» A

acetate
Synthetic fiber made of chemically compounded cellulose. Fabric has a silky luster, drapes well and dries quickly.

acrylic
Man-made fabric that is soft and lightweight with a wool-like texture. Used in draperies, blankets and upholstery.

acrylic foam backing
Used for drapery insulation and sometimes doubles as a fabric liner.

alcove
A small room or recess that is an extension of the main part of a room.

allowance
In window treatments, a variation from the exact measurement taken, to allow for anticipated adjustments such as where panels overlap in the middle and the return.

antique satin
A term frequently used to describe a fabric, but more properly, describes a weave. The weave is flat-surfaced with tiny slub yarn that appears to be irregular.

applique
Decorative pieced fabric, glued or stitched onto a background of cloth.

ascot valance
A decorative window top treatment that is shirred on a continental rod, known for the triangular shaped drop.

aubusson - Fine, hand-woven tapestry used for wall hangings or carpets. Named after the famous French village where they were originally made.

» B

basket weave
A textured fabric made with an under-and-over weaving process, like that of a basket.

batiste
Soft, semi-sheer, plain-weave fabric made of cotton or linen.

battenburg
A coarse, antique-style lace.

bay window
A three- or five-sided window that projects outwards, forming an alcove.

batik - An ancient Japanese resist printing technique. Wax is blocked on the cloth to cover the design before dyeing and after the wax is removed by a washing procedure the design takes shape.

bishop
A bishop, also known as a bishop sleeve, is formed by a panel or scarf being drawn up and attached to the wall to form a pouf.

blend
A weave of two or more different fibers. The predominate fiber is always mentioned first.

blinds
Window coverings of wood, metal, vinyl, or fabric. Overlapping vertical or horizontal slats can be opened and closed.

blister silk
Silk fabric with a bubbly, textured finish.

blouson valance
A self-line valance that is open at the ends so the two layers can be pulled apart to form a pouf.

boucle (boo-clay)
Woven or knitted fabric with a rough, knotted, or looped surface.

bow window
Window that curves outward in a half-circle, forming a rounded alcove.

box pleat
A double pleat, with cloth folded under on both sides. A common heading style for draperies, pleats are evenly spaced and stitched into place at regular intervals.

bracket
In window coverings, a piece of hardware attached to the wall or window frame to support a decorative pole or curtain rod.

broadcloth
Densely woven, sturdy fabric, often in cotton.

brocade
Jacquard-woven fabric with interwoven, raised patterns producing a rich, elegant design. Gold or silver thread is often used for brocade.

buckram
Coarse, stiffened jute cotton or linen, used for shaping drapery headers or other soft furnishings.

burnout
Chemically-produced design made by dissolving away one or two fibers in a fabric. Often used with sheers or velvet.

» C

cafe curtain
A style of curtain that covers only the bottom half the window. Also know as tiers.

calico
Simple, woven cotton often printed with a floral design on one side.

carded cotton
Cotton fibers that have been cleaned, separated and condensed into a continuous twisted strand. Used in terry cloth.

carriers
In drapery installation, small plastic pieces on a traverse rod that hold pins and hooks and slide on a draw cord.

cascade
A vertical spilling or fall of fabric in a spiral or flat-pleated design. Often used with swag draperies. Also called a jabot or tail.

casement window
Window that is capable of swinging in or out on a hinge, often with a metal crank.

casing
The frame and trim surrounding a window or door.

cellular shade
Pleated shade with honeycomb-shaped cells that serve as insulation.

cellulose
Used in making artificial leather and synthetic textile yarns and fabrics.

center draw
Draperies or traverse rods that open and close from the center.

center overlap
The part of a drapery pinch pleated panel that overlaps in the center when closed. Usually about 3 1/2" on each side.

center support
In window treatments, a piece of hardware that supports a rod or pole at the center to prevent sagging.

challis (shal-lee)
Soft, lightweight wool, cotton or rayon fabric; plain-woven, often in a small print.

chambray (sham-bray)
Cotton, silk or linen fabric of a plain weave, with a combination of white and colored yarns.

