white blackout curtains

The Ripple Effect

When I first started selling drapes a decade ago it was “what kind of pleat do you want?” It’s either pinch pleat, box pleat or goblet pleat. Then something different came along, grommet drapes. It wasn’t a pleat and it didn’t require rings. It was more modern, but wasn’t for everyone. Most clients asked for the drapes with the holes in it. It grew popular quick and moved to the back burner even quicker. Clients either love or hate grommets, no in between. Back to pleats we go. Then I started working at C&M Textiles and I discovered a whole new world I didn’t even know existed. Is this new? Or just new to me? Where have I been? One word people, Ripplefold!

Ripplefold drapes are a flat panel of fabric made wider than the window (1.5, 2, 2.5 times) to create fullness, because honestly without fullness you might as well tack up a bed sheet. On the back of the panel, snap tape is sewn. Snap tape? Not traditional drapery hooks! It’s a strip with snap buttons attached. The rod used for ripplefold drapes is not a regular rod, it is routed. Inside the route are carriers. The snap tape then gets snapped into the carriers and voila! A totally flawless fold without pleats! The drape then looks like it is coming out of the rod and, with a ceiling mount, has an incredible impact. Ripplefold drapes really do have an amazing look. They work in any room setting from traditional, classic, modern to minimalist.

Benefits to ripplefold drapes:

  • No matter how many times you change your look, this style will stand the test of time. It is simple, clean, timeless and gorgeous!
  • These drapes stack less than a pleated style. Where there are pleats, there’s bulk, which means you lose valuable window space. If you are looking to maximize your viewing area, then this is no doubt the drape for you.
  • This style looks great behind a valance or alone with just a rod. And speaking of the hardware, the options are absolutely amazing! Our favourite hardware supplier is Altro. Their styles, finishes and custom options are endless.
  • Ripplefold drapes show off the drapery fabric. More pattern and colour is visible through this style rather than lost in the folds of a pleat. Heavier weights of fabrics can also be used and will fall nicely with this style. Some heavy weight fabrics are just too thick to be used in a pleated style.

Thank you to the grommet drape. Although you weren’t “it”, you are still a great option. You’ve paved the way. You showed us we don’t need to have a pleat with hooks and rings. There is another way. That way is the ripplefold way!

Want to add ripplefold drapes to your room? Visit us at C&M Textiles to discover all of the fabric and hardware options. One of our expert staff will be happy to explain how ripplefold drapes work, show you all of the hardware options and help you choose a stunning fabric to compliment your space and style. We have also enhanced our online custom drapery builder, feel free to “test drive it” from the comfort of your home.

Written by: Alicia Hewitt