What Are Curtain Pelmets And Is It Right For My Home (2024)

As window treatments have been evolving over the past decades, there are still others that eternally remain. More like a headboard for curtains, curtain pelmets are very much common in century-old houses and are now being used by modern architects and interior designers to bring out an old fashioned look combined with a modern look to your homes. Apart from the design it gives, curtain pelmets also are great at assisting in preserving your home's ventilation, however hot or cold may it be outside. Yet, how and when did curtain pelmets start?

What Are Curtain Pelmets And Is It Right For My Home (1)

WHAT ARE PELMETS?

Pelmets are narrow pieces of wood or cloth used above curtains, doors, and bed frames to conceal curtain fittings or even unwanted rods. Pelmets can be made out of fabric over a wood frame, which may also contain foam padding. This has been used for quite a number of centuries already and is very prominent in suburban households or old houses. As decorative as they may seem, pelmets are used to also trap unwanted heat or cold from coming into your homes. It assists in blocking the heat during summer and also the cold during winter from entering your house. Pelmets provide elegance for your window treatments while being economical at the same time.


CURTAIN PELMETS: A BRIEF HISTORY

You might be wondering why curtain pelmets look old-fashioned; that is because they actually are. Curtain pelmets date back to the 15th century during the Renaissance period, where various forms of art were everywhere. Thus, designs for houses, dresses, and even small decorative materials for the homes were very much prominent during the old-time to be able to give out the best and most artistic look for every household. More so, curtains were also provided various types of pelmets to make it look neater and organised, which would also result in an elegant look. Patterns and decorative tassels were also used as the more the design, the more it was pleasing to the eyes. Consequently, curtain pelmets were mainly used by rich or upper-class individuals to decorate their doors and beds as well. Curtain pelmets are indeed traditional and they still thrive to provide a better aesthetic for all your window treatments.

In the modern days, there are just a few homes with traditional curtain pelmets. Designers and homeowners may still be having or wanting curtain pelmets, but with a different approach and a modernised design.


IS THE CURTAIN PELMET OUTDATED?

Even though pelmets date back from several centuries ago, it is still now thriving into the way of interior designing. Curtain pelmets are still considered to be one of the best and most efficient window treatments for homes, but it's now shorter, with lesser fabrics, and straight designs. It may not be as flamboyant as what it usually looked like, but curtain pelmets are doing their purpose to make your windows look nicer while maintaining good ventilation inside your homes. It's just amazing how vintage designs are now coming back to life with the same efficient purpose!

ARE PELMETS RIGHT FOR MY HOUSE?

Curtain pelmets are great for every home. They are ideally designed to make your home look conservative and sleek at the same time. Curtain pelmets often are misunderstood and deemed to be just an unnecessary accessory to your home. However, in contrast with the usual belief, curtain pelmets are specifically designed to help in getting the best ventilation in your home as possible.

Curtain pelmets can help homeowners save electricity bills due to them giving insulation to your windows. They act as a barrier to prevent airflow and stop warm or cold air from getting into your homes whatever the season may be. Apart from this, they also serve as a decorative accessory to your windows to be able to have a clean and sleek look to your window treatments. They are an added elegance to your home.


WHAT MUST YOU DO?

If you want to achieve a modern-contemporary home for a stylish yet minimal look, you can try incorporating wooden or plain curtain pelmets for your window treatments. Plain curtain pelmets give a tidy finish to the top of your curtains so they would not look messy. However, you must always make sure to use the most paired colour to your pelmets like white and beige so you would not have a hard time matching them from the colours of your curtains.

If you want polished and cushioned curtain pelmets, you can also try ordering upholstered variants to bring a touch of the Renaissance vibe in your rooms. Upholstered curtain pelmets may be a little expensive than the usual wooden ones, but it's worth the purchase to bring out the best for your window treatments. You can try incorporating velvet fabrics that are patterned or you can have it upholstered using a plain fabric. You'll be amazed at what creativity it can bring to your room!

Furthermore, you may be thinking of pelmets as a box-type accessory for your curtains; well you may be wrong. There are also fabric mills that offer a wide array of curtains with fabric curtain pelmets already. Yes, pelmets can also be an added fabric to your curtains so you can attach or detach them easily, unlike the usual pelmet that is readily installed and mounted on everyone's walls. Fabric pelmets were once a thing around the 50s until the 80s but they are not any more popular for modernised homes.