Chantilly lace
Delicate bobbin lace with elaborate floral- and scroll-work.

chiffon
Lightweight, sheer, plain weave, silk-like fabric with filament yarns that are highly twisted.

chintz
Cotton fabric with a glazed finish; often used for curtains.

clearance
In window treatments, the measurement from the back rod to the wall.

combed cotton
A superior grade of cotton. Fabric is produced from cotton yarn that has been cleaned of all short fibers, with less linting and pilling than regular cotton. Used in premium quality clothing and linens.

combination rod
Useful for layered window treatments, this provides for multiple functions within one rod.

comforter
Bed covering filled with synthetic material or down fibers. Drapes over the top of the mattress, extending down only to the top of the box springs.

continental rod
For custom looks and valance treatments, a 2 1/2 inch utility rod used with 3 inch rod pocket draperies or curtains.

cording
Decorative cord sewn into fabric seams. Often used as edging or accent.

cornice
Decorative treatment at the top of a window, usually made of wood. Can be painted or upholstered.

cotton
Natural fiber manufactured from seeds of the cotton plant. Fabric is soft, sturdy and cleans easily.

coverlet
Lightweight bed covering that drapes over the top of a mattress, extending down only to the top of the box springs. Similar to a comforter, but not as thick.

curtains
Stationary window treatment that is shirred on a rod, and does not draw open and closed. Generally made of lighter weight fabrics, sheer or transparent and unlined.

cut-to-length / cut-to-width
Window treatments that can be customized by specifying the length and width. (JCPenney offers cut-to-length in draperies, and cut-to-width in shades.)

» D

Dacrone
Registered trademark for the DuPont Company's brand of polyester.

damask
Stiff, glossy jacquard weave of fabric in linen, silk, cotton, wool or synthetic fibers. A flatter version of brocade; elaborately patterned and usually reversible.

denier (duh-neer)
Standard measurement for the fineness of a thread. A higher denier number indicates a stronger fabric.

dobby weave
A loom process that creates distinctive accent borders of small geometric or floral patterns in towel and sheeting fabrics.

douppioni
A high-quality silk thread characterized by its thick and thin dimensions. Creates a slub yarn effect in fabrics.

draperies
Fabric window coverings that can be stationary, or draw open and closed. Typically, they are heavier in weight than curtains, and are often pinch pleated, opaque or lined.

drapery hooks
Pinning tools used to hang draperies on rod carriers or pole rings.

» E

Egyptian cotton
Superior cotton that is silkier and more lustrous and durable than other types of cotton. Grown chiefly in North Africa.

embossed
A decorative, raised design. Pressed into fabric, often through a heated roller process.

embroidery
Ornamental design sewn into fabric with a needle and thread.

eyelet
Distinctive lightweight fabric, pierced by small holes that are finished with embroidery. Often in flower-like designs.

» F

festoon
A gentle fold of fabric draped between two points at the top of a window. Similar to a swag

finial (fin-ee-ul)
An ornamental end piece used at the ends of drapery rods and top of lamps and bedposts.

Fortrele
Registered trademark for the Celanese Corporation's brand of polyester.

flat-fold
A type of Roman shade with no visible seams or stitching. Its simple, tailored style is designed to accentuate the beauty of the fabric.

foulard (fool-yard)
Soft, lightweight silk, rayon or cotton fabric, with small figured patterns on a frequent repeat.

French pleat
Casual three-fold pleating style used for drapery headings. Similar to pinch pleat.

fringe
A general term for decorative trimming. Includes looped and brushed fringe, tassels, bullion and lipcord.

» G

galloon
Decorative dimensional trim of worsted silk or rayon.

gauze
Sheer, lightweight woven fabric.

georgette
Sheer silk or rayon crepe fabric with good draping qualities and a dull texture.

gimp
Narrow trimming or braid with looped edges.

gingham
Casual, checked fabric that has colored squares alternating with white squares.

grosgrain (grow-grain)
Heavy silk or rayon with distinctive, crosswise ribbing. Often found in ribbon and decorative trim.

