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Glossary
Accordion Pleat - This is a specialized pleating
system used on drapes. It is generally selected for commercial projects and requires special hardware. The main feature of accordion
pleating is that it stacks tightly allowing more visible window space. This option should always be considered as a custom
application. This actual pleating can come in several forms such as: snap tape, ripple fold, accordion pleat, etc.
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Antique Satin - These fabrics are similar to antique
satin, but are available at a fraction of the price. Oftentimes the composition of our custom fabrics include luxurious
"antique satins".
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Apron Height Drapes - In this situation,
the draperies frame the window and hang 4 inches above the glass to 4 inches below the window sill "apron height" (just
past the window).
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Bar Tack - This refers to stitching
of the prongs on pleating at the top of the drape heading. The technique holds and forms our three prong French
pleats together. Also, bar tacking is used to reinforce the corners of the drapes.
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Blind Stitching - Stitching on the
side and bottom of drape hems.
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Bottomrail (Mini-Blinds) - Our
strong steel bottomrail is designed specifically to resist twisting or sagging. Cold rolled steel is
bonderized and undercoated with "non-lead" epoxy primer to prevent rust. Both ends of the bottomrail
are covered with molded plastic end caps. The end caps and ladder retainers help protect window.
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Carriers - Also called
glides as used on drape rods. These are the devices that hang down from the rod/hardware and
hook the drapes directly to the rod.
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Cellular Shades/Cell Shades - Honeycomb
single and double cell shades manufactured typically with cellular fabric that provides insulation, privacy, and
"tight stacking" of the product. Sometimes, the need for tight stacking is important when/if you would like greater
visibility out of your windows. The honeycomb design helps trap air behind it thereby providing some insulation
value. They operate by use of a lift cord with a tassel. When the cord is pulled, the shade can be locked into any height of openness.
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Closed Drapes - Drapes are
considered closed when they cover the window completely. Conversely, when
the drapes are either parted at the center or pulled to one side to expose the window, these are called
open drapes.
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Clutch - The mechanism that manually controls the raising and lowering of a roller or solar shade using a #10 stainless steel bead chain.
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Color Fabrics - Most of our
color drape fabrics are monochromatic (single colors) that come in a wide variety of hues, textures,
prints, and patterns. We prefer single color fabrics because, unlike mixed colors/patterns, solid color
fabrics stay in fashion much longer.
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Color Variations in Fabrics - Fabric
dyeing is an imperfect science. The vast majority of times, color variation in drape material is not an issue.
However, infrequently as it occurs, there can be slight color changes (especially in neutral fabrics). This can
occur either between bolts or rolls of fabric (as seen on one order) or when a batch of different fabric
shipments occurs separately from one another. These variations are usually marginal in hue, subtleties,
shading, and tone and often barely detectable. Such changes in fabric are considered to be normal.
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Contract Drapes - These are
drapes that are mass produced. They are designed for the durability that is so often necessary in high
use situations.
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Cord Locks (Mini-Blinds) - Cord
locks enable blinds to be held at any point when raising or lowering them.
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Cord Tension Pulley - Typically, it is a spring loaded mechanism
that keeps the cords used to open and close drapes neatly out of sight. Pulleys keep cord ends off the floor
at wide windows, prevents cord from twisting, and simplifies the draw or opening and closing operation. Tension
pulleys may be mounted on baseboards, casings, floors, or even the wall behind the drape to hide it.
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Cornices - Serves the same purpose
as a valance, however, a cornice is made out of wood and covered with a matching fabric. This type of application
is considered to be a very custom treatment.
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Crinoline - This is the stiffening used
at the top or heading of the drapery or curtains. The purpose is to give strength to the heading and shape to
the pleating. Stiffener in the drape heading (and our attention to it) is very important to add to the longevity
of the drapes.
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Custom Drapes - These
draperies are specially made to the customers exact specifications and requirements. They can
be lined or remain unlined.
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Custom Drape Rods - Drape rods
with balls, finials, or decorative caps attached to the ends of the rods. Oftentimes, these
rods are offered in faux brass, wood, or antique colors. Custom rods can also be stationary
requiring manual movement of the drapes/curtains or they can also be traversing by the operation
or use of a cord.
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Cutting Length - This
is the raw cut of the drape fabric width pursuant to the making of drapes which also allows for the
turn-back of hems and headings.
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Edge Gap - The distance between the edge of the roller or solar shade fabric panel and the edge of the window jamb.
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End Brackets - The end brackets
are the projections or attachments at the ends of the horizontal mini-blinds, verticals, drape rods,
or roller shades that attach the window treatment product to the wall.
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Extended Coverage - This is a special
treatment determined by the amount of stacking off of either side of the windows. Typically, extended
coverage occurs when the window treatments are wall to wall, ceiling to floor, or at least pull clear
of the glass portion of the window for stacking. This type of treatment customization allows greater window exposure and visibility.
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Fabric Bolt - This is another
name for "the roll" the drape fabric is stored on for warehousing and shipment. The yardage per bolt
does frequently vary as does the width of the fabric.
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Fascia - An extruded aluminum snap-on cover designed to hide
the top of the roller tube of a shade and the mounting brackets; similar to a valance cover.
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Faux Wood Mini-Blind - Synthetic composition in flat moisture
proof mini-blind slats. This means that they will not warp in high humidity. Faux wood is a stylish and
practical option to using real wood. They are particularly useful in humid climates or in rooms with a
high moisture content such as bathrooms. Again, these custom horizontal mini-blinds come in a variety of
color selections that fit in well with any decorating scheme.
