Updating Ripplefold Draperies

Ripplefold draperies are not just for hospitals and hotels anymore.  This clean and contemporary style of traversing drapery is a hot trend in upscale residential interiors.

 

Ripplefold is created by sewing a stiff, snap tape to the top of a flat drapery panel.  Corresponding snap carriers, which fit into tracks, are spaced to allow for several different amounts of fullness.  When the drapery is snapped to the carriers it creates a smooth, wavy heading that traverses with ease.

The photo shows the Ripplefold snap tape snapped to the carriers on the track.

When using this style, keep in mind that the drapery must hang below the rod, leaving the hardware exposed. This isn't always the best option in residential interiors, where a more finished look may be desired. 

There are two options to cover the tracks; install under a top treatment or fit the track into a painted pr upholstered routed pole rod.

Ripplefold toile drapery is installed under a custom painted wood pole fascia with matching finials.  www.FinestraDecorativeHardware.com

When using a routed pole rod, choose the two or three inch 4003/unfinished square or round wood poles and the 4003 series track with M-393 brackets available from Rowley Company.

To upholster the pole rods, simple staple fabric with tack strip starting at the front edge.  Wrap the fabric to the back and staple along the edge that will be placed next to the wall.  If using thin material, like silk or faux silk polyester, you may want to add interlining under the material.

After the brackets are mounted to the wall, the upholstered pole is screwed in place and then the track is secured into the brackets.

  

The drapery panels are snapped to the carriers under the upholstered wood pole.

Custom painted finial matches the fabric.

To learn more about making Ripplefold drapery view our recorded webinar "Clean and Contemporary Ripplefold Panels" which can be found in the recorded webinar area of our website.