» H

hand
Refers to the touch and feel of a fabric and its ability to drape.

header
The portion above the rod pocket in draperies, curtains, and toppers.

headrail
Metal or fabric rail at the top of blinds or shades that hides the hardware and cords.

herringbone
Fabric characterized by contrasting colors of horizontal lines woven in a zigzag pattern.

holdback
Small piece of hardware mounted on the window frame to scoop and hold fabric from window.

houndstooth
A pattern woven with contrasting colors in a broken or jagged check design, found in a variety of different fabrics.

hypoallergenic
Product designed to avoid allergic reaction from users.

» I

inside mount
A window covering designed to fit and be mounted inside the window frame.

interlock knit
Fabric made from a circular knitting process resulting in a soft, compact and strong product.

» J

jabot
Decorative vertical finish to a horizontal festoon or swag. Sometimes called a cascade or tail.

jacquard weave
Intricate loom design that raises and lowers pre-dyed yarns to produce elegant patterns in various fabrics. /p>

» K

Kodele
Registered trademark name for the Eastman Company's brand of polyester.

» L

leno
Lightweight, open-weave fabric.

linen
A natural fiber made from the flax plant. Fabric is cool, strong, and highly absorbent.

lisle
Fine, tightly-twisted cotton thread.

» M

malimo
Fabric composed of a network of layered thread fillings that produce a textured, multi-dimensional finish.

matelasse (mat-le-say)
Fabric, usually cotton, with a raised, quilted weave appearance, often used for bed coverlets.

melange
In fabric, a decorative blend of colors, textures and fiber treatments.

mercerize
To treat cotton or other fabric with caustic alkali under tension, for increased strength, luster and dye-ability.

merino
Very fine grade of wool, from a breed of sheep originally raised in Spain.

miter
A neatly angled hem finish that hides raw seams.

mohair
Yarns produced from the angora goat; stronger than wool.

moire (mo-ray)
Elegant ribbed fabric with embossed watermark design.

momme (mummy)
Japanese measurement of silk weight. Higher momme equals heavier silk.

» N

nap
In fabric, a mechanical finish which results in fibers actually being raised from the fabric face for a raised fiber surface.

ninon (nee-non)
Crisp, sheer fabric used for curtains and undergarments.

nylon
Synthetic fiber produced from petroleum products. Heat-setting properties provide stability, low shrinkage and resilience.

» O

ombre
In fabric, a shaded stripe design.

one-way draw
Draperies or traverse rods that open and close to one side only.

organdy
Fine, thin cotton with a crisp finish, woven from tightly twisted yarns. Used for curtains and apparel.

organza
Sheer, lightweight fabric with a wiry body. Often has a surface sheen.

outside mount
A window covering designed to fit and be mounted outside the window frame.

overdyed
Decorative fabric treatment where stitches are taken on the reverse side, then dyed for a subtly colored effect.

overlap
The part of a drapery pinch pleated panel that overlaps in the center when closed. Usually about 3 1/2 inches on each side.

overprint
Decorative treatment where additional print is placed over dyed or printed fabric.

» P

pair
Two panels of curtains or draperies, sold together.

panel
One half of a pair of draperies or curtains. Usually refers to curtains or draperies sold as eaches.

panne
Soft, lightweight and lustrous velvet with flattened pile. Also, a heavy, lustrous satin.

pattern repeat
The measurement between a point in the design of a fabric and the next point where it begins again.

picot edging
Small, decorative, looped, stitches along the edge of fabric, lace, or ribbon.

pilling
Small balls of fuzz that appear on the surface of a fabric after wear or laundering.

pima cotton
A variety of Egyptian cotton grown in the southwestern United States. Strong cotton known for its wearability and silky texture.

pinch pleats
A drapery heading where the basic pleat is divided into two or three smaller, equal pleats, sewn together, at the bottom edge on the right side of the fabric. Pinch pleats build fullness.

