tension.
Tie-Tab Curtains: Similar to tab-top curtains, but with ribbons or fabric bands tied over the rod, instead of sewn in place.	Tab-Top Curtains

Tiebacks: Fabric bands, cords, or other material that shape the curtain or drape and holds them back from the window.
Valance: A short drapery used as a decorative heading to conceal the top of curtains.
	Tiebacks
Venetian Blinds: Blinds made of metal or wooden slats, attached to cloth tape, and worked by a cord on a pulley system.
Window Scarf: A long piece of fabric casually draped over a pole or rod at the top of a window like a valance. The center is gently pulled down to create a soft curve.	Venetian Blinds Window Scarf