The Benefits of Beads

Hardware Made Easy

The Westin Hotel in Providence, RI, showcases sheer-like treatmentsas durable as metal.

by Lauren Skrabala

The rotunda lobby of the Westin Hotel in Providence, RI, is home to a unique series of window treatments, which might look like sheer swags at first, but actually are made of bead chain. The treatments were constructed and installed by Kenney Drapery Associates, Inc., North Miami, FL. According to Daniel Camp, Kenney projects manager, "The unique window covering treatment provides a beautiful jewelry-like look with a sheer 'see through' quality that is so durable it actually never needs replacing, as you would for a sheer fabric." The Austrian swag style "Met-L-Sphere" bead chain treatment was created with 1/4-inch diameter (#13) bead chain manufactured by Bead Industries, Bridgeport, CT. The chains were assembled at four strands per inch to dress the 20-foot high windows. Because the end result is so heavy, installation required the engineering staff to work closely with architects in the early planning stages. Installing the treatments required an electric scissors-type man lift and careful protection of the lobby's finished marble floor below, says Camp. Design benefits The benefits of Met-L-Sphere bead chain draperies are numerous. Camp cites light control, providing a sheer drapery look with glare protection; acoustic benefits, dampening and diminishing sound without deadening it; color and maintenance control, as the treatments do not require laundering and will not fade or darken over time; and superb protection against shattering glass. An added benefit to designers is that bead finishes are available in brass, steel, aluminum or stainless steel with an array of plated and lacquered finishes. Met-L-Sphere drapery styles include straight drop, Austrian swag style and tied-back tableau style, which may be manufactured to accommodate any window. The treatments work especially well in areas where low-maintenance is a top concern, such as larger windows. Kenney Drapery Associates specializes in the manufacture and installation of complete textile treatments for the hospitality industry and other public areas. Another recent Met-L-Sphere bead chain installation involved the complete lobby windows for the Hyatt Hotel in Miami, FL. "The largest window covered was 100 feet wide and 30 feet high. With 1/4-inch diameter bead, we provided over 30 miles-enough to reach from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale if stretched out in one straight line," says Camp. The company continues to work with bead chain, and appears to be creating a design niche for itself with artistic, functional treatments for difficult, grand-scale projects. "Kenney Drapery Associates and Bead Industries have worked together along with interior designers and architects on many projects for over 25 years," says Camp. "We have numerous design projects in progress worldwide with large-scale Austrian swag style Met-L-Sphere bead chain, indicating that this unique treatment will carry over into the next century," says Camp.

More Hardware   Project: Lobby rotunda, Westin Hotel, Providence, RI. Manufacturer: Bead Industries, Bridgeport, CT. Fabricator: Kenney Drapery Associates, Inc., North Miami, FL. Installer: Kenney Drapery Associates, Inc., North Miami, FL.