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.

Draperies installed and the table is set.

Our room makeover is complete!  Here are some behind-the-scenes photos of the drapery installation, using the painted, square pole rod and traversing track.  The finished drapery looks clean and contemporary but still fits-in with the traditional elements in the room.

The window is ready for draperies.  We love the new paint colors.

The routed pole rod is mounted to the wall using the #M393/W brackets. 

The assembled track (see previous blog post for details) is placed inside the route on the pole rod and the locking plate is turned, securing the track to the brackets.

Batons are snapped to each master carrier and the drapery is installed using heavy duty pins.

Finished drapery operates easily and smoothly on the track.

The draperies are installed, chair slipcovers and upholstery finished, table cloth, table runner and storage ottoman in place.  Join us for the final reveal to see how to make all of these projects in the live webinar presentation,  Glam for the Fam: Dining Room Makeover  on August 23rd at 11:00 am EST.

Creating a Unique Drapery Track AKA The "Easy" Traverse System

We hope you have enjoyed taking a peek behind-the-scenes as we continue to work on our Glam for the Fam: Dining Room Makeover.  The draperies have been completed.  Before they can be installed, the traversing track needs to be assembled.  This track will fit inside a square-routed pole rod from Finestra Decorative Hardware, which has been painted gloss black.

A baton draw, traversing track was chosen, carriers for drapery pins.  Assembly is unbelievably quick and easy.  The steps and stock numbers are listed below if you would like to try this system for one of your upcoming projects. 

Step One:  Cut the track (#4003) to the size needed and insert the left (#M-500-L) and right (#M-500-R) master carriers into the track, facing each other (so that the arms overlap).  This master carrier allows for the baton to be hidden behind the drapery. 

Step Two: Insert the carriers (#M-578) that you will need into the track.  Remember, the first two pins will go into the master carrier, and the last two pins will go into the end bracket and return to the wall (if your drapery has a return).  The carriers chosen for this project feature micro-ball bearings which will allow easy operation.

The traversing track fits perfectly in the routed pole.  
An allowance has been made for the finial.   
Routed Pole Rod Options

 

At the window, wall mount brackets will be used.  The bracket will mount under the pole rod and the track snaps into place and is secured by turning the plate on the bracket into the slot on the track.

This is how the rod will appear from the front.  
The carriers have three holes for pin-adjustment.

This system can also be used without the routed pole and also for ceiling mounted traversing draperies.  To see a short video showing how to assemble this traversing system, click here. 

Stay tuned for more updates and plan to attend the live webinar presentation to see the completed room including installation of the decorative drapery hardware.