5 FAQs About Pelmets
5 FAQs About Pelmets
One of the most popular window treatments of 2024 has to be the pelmet, a wooden frame or fabric border that’s used to hide the fixtures and fittings of your curtains in a tasteful and decorative way.
They can be dated all the way back to the Renaissance period in the 15th century, so it’s incredibly impressive that these features are still going strong so many hundreds of years later… but are they right for you and your home?
To help you decide if pelmets would make a good addition to your interior design schemes or not, here are some of the more frequently asked questions about these style options. And, of course, if you’ve got any further queries or need any advice relating to curtains and home interiors, get in touch with the Pret A Vivre team today.
1. What is a pelmet?
As explained, a pelmet is a wooden framework or fabric border that’s fitted above a window and its curtains, hiding the track and making your design schemes feel more elegant and complete.
They also serve to improve the blackout standards of your living spaces, so are perfect for use in the bedroom, and they also add an extra layer of insulation by the window so can help to reduce heat loss, as well.
2. What are pelmets made from?
Pelmets can be made using fabric, positioned under a wooden corona, for a very traditional look that typically features floral fabrics or toiles. Alternatively, they can be made from MDF or some other kind of light wood, which is then covered in fabric and positioned over the curtain track.
The look and shape of your pelmet can easily be tailored to suit the rest of your home decor ideas, which is no doubt why the look is becoming more popular once again.
3. Which fabrics work best for pelmets?
Usually, pelmets are made using a complementary fabric that works well with your choice of curtains. Pick out something that matches completely, or perhaps find a tone you like in your curtains to bring out with the pelmet, finishing the look with some lovely trim and a few tassels here and there.
4. Can you use pelmets with bay windows?
It is easier to take the pelmet measurements for straightforward square windows than it is for bay windows and you may find that you need someone to come and carry out expert measuring and fitting services in order to ensure the pelmet is the right size.
5. How can you contemporise the pelmet look?
Just because pelmets are very traditional in style doesn’t mean they can’t be brought into the 21st century quickly and easily.
If you’d rather have Roman or blackout blinds instead of curtains, there’s no reason why a pelmet can’t be installed in this instance as well. All you need to make sure of is that there’s sufficient space above the window, usually no less than 120mm.