pinwale
Fabric characterized by extremely narrow ribbing.

piping
Fabric edging sewn into seams as an accent or finish trim for apparel or soft furnishings.

pique (pi-kay)
Plain-weave fabric with a ribbed design producing a heavy texture.

pleat
A fold of cloth evenly spaced and stitched into place.

pleated classic
A type of Roman shade with a contemporary, structured look. Stay pockets on the back of the shade look great with most fabrics, but the pleating may slightly interrupt a fabric's overall pattern.

plisse (pli-say)
Lightweight fabric with decorative, crinkled or puckered designs, created by chemical shrinkage to selected areas.

ply
One unit of yarn.

pole top
Draperies with a rod pocket that are shirred on a rod, usually continental, rather than pinch pleated. They usually include tiebacks.

polyester
Synthetic fiber often used as a blend with other fibers such as cotton or rayon. Known for its crease-resistance and minimum care qualities. Used in no-iron sheets and bedding, and as a filling component in comforters and pillows.

poplin
Finely ribbed cotton, rayon, silk, or wool.

puddle
Allowing excess fabric from a scarf or panel to gracefully pool on the floor.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
A vinyl material used in some window blinds.

» Q

quilt
Cloth placed on either side of a thin padding material and stitched together. Top fabric panel is often pieced, embroidered or appliqu?d.

» R

ramie
Natural fiber characterized by its strength and dyeability. Also known as "grass cloth".

rayon
Synthetic silk-like fiber made of regenerated cellulose. Fabric is lustrous, drapes well, and dries quickly.

ready-made draperies
Ready-to-purchase draperies made to fit standard window measurements.

recess
Depth of the window opening; used when measuring for inside mounts.

relaxed
A type of Roman shade with a soft overall look. When the shade is raised, the fabric gathers in random, soft folds, and the sides of the shade curve upward.

return
The distance from the face of the rod to the wall or casing where the bracket is attached.

ribbed
Raised lines or cording, woven or knitted into fabric.

Roc-lone
A trade name from Rockland Mills for lining cloth, usually 100% cotton or cotton blend, with a water or stain-resistant finish.

rod pocket
A stitched-down, hollow tunnel at the top of a curtain, for rod insertion. Pocket allows fabric to be shirred or gathered onto the rod.

roll up shade
A type of window shade that is raised and lowered by a string/tie control, rather than by spring action.

Roman shade
Flat-faced fabric shade that forms pleats as it is raised. Roman shades generally come in four main styles: flat-fold, relaxed, pleated classic and waterfall.

» S

sandwashed silk
A chemical texture wash produces the soft, subtly brushed surface in this type of silk.

sash
A frame, as in a window, in which glass is set.

sash rod
Small piece mounted on a window frame to secure drapery sashes or tiebacks

sateen
Tightly woven fabric with surface sheen similar to satin

satin
Fabric with a smooth, shiny surface.

scarf
In window coverings, a long piece of light fabric loosely draped or wrapped on rod or pole.

Schiffli embroidery
Intricate lace treatment where designs are sewn onto a netting base.

sconce
Decorative piece of hardware mounted on the wall to hold fabric or a scarf. Also a light fixture style that mounts on the wall.

Scotchguarde
Registered trademark for 3M Company's stain-repellent fabric finish.

seeded voile
Voile with a textured surface produced with seed or nub yarn.

selvage
The edge of a woven fabric, finished with a narrow tape-like weave to prevent unraveling.

shades
A fully adjustable window covering that shields natural light with complete control.

shantung
Plain-weave silk fabric with textured, slub yarn surface.

sharkskin
Smooth acetate or rayon fabric with a dull sheen.

sheers
Any group of very transparent fabrics such as chiffon, batiste, organdy, voile, etc. Semi-sheer is used to describe goods in this family of fabrics made from the same fine yarns, but with higher textures than in standard sheers.

shell
The outer covering of a piece of drapery or apparel, as opposed to the lining or insulation.

