DRAPES can create an exotic and warm atmosphere in a room. Tie them back during the day to let the sunshine in; by night let a wonderful, rich wall of fabric make a dramatic statement.

Style Options

There are innumerable and exciting options. Says contemporary interior designer Husna Rahman, "There's a new sensibility of plush luxury in drapery fabrics this season. Luxurious, rustling silks in fine, intricately woven patterns and textures are the order of the day." So are cotton weaves with dashes of bright jewel shades, muted colours, monochromes, zari and brocade, and the use of different embroideries as embellishments - such as 'kantha', 'chikan', 'badla', 'kalamkari' and 'khari'. Embellished curtains are in vogue, says Priya Rao of FabIndia. The biggest trend however, is the ready-to-hang drapes, which fly off the shelves even before they are displayed.

A Season of Colour

Sherree Carlos, CEO, Yamini, says, "People look for textures -- surface finishes such as thread work done in tone-on-tone or gold, and weaves with textures that show up well against light are well appreciated." Priya Rao adds, "Many prefer soft, mul drapes in peachy colours, those with Sangeneri (Jaipur motif) prints. A single motif is preferred to a crowded look. So are the 'badla'-worked 'kota' curtains which look delicate, not in the Victorian sense, but in a modern, contemporary way."

While naturals, which include all colours in various textures and weaves, are popular throughout the season, there are some who prefer to go in for unique shades such as taupes, neutrals, bronzes and charcoals, punctuated with other colour accents like lime green or tangerine.

Home owners who previously shied away from whites, creams and beiges are looking at them with new eyes - they are seen as chic, non-fussy and stylish options in both drapes and upholstery.

How to Wear

Layering drapes can create a light and dark effect. Entrepreneur Priya Shankar has used "A light drape in a sheer, mildly textured fabric, while the heavier 'tussar' silk is in a metallic, muddy brown or gold shade, held together with tassels." Adity Roy Nair, freelance writer and entrepreneur, believes in using simple cotton fabrics, which are pleated, tucked or frilled, creating detail and allure in otherwise dull spaces. "Short or frill-edged curtains in bright hues are de rigueur for kitchen and bathroom windows," she says. Susan Mathew, an executive working with a software firm, prefers organza drapes with Moghul prints in gold or silver 'kadi' work. Varieties also include cutwork and appliquéd curtains.

Dressing Windows

Curtains on windows and doors not only soften and enhance architectural qualities to provide a focal point in the room, but also add colour, texture, pattern and a sense of warmth to the space. Window dressing in a modern home is no longer a monotonous affair. Today, you will find curtains with decorative finials (decorative stops at the end of the curtain rod), scalloped edges, valances (curtains with swag, used to enhance a small window) and French-styled half curtains as well as opulent swags and tails, trimmed with lace fringes, tied with corded tassels. And in terms of colours, instead of the standard blues, greens and yellows, or the earthy tones of maroons and mustards, there's a growing interest in the hues of pink - dusky rose and even plum.

One can also dress up a window with an additional piece of fabric that twirls around the curtain rod in a contrasting shade, and hangs on either side of the window frame, with bead trimming on the edges. Sumati Meghnath, a homemaker, says, "Using tiebacks on your drapes make them versatile. Loosely hanging curtains look wonderful but scooping back a fabric on one side, or both sides, gives it a new shape."

Uncommon window shapes, such as round or hexagonal could use either thin bamboo blinds or 'chatais' over which silk fabric of your choice can be stitched on both sides. With an added valance, any window can look pretty.

Drape that look

1 Examine the fabric well. Don't just go by looks and appeal. See how it handles, drapes or folds. Is it light, heavy, opaque, dense, translucent or reflective? Look at it in natural light hang it up, and from some distance. Then decide on how you would like it draped - simply, gathered at the edges, or pleated.

2 Use 'mul' or sheer fabrics for windows, which are south-facing, as you will get very little sunlight here. Transparent drapes work best for such spaces.

3 Stripes in bold colours, or smart tartan checks, would work for short curtains in the kitchen and bathroom or in floor length for doorways.

4 Don't hesitate to use gold or silver shades for drapes; they can really enhance the appeal of your room, and make a dramatic statement. Mix matte shades with shine, and you'll create a great home.

5 Plain fabrics usually work well when used to cover large windows. Avoid small, fussy prints and use bolder, flamboyant designs. Even abstract prints or stripes work well.

6 Get full-length curtains for your doorways for added effect. Don't skimp on the fabric when dressing up your windows.