Ready-made Drapery
Measurements
Style
Care & Maintenance
Drapery Hardware
Style
Rods
Brackets
Finials
Rings
Splices
Elbows
Fling Rods
READY-MADE DRAPERY
Measurements
How many drapery panels does my window need?
How do I make a small window appear larger?
Do the drapery panels come in shorter lengths?
What is puddling?
How do I achieve the look of my drapes kissing the floor?
If I open and close my drapes frequently, what is the most suitable length for my drapes?
Style
How many styles of Ready-made drapery does inVU carry online?
Which drapery style – solid, stripe or pattern is best for my room?
How many header styles does inVU carry in its Ready-made drapery collection?
What is the difference between Pinch Pleat and French Pleat header styles?
What kind of header style should I use in my space?
Are the header styles and fabrics interchangeable?
What is the difference between the linings on the Ready-made drapery panels?
Can I use silk drapes in the kitchen?
What are the differences between functional and decorative drapes?
Where are Ready-made drapes made?
Can fabric from the Ready-made drapery collection be bought by the yard?
Can I get a sample of the drapery fabric?
Care & Maintenance
How can I protect my fabric from fading?
How do I clean my drapery?
How do I remove wrinkles?
Can I iron my drapery?
What is the lifespan of a lined silk drape?
MEASUREMENTS
1. How many drapery panels does my window need?
Measuring your window and deciding if you want a decorative look or functional drapes, will help you calculate how many panels you will need for your window. Click here to learn how to calculate the number of drapes you will require.
2. How do I make a small window appear larger?
To make a small window appear larger, add 6” – 12” on each side to the width of your window, including the frame. This will make your window look bigger and allow for more natural light to enter your room when your drapes are open.
3. Do the drapery panels come in shorter lengths?
Ready-made drapes are available in 96” and 120” only. If you require another length, custom lengths are available in stores only. Click here for Store Locator.
4. What is puddling?
Puddling adds extra length to your drapes, beyond what is required to reach the floor. It enhances the look of your drapes, adding opulence and style. Drapery that rests 2” – 4” on your floor creates drama without taking too much floor space. Drapery that rests 6” – 12” on the floor is recommended only for decorative panels. Drapery that rests 13” on your floor is the maximum recommended puddle length. Longer lengths should get hemmed. Note: Drapes with Grommets as a header style are not recommended for puddling, due to their contemporary look. Click here for more tips on choosing your length and width of your drapes.
5. How do I achieve the look of my drapes kissing the floor?
Drapery should rest approximately ½” - 1” on your floor. Drapes that kiss the floor are ideal for uneven floors and create a more formal look in your space.
6. If I open and close my drapes frequently, what is the most suitable length for my drapes?
Drapery should fall ¼” – ½” above your floor. This length for your drapes is a functional option that is perfect for “high traffic” areas, where the panels will be opened and closed regularly. Panels will hang freely and less time will be required to “dress” the drapery.
STYLE
7. How many styles of Ready-made drapery does inVU carry online?
InVU has over 50 styles of drapery available online and over 150 styles available in stores.
8. Which drapery style – solid, stripe or pattern is best for my room?
Solid drapery highlights the character and texture of the fabric, while emphasizing the header style. It brings warmth and dimension to your room without taking the focus away from the other elements.
Stripe drapery brings a sense of height to your room. Mounting hardware close to the ceiling will maximize this effect. Stripes allow for gentle coordination with other patterns in your room.
Pattern drapery creates a focal point and adds drama to a solid coloured room. Repetition of patterns ties all the elements in your room together, creating a theme.
9. How many header styles does inVU carry in its Ready-made drapery collection?
InVU has six different header styles in its online Ready-made drapery collection. They are Pinch Pleat, Inverted Pleat, French Pleat, Pleat Top, Grommets, and Tunnel Top. Click here for more information and pictures of our header styles.
10. What is the difference between Pinch Pleat and French Pleat header styles?
These pleats are all slightly different from each other. A Pinch Pleat header has three pleats folded and tacked in the centre of the pleat and a French Pleat header has two pleats folded and tacked in the centre of the pleat. Click here to view all of the header styles inVU has to offer in our online Ready-made drapery collection.
