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DESIGN SOLUTIONS
A
Necktie for Well-dressed Windows
Don't just stop with a swag or cascade.
by Sharon L. Anderson
CHALLENGE:
My question is: What in the world is a jabot? I have heard the terms
cascades, swags and jabots. I am unclear as to what they really
are. Could you please offer a clear definition of what these treatments
are?
SOLUTION: Terminology, sometimes, can be confusing. This
is definitely true in this case, but I would like to offer clear
definitions of these treatments.
Cascades are fabric treatments that fall from the top of the drapery
or top treatment in folds that look like zigzags.
The term jabot refers to a very decorative and high-end custom treatment
in which the fabric is hung over seams or between swags on a valance.
Jabots can include tie shapes, cone shapes and also may be rounded
on the bottom of the high-end custom treatment. I also like to refer
to a jabot as a necktie for a window treatment, either single or
double tiered.
A swag is a length of fabric that hangs in arches from a drapery
pole or mounting board as a top treatment.
The jabot, specifically, is a beautiful high-end treatment that
will dress up any window. It is used interchangeably with cascades
and swags. From a simple textured antique satin to a more detailed
lightweight to medium weight damask, this treatment is elegant and
appealing. If you find the treatment is too formal for your client’s
room setting, dress it down a bit with a small floral or checkered
cotton fabric.
As with any high-end custom treatment, drapery workrooms might not
always offer this type of treatment as part of the collection of
window treatments they fabricate. A few of my favorite resources
that offer great illustrations are “The Encyclopedia of Window
Fashions,” by Charles T. Randall and published by Randall International
(see D&WC, June 2004, page 68) and the EZ Decorator System,
by Cheryl Howard. The EZ Decorator System is not a book, but a tool
for window treatment professionals to use as a creativity application
for illustrations and sketches they may want to create for a client
(www.ezdecorator.com).
I hope this clarification will assist you and your client in choosing
a great window treatment that will enhance the interior space.
Editor’s note: This is a continuing series of articles written
by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many questions
we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well as questions
Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you have a question
you would like Anderson to address, please send it to:
Design Solutions
c/o Draperies & Window Coverings
1724 E. Grand Ave.
Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Fax: (847) 356-9013
E-mail: SharonAnderson_1@msn.com
 Sharon
L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience in the residential
and commercial areas of interior design. She is currently a faculty
member at two Southern California colleges. Anderson has been featured
in numerous books and publications. |