In modern times, vintage designs are now enhancing from time to time to suit our taste. Vintage accessories like curtain pelmets are now associated with modern home designing to achieve the best look your home can have.

What Are Curtain Pelmets And Is It Right For My Home (2)

Now that curtain pelmets are increasingly used in hotels and homes, it is no doubt that they can probably make your room look its best. Curtain pelmets are very good heat and cold conductors, which makes them great for better insulation inside your homes. Additionally, there are endless choices of pelmet types out there so you get to decide on what to do and what not to do; just remember that curtain pelmets must look neat and pleasing not only to guests but to you as a homeowner as well.

What Are Curtain Pelmets And Is It Right For My Home (2024)

FAQs

Are curtain pelmets out of fashion? ›

No longer solely crowning the curtains of stately country houses, pelmets are enjoying a resurgence in trendy, modern day homes.

What is the purpose of a pelmet? ›

Pelmets are decorative panels hiding curtain installation elements such as curtain rails. They are available in a wide variety of styles and designs, and can add character to any room. This added touch adds a unique cosy and luxurious feel that can match your personal style.

Do you need a curtain pelmet? ›

Not only do they allow you to express your own unique sense of style, but they also add beauty and elegance to a room in a way that traditional decor and wall hangings can't. Pelmets are designed to conceal the curtain fittings at the top of a window, and they complement custom window treatments perfectly.

Do people still have pelmets? ›

Modern Day Pelmets

Curtain pelmets are still very much in use today. They have evolved over the centuries to fit in with all designs and styles. Pelmets have been modernised and you can now have them custom made to fit in with any decor designs and size of windows within your home.

What is the most popular window treatment in 2022? ›

Undeniably, Roller Shades continue to be forecasted as the leading window covering trend in 2022 largely due to their minimalistic style. Roller shades are also available in a variety of earth tone colors, textures and hardware options, making them an ideal choice for the trending naturistic color pallet.

What is the current trend in window coverings? ›

Bold patterns are making a big impact in the world of window treatments in 2023. Whether it's a graphic print or a colorful pattern, these treatments are perfect for adding a pop of personality to any room.

Are box pelmets old fashioned? ›

Fabric pelmets were once a thing around the 50s until the 80s but they are not any more popular for modernised homes. In modern times, vintage designs are now enhancing from time to time to suit our taste.

Are pelmets good? ›

Pelmets can reduce over 25% of heat loss from a room. In simpler terms, when you heat your home, warm air rises. As it reaches the ceiling, it spreads to the sides and starts to descend at the walls. Where there are curtains without pelmets, your warm air sinks on the glass side of your curtains.

Are pelmets worth it? ›

Pelmets play a significant role in the heat and cooling of your homes. They can help reduce your energy bills and also reduce carbon footprint. They can prevent hot air from entering the homes during summer and from warm air from escaping during the cold winter months.

What is an invisible pelmet? ›

An invisible pelmet is an acrylic cover fitted to the top of curtain rails or curtain tracks that reduces the airflow between the glass window and the room. Pelmets are really important. 4 Reasons why Pelmets are really important: 1. They really help to improve the thermal comfort of your home all year round.

How can I hang curtains without a pelmet? ›

Here are five ways to hang curtains without damaging walls or window frames:
  1. Try Magnetic Rods on Metal Doors.
  2. Use Kwik-Hang Curtain Rod Brackets.
  3. Use 3M Command Hooks.
  4. Use Tension Rods.
  5. Get Creative With Coat Hooks.
Apr 12, 2021

Do modern kitchens have pelmets? ›

It is very common that modern kitchens won't have any cornice or pelmet fitted. It gives a more streamlined and clean look, which suits certain kitchen styles. It's all down to personal preference and design taste. However, most kitchens will require a plinth.

What Colour should pelmets be? ›

Whether the colour of the pelmet matches the wall colour depends whether you want everything coordinated or you want to make a feature of the curtains. In any case, a pelmet should match the main sheer curtain in colour.

What type of curtains are in style 2022? ›

In 2022, simplicity and minimalism are emerging in curtain and drapery styles. Less fluff and more flow are the way to go when choosing new curtains for your home. Classic materials like cotton and linen are top of the trend list to match the light, relaxing, naturalist themes this year.

What window treatment makes a room look bigger? ›

Horizontal pieces like a single dangling light or tall shutters or horizontal blinds on windows can draw the eye up and make your room appear larger as well.