11. What kind of header style should I use in my space?
If your decorating style is traditional, a pleated header style is recommended. If your decorating style is more contemporary, a simpler header style like Grommets or Pleat Top is suitable.
12. Are the header styles and fabrics interchangeable?
Ready-made drapery is specifically chosen to perfectly match the design and fabric. If you would like to mix and match patterns and header styles, a custom order is required.
13. What is the difference between the linings on the Ready-made drapery panels?
All of inVU’s Ready-made drapery panels are lined. Our silk panels are lined and interlined. This allows them to be protected from the sun and gives body to the drapes. Our other panels are lined with 50% cotton 50% polyester lining or in a dim-out lining that dims 50% of the sunlight.
14. Can I use silk drapes in the kitchen?
It depends where in the kitchen. If you plan to hang your drapes close to a high-traffic area, near a stove, or a frequently used counter, then we do not recommend silk. In this situation, we suggest a polyester, ultra suede, or cotton fabric for your drapery.
15. What are the differences between functional and decorative drapes?
Functional drapes provide coverage for your entire window. They allow you to open and close them with ease, adjusting the amount of light in your room and creating privacy. Decorative drapes can fully or partially cover your window. Due to their stationary nature, they are suitable for a room that has one light setting.
16. Where are Ready-made drapes made?
The Ready-made drapery collection is predominantly manufactured in Canada so we can control the quality of our merchandise.
17. Can fabric from the Ready-made drapery collection be bought by the yard?
All of the fabric used for Ready-made drapery is available by the yard and can be purchased for other custom projects like cushions, valances, furniture, and bedding to compliment your drapes. Fabric is available in stores only. Click here for Store Locator.
18. Can I get a sample of the drapery fabric?
For $7.50 CDN (includes shipping) you can order one 10” X 10” fabric swatch sample of any of inVU’s Ready-made drapery styles. This gives you the opportunity to try out a few fabrics in your home before making your drapery purchase.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
19. How can I protect my fabric from fading?
Making sure that your drapes are properly lined will protect them from fading. Silk drapes should be lined and interlined and lightweight fabrics should have dimout lining.
20. How do I clean my drapery?
Due to the high quality and nature of inVU’s fabrics, a dry cleaning process is strictly recommended annually. You can keep your drapery looking new, by vacuuming it monthly with an upholstery brush, ensuring that the attachment is dry and free of dust and dirt.
21. How do I remove wrinkles?
Initially hang your drapes to allow the wrinkles from the packaging to fall out. If the drapes at that time are not to your satisfaction, consult your local professional cleaner to steam and press your drapes.
22. Can I iron my drapery?
Ironing your drapery is not recommended. For the best results, consult a professional cleaner to steam and press your drapes.
23. What is the lifespan of a lined silk drape?
Lined silk drapes will last four to five years, depending on their use. Please note that particular care should be taken when handling all silk drapery panels, as well as those embellished with beaded or tasseled trim.
DRAPERY HARDWARE
Style
Should I use wood or metal hardware in my space?
Rods
What sizes do the rods come in?
What are my options if I need a rod longer than 8’?
Does my rod need to be longer than the width of my window?
How do I know where to hang my rod?
I have extremely high ceilings; where should my rod be hung?
How do I cut my rod?
Brackets
How do I decide where to mount my drapes on the wall?
How close to my window frame do I mount my brackets?
What is the difference between a wall mount and a ceiling mount?
How many brackets should I use?
How do I hang my drapery panels and sheers on the same window?
Finials
What should I do if I have no room for finials?
How much of my rod length should I leave before connecting the finial?
Rings
How do I know if my drapes require rings for hanging?
Splices
What is a splice?
Are there different types of splices used for metal and wood rods?
Elbows
What hardware can I use for windows with angled walls?
How many different angles can an elbow adjust to?
Fling Rods
What is the function of a fling rod?
STYLE
24. Should I use wood or metal hardware in my space?
This depends on your decor and its surroundings. Wood hardware is timeless. It is suitable for a traditional setting, creating a classic look and adding character to your room. Metal hardware is smooth and sleek. It is suitable for a contemporary or urban traditional setting, creating a clean and uncluttered look.
