Draperies: In choosing drapery materials when both glass curtains and over-draperies are used, each kind should be carefully considered in its relation to the other, as to both color and texture. With silk taffeta or rep draperies, the glass curtains should be fine net or gauze; with chintz, a coarser net, voile, or organdy; with linen or cotton rep, a heavy net or casement cloth. Curtains made of spun glass and nylon have greater durability than other types. In general the weight of the sash curtain corresponds respectively with the weight of the over draperies, and the heavier the overdrapery, the heavier the sash curtain required.
The state-beds of this period still in existence at Versailles, Fontaine-bleau, Hampton Court, and elsewhere indicate not only the importance of draperies for warmth, but the necessity for impressive bed adornment due to the custom of receiving guests before arising. These beds had corner posts crowned with an elaborate cornice from which hung a silk valance composed of overlapping swags, festoons, cascades, and jabots enriched with cut or molded fringes. The headboards were often enriched with silk sunbursts. Single or double full length draperies were held back during the daytime with tasselled ropes. The bed draperies were made to match those of the windows. |