Are valances outdated? ›

So, to answer the question above, Yes, valances are still in style when made out of trending fabrics, colors and designs! Plus, classic designs are always in style, they just may need to be updated in a more current fabric pattern or color.

What is the most popular window treatment today? ›

Roller or Roman Shades

“Traditional items such as shutters and Roman shades are popular in many areas.” Pulliam says that roller and solar shades are some of the fastest-growing products because they are now available in a variety of colors and transparencies. These are popular window treatment options.

Are sheer curtains outdated 2022? ›

Thus, sheer curtain fabrics are here to stay if minimalistic living is going to be the way. With such brilliant options and choices available, there is no doubt that sheer curtain fabrics are going to be in extremely high demand through the year 2022.

Which blinds are most fashionable? ›

Roller Blinds

They are available in a multitude of different fabrics, colours and designs which make them one of the most versatile options when matching your blinds to interior décor. In 2022 we have seen an increase in popularity for printed patterned blinds, floral roller blinds and bold colours.

How big should a curtain pelmet be? ›

The usual proportions for pelmets are 1/6th to 1/5th of curtain length However, for cottage windows with low ceilings the depth of the pelmets can be as little as 1/8th of the curtain length. At the other extreme are lambrequins, which are shaped to come down the sides of the windows.

How wide should a pelmet be? ›

Please allow a minimum of 15.2cm (6”) on either side. We would recommend that the depth of the pelmet track (B) should be at least 10cm (4”) deep. We recommend 15.2cm (6”). This is to ensure that when the curtains are drawn back, they do not push against the pelmet.

What is the difference between a cornice and a pelmet? ›

What Are Cornice, Pelmet And Plinth? Cornice is the trim that sits at the top of the wall unit . Pelmet or light pelmet as some people call it, is the trim that fits underneath your wall units. Plinth is the skirting, the panel that fits around the bottom of your base units.

Do pelmets keep heat in? ›

Pelmets are effective at reducing heat loss in winter. Without pelmets, warm air cools against the windows and sinks to the floor. Warm air rises towards the ceiling, causing a convective flow that can suck heat out of a room. An alternative to a pelmet is a strip of wood behind the top of the curtains or blinds.

Is a valance the same as a pelmet? ›

If you've heard of the term “pelmet,” it's likely come from someone you know in or from the UK. The pelmet is the British name for a valance, but the two are actually the same thing.

Should bedrooms have curtains or blinds? ›

Curtains are best suited for lounge and bedrooms but nowadays, the use of blinds is becoming just as popular. For bedrooms that are smaller, you can add depth and height by mounting timber or Roman Blinds a few inches below the ceiling to “cheat” a window up.

How are pelmets attached? ›

Insert plugs into the wall and fix the brackets securely to the wall with No. 8 (1 3/4 in) screws. Lay the pelmet board across the brackets and centre it over the window. On the underside of the pelmet board, mark through the screw holes with a bradawl.

How do you make a cheap pelmet? ›

How to make a pelmet for curtains
  1. What You'll Need. Fabric of your choice. ...
  2. Step 1: Measuring for Size. Measure your window where you would like the pelmet to sit. ...
  3. Step 2: Cut Foam Core/Plywood. ...
  4. Step 3: Cover with Quilt Batting. ...
  5. Step 4: Cover with Fabric. ...
  6. Step 5: Fit to the Wall.

How can I dress up the most awkward windows? ›

  1. Option #1: Frame Both Windows With Long Panels.
  2. Option #2: Two Sets of Panels with Roman Shades.
  3. Option #3: Rethink Separate Drapery Rods.
  4. Option #1: Use Bay Window-Specific Drapery Rods.
  5. Option #2: Try Separate Rods.
  6. Option #3: Think Outside the Corners.
  7. Option #4: Skip the Panels Altogether.
Jun 21, 2018

How do you dress a window with no view? ›

Here are a few window treatment ideas to help you at hiding a bad window view.
  1. Use indoor plants as an attractive distraction. ...
  2. Hang curtains. ...
  3. Hang an interesting mobile over the window. ...
  4. Use mirrors to distract and reflect. ...
  5. Install glass film. ...
  6. Create an outdoor screen. ...
  7. Cover the ugly window and just create a new one.
Nov 2, 2020

What is another word for pelmet? ›

In this page you can discover 9 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for pelmet, like: cornice, facia, valance, valance board, , , perspex, architrave and skirting.

