Panels are definitely in fashion now but they don’t have to be plain Jane’s – pardon the pun.  How do you get the panels to work for you?  Upgrades!

 If you want solid color panels because you already have enough patterns in the room, they can still have interest added.  Tucks either at the hem or down from the top 12-15” can add interest without adding to the cost.  It is also possible to add a contrast fabric tuck to give it a banded look, again with very little cost. 

 Trim, for example brush fringe or bullion, can add a spark.  The trim can be in a range of neutrals or multicolor to add a pizzazz to the panels. 

 Pleats can make a big difference.  The traditional French pleat is the three fold pleat tacked at the top and bottom of the pleat.  But we are seeing many variations on that theme –  three fold tacked only at the top, two fold tacked at the top only or the bottom only, butterfly pleat that folds back, and many variations on the flat pleat.  Many of these pleats work really well for stationary panels that will hang at the sides of the windows to soften the look, but don’t need to be drawn.

 Panels don’t have to be boring or ordinary.  They should coordinate with the rest of the room and bring interest while framing your view to the world.  

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