RODS
25. What sizes do the rods come in?
Our Sahara metal rods come in 4' (48"), 6' (72"), and 8' (96") lengths and in 1 1/8” diameters. Our ClearVU metal rods come in 6’ (72”) and 8’ (96”) lengths and in 1 3/8” diameters. Our wood rods come in 6' (72") and 8' (96") lengths and in 1 3/8” diameters.
26. What are my options if I need a rod longer than 8’?
You need to purchase two or more rods and a splice to connect the rods together. The splice must be placed in the centre of two equal lengths of rod and supported by a centre bracket.
27. Does my rod need to be longer than the width of my window?
We recommend extending the rod 2” – 4” beyond the frame of your window and then mounting a bracket. Your rod should not extend beyond the mounted bracket by more than 4”; at which point, you will need to place a finial on the ends of your rod.
28. How do I know where to hang my rod?
Mount your brackets 2” – 4” above the top edge of your window frame. To keep everything in your room looking balanced, you may need to heighten the placement of your rod so that your window looks in proportion to the height of your ceiling. The higher you hang your drapes, the taller your window will appear. You might also want to take into consideration the styling and the header style of your drapes. If the header style requires rings, the drapes will need to be hung higher.
29. I have extremely high ceilings; where should my rod be hung?
Depending on the height, functionality, and styling of your drapes, you may need drapes longer than 120". If your window extends right up to the ceiling, then custom work is recommended. Have one of our inHome design experts come to your home to assist you with your decorating project.
30. How do I cut my rod?
Cut metal rods with a hacksaw and wood rods with a wood saw. No power tools are required.
BRACKETS
31. How do I decide where to mount my drapes on the wall?
For wall-mounted hardware, there is no general rule for where to hang it. Mostly it is preference; however, you will want to make sure that your full window and frame are covered. To have your ceiling appear taller and more impressive, hang your hardware as close to your ceiling as possible, leaving at least a 4” space.
32. How close to my window frame do I mount my brackets?
Ensure that brackets are mounted 2” – 4” outside your window frame.
33. What is the difference between a ceiling mount and a wall mount?
A ceiling mount can be used both on your ceiling and your wall, whereas a wall mount is only used on your wall. A ceiling mount is ideal for apartment and condominium dwellers, as it maximizes the length of your drapes and the walls of your room. A wall mount is used to create proportion and balance in a standard setting.
34. How many brackets should I use?
One bracket is recommended for every 3’ – 4’ of rod. A centre support bracket is required for rods longer than 6’ and when joining two rods together.
35. How do I hang my drapery panels and sheers on the same window?
For this kind of treatment, a double bracket that supports two rods of the same length is recommended. The front rod will hold your drapery panels and the back rod will support your sheers.
FINIALS
36. What should I do if I have no room for finials?
InVU offers a collection of Sahara metal end cap finials that will finish the ends of your rod without using much space.
37. How much of my rod length should I leave before connecting the finial?
Leave 2” – 4” of rod on the outside of your mounted bracket and then place your finial on the end of the rod. This will allow space for a ring or a drapery tab to sit between your finial and your bracket so that the outside edge of your drape will stay in place when drawing your drapes open and closed.
RINGS
38. How do I know if my drapes require rings for hanging?
The header style of your drapes determines whether rings are needed. Pleated or flat header styles require rings. Rings are optional for pleat top headers. Grommet and tunnel top header styles do not require rings.
SPLICES
39. What is a splice?
If more than one rod is needed to span the width of your window, a splice is required to connect the rods together. A splice fits inside two rods, holding them together, and is not seen from the outside.
40. Are there different types of splices used for metal and wood rods?
For metal rods, inVU offers a hidden connector splice to adjoin your rods. For wood rods, use our pre-drilled, double-threaded screw splice.
ELBOWS
41. What hardware can I use for windows with angled walls?
The inVU Sahara metal hardware collection has an elbow component that will adjust to adjoin two rods together for your bay, bow, or corner window.
42. How many different angles can an elbow adjust to?
An inVU Sahara metal elbow can adjust from a 90° to a 180° angle.
FLING RODS
43. What is the function of a fling rod?
A fling rod is used to open and close functional drapery panels. It is attached to the ring that is on the leading edge of your drape.