What can I put over the window instead of curtains? ›

Valances—and there are plenty of other non-curtain options you can choose from as well, including blinds, shades, shutters, verticals, roman shades, and stained glass film.

How do you cover a window you cant reach? ›

A simple window covering solution for hard-to-reach windows is manually-adjusted louvered blinds or shutters. Once installed, these window coverings can be operated using a cord pulley system. Alternatively, the louvers can be lowered and kept open depending on the amount of light and air you want.

What can be used to cover windows without curtains? ›

Creating A Beautiful Window Without Curtains
  1. Blinds. Blinds are a good alternative to curtains and can look more modern. ...
  2. Roman Shades. These shades are a chic and neat way to cover your windows. ...
  3. Faux Stained Glass. ...
  4. Valences. ...
  5. Privacy Screen. ...
  6. Plants. ...
  7. Glass Bottles. ...
  8. Frosted Glass.
Jun 18, 2022

What is the next trend in kitchen cabinets? ›

"Bright yellows, oranges, and reds are all becoming more popular as homeowners look to add a pop of color to their kitchens," Bravo says. "This can be done with either accent cabinets or by painting the entire kitchen in a bold color or adding wallpaper to accent the room."

Why is everyone getting white cabinets? ›

From a psychological standpoint, white kitchens tend to feel cleaner. Plus, it's more difficult to hide stains on white cabinets, so you're more likely to clean your cabinets more frequently.

What kitchen cabinets are outdated? ›

Dark Wood Cabinets

Just like the raised panel cabinet doors, darker wood tones on cabinetry are on the way out. Darker wood stains have been an outdated kitchen trend for several years. Even though dark wood tones are outdated, some dark colors have grown in style and will continue to in 2022.

Do pelmets block out light? ›

A bespoke pelmet is made to measure for your window and is absolutely perfect for those wanting to blackout the light completely from their bedroom. As you can see from the picture, the light from the window cannot escape from either the top or sides of the window.

Is curtain pelmet necessary? ›

In fact, curtain pelmets play an important role when it comes to heating and cooling your house. Acting as a shield, pelmets prevent hot air from entering your room in the summer, and help maintain heat by preventing cold air from entering your home in the cooler months.

What is the box above curtains called? ›

A pelmet (also called a "cornice board") is a framework placed above a window, used to conceal curtain fixtures.

What curtains are in style 2022? ›

In 2022, simplicity and minimalism are emerging in curtain and drapery styles. Less fluff and more flow are the way to go when choosing new curtains for your home. Classic materials like cotton and linen are top of the trend list to match the light, relaxing, naturalist themes this year.

Are wooden pelmets old fashioned? ›

More like a headboard for curtains, curtain pelmets are very much common in century-old houses and are now being used by modern architects and interior designers to bring out an old fashioned look combined with a modern look to your homes.

Do modern houses have curtains? ›

There are ten basic styles of curtains for modern homes. Each has its own purpose and some won't look as nice as others in your space. But once you find the right modern curtains pick, you can set your contemporary decorating energies to bigger and better things.

What color curtains goes with everything? ›

Neutral: Choose “Colorless” Tones

Neutral colors like gray, black, taupe, beige, ivory and shades of white are fresh and modern. Pick curtains at least one shade lighter or darker than the walls to prevent them from blending in and disappearing.

What is the color of curtain in 2022? ›

In line with a more minimalist approach to drapery, 2022 curtains are trending towards cleaner, earthier colors. Rather than multicolored or patterned curtains, select drapes in neutral colors like cream, white or slate gray. You may also wish to go even more natural with olive, forest green or deep blue.

What color curtains make you happy? ›

White gives a positive vibe that makes you feel happy and satisfied. Soft, soothing and tranquil, white curtains are perfect for creating a serene ambience in your bedroom.

Are valances in style in 2022? ›

This style can be gathered, grommeted, or mounted with tabs or rings. The popularity of the style or fabric choice may determine if they are “in-style” at the current time. So, to answer the question above, Yes, valances are still in style when made out of trending fabrics, colors and designs!

What does Martha Stewart use instead of curtains? ›

Naturally, you might be wondering, what does Martha use in place of curtains? Valances—and there are plenty of other non-curtain options you can choose from as well, including blinds, shades, shutters, verticals, roman shades, and stained glass film.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ouida Strosin DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6254

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ouida Strosin DO

Birthday: 1995-04-27

Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

Phone: +8561498978366

Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.