shirr
Inserting a rod into the rod pocket in a gathering motion. This builds fullness in a curtain, pole top drapery, or non-stationary valance.

shutters
A window treatment with lovers that are set in panels.

side hem
The folded and finished edge along the sides of a curtain panel.

silk
A natural fiber reeled from silkworm cocoons. Fabric is lustrous, lightweight and drapes well.

slub yarn
Nubby yarn that is irregular in diameter and produces a textured effect in fabrics.

stackback
The amount of space a drapery occupies when drawn open. Allowing for stackback provides exposure of more window glass, especially desirable for a pleasant view or additional light. Stackbacks can also make a window look larger.

swag
Fabric piece that is folded and draped to hang in a semicircle at the top of a window. Similar to a scarf, but a more formal, constructed shape.

» T

tab top curtains
A panel or valance with straight loops (tabs) sewn to the top for hanging from a rod or pole.

taffeta
Smooth, crisp, plain-woven fabric manufactured from silk, rayon or acetate fiber, with a shiny surface and a fine horizontal rib.

tattersall
Colored cross hairs on a solid background which form a pattern of squares.

Tencele
Registered name for a rayon fiber, often combined in blends.

Tergal
Imported French voile. Brand name of Rhone-Poulenc Textiles of France.

thermal backed
This feature offers additional insulation for windows where outside temperatures, draft, and noise can be more noticeable. With acrylic foam-backed draperies, there is no need for an additional liner.

tieback
Strip of fabric or other material used to hold a drape to the side of a window.

tier
Also known as cafe curtains, this refers to shorter length curtains, which is usually 24-36 inches, and is used on the lower portion of a window.

toga
A decorative, window top treatment, which consists of fabric pieces, shaped like a trapezoid that is shirred on a rod for a swag effect.

top treatment
A decorative window treatment, of many varieties, that is often used to cover hardware from an undertreatment.

trapunto
Stitching style similar to quilting, which produces a pronounced, raised design.

traverse
To draw across. A traverse drapery opens and closes across a window by means of a traverse rod

traverse rod
Horizontal bar that holds drapery pins and hooks, enabling draperies to slide open or closed when cords are pulled.

Trevirae
Registered trademark for the Hoechst Fibers Company's polyester.

» U

undertreatment
Layers under the top drapery or curtain. May include blinds, shades, sheers or semi-sheers.

» V

valance
A horizontal, decorative, fabric treatment used at the top of the window. A valance can be used alone to hide hardware or as an embellishment on top of draperies. Also called a top treatment.

velour
Velvet-like pile fabric with a plush surface.

velvet
Dense woven fabric with a soft surface pile.

venetian blind
A window blind with overlapping horizontal slats that opens and closes by adjusting a cord.

vertical blind
A window covering that is installed on a track across the top of a window so that they may be drawn closed, just like draperies.

voile
A sheer, transparent, soft, lightweight, plain weave fabric made of highly-twisted, combed yarns of cotton, polyester, or blends.

» W

warp
Yarns running lengthwise in fabric, parallel to the selvage. Filling, or weft, yarns are passed crosswise through them in the weaving process.

waterfall
A type of Roman shade with cascading, soft folds at 6" intervals. This cascading effect may interrupt the overall pattern on some fabrics.

weft
Yarns running crosswise in fabric.

weights
Lead weights sewn in at the vertical seams and at each corner of a drapery panel, to ensure an even hemline.

wool
A natural fiber produced from the fleece of sheep. Fabric is wrinkle resistant, blends well with other fibers, and is an excellent insulator.

worsted
Tightly twisted yarn spun from combed, stapled wool fibers of the same length. Produces a compact, smooth weave with no nap.

woven wood
A natural material such as rattan or bamboo, offered in informal, roll up, and shade window treatments.

» X-Y-Z

yarn-dyed
Fabric woven from pre-dyed yarns, resulting in more durable and pronounced coloring.

Zepele
Registered trademark name for DuPont Company's chemical stain retardant process.