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Finished Height - This is the actual height of a finished drape, blind, or window covering.
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Finished Shade Width - The measurement from the outside of the left bracket to the
outside of the right bracket and will be equal to the width ordered for a roller or solar shade.
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Flame Proof - This means the
drape, blind, or shade will not burn or support flame whatsoever. This quality is also artificially applied
through a treatment process. Both flame resistant and flame proofing are subject to a decreased effectiveness
when exposed to repeated or harsh cleaning.
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Flame Resistant -A window treatment
that can burn, but will not support actual flame. However, it will meet standards set by fire departments for
flame resistance. The quality of flame resistance is applied through a treatment process.
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Floor Height Drapes - These are drapes
that are typically mounted four inches (4") above the window casing and hang approximately one inch (1") above
the floor or carpeting. The short version of this covering is called Apron Height Drapes.
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Floor to Ceiling Drapes - A customized option that provides a more elegant and formal appearance. Floor to ceiling drapes are usually
mounted half an inch (½") below the ceiling (so the drape heading does not drag across or hit the ceiling) to
one (1") above the floor or carpeting. This is a great idea for use in living rooms, dining rooms, and master
bedrooms.
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Foamback - Less expensive backing
on a drape than suede backing. A foamback also has a synthetic feel to it. It still will provide
good service and wear. You should not expose these products to abnormal heat in the cleaning process.
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French Pleat -This is a typical
three pronged pleat at the top of a drape that is commonly referred to as a pleated drape.
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Heading - A term used to
describe the top portion of draperies where the pleats, crinoline, and pins are located.
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Headrail (Mini-Blinds) - Our
horizontal mini-blind headrails are made from tough and long lasting steel with the dimensions of 1 ½" wide
and 1 ½" high channel section. It has a corrosion resistant finish. They are also undercoated with an epoxy
primer prior to baking with a durable polyester paint. Our headrails come complete with a tilting
mechanism, cord locks, end stiffeners, ladder drum, cradle, and all accessory items required for
this type of blind. Finished headrails match the slat color. The reason we use larger headrails
is to provide for bigger and stronger operating metal components that insure a longer
lasting mini-blind.
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Headrail (Vertical Blinds) - The
headrail channel we use for vertical blinds is a one piece steel track with a baked enamel typically bright
white or ivory finish. The channel is 1 ½" wide and 1 ½" high. It additionally comes with end caps
that are fully enclosed and flush with the channel.
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Heat Set - This is a form of fabric finishing for drapes. It usually
pertains to bringing the fabric up to a certain temperature during the finishing process. This treatment locks in
desired characteristics through a molecular change that occurs during higher temperatures. In other words, it is
usually a process to stabilize the drape fabric and thereby make it prone to less shrinkage.
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Height - This is the measurement
of a window covering or existing casing that is always expressed second when ordering a window treatment.
The height is the measurement from the top center of the window casing to the bottom.
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Hem Bar - A flat aluminum extrusion completely enclosed hem pocket
with heat welded seams used on the bottom of roller or solar shades.
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Hooks/Pins - Drape hooks
or pins are used to connect the drape directly to the rod. They are attached to the top back portion
of the drape and behind the French Pleats. We only use heavy duty long lasting steel pleated
drape hooks/pins.
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Inherently Flame Proof or Resistant - Means
that this characteristic is naturally a part of the drape, blind, or shade. Therefore, its effectiveness will
not decrease with age, dry cleaning, or wear.
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Inside Supports - Supports that are mounted on the wall or to the casing and attached
to the inside portion of drape rod, horizontal mini-blind, or shade.
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Installation Brackets - Painted
steel brackets match the color of headrails. These are often referred to as end brackets. They are
designed to facilitate installation of a headrail channel or rod. The brackets are a gauge that
supports the weight of the window treatment plus forces exerted to operate them. There are end brackets
and inside support brackets.
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Ladders (Horizontal Mini-Blinds) - These
are the cords used to hold all the slats in place. The ladders are mounted vertically on each side of the blind
and connect to the tape drums inside the headrails. They are made from triple braided extra strong cotton/polyester
yarn in white and natural.
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Lambrequin - Same top treatment
that is used above a window covering as a Cornice. It is usually shaped and padded with material underneath
the covering.
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Left Rod - This is a drape
rod that pulls the drape open and stacks it to the left of the window when it is opened.
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Lift Assist - A heavy duty tension spring located inside
the roller tube and designed to reduce the pull force allowing easier lifting of large roller shades.
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Lift Cord (Horizontal Mini-Blinds) - Braided
cotton/polyester cord with rayon fitted with necessary equalizers that hang down adjacent to one side (edge) of
the mini-blind slats. Cords are split with separate tassel cones to prevent injury, child entanglement,
and strangulation. American Draperies & Blinds, Inc. led our industry in voluntarily providing ultra
safe drapes and blinds.
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Light Reduction - Outside or exterior light can be either reduced or completely eliminated
by using light filtering drapes, sheers, room darkening blackout drapes, or blinds. 1) Filtered
Light - if you want filtered light (i.e. allowing some light into a room) and privacy, be
sure to use our custom "sheers". They dress up a room nicely and provide great function; 2)
Reduced Light - in order to effectively reduce light through windows, use a cloth lining attached
to drapes, adjustable mini-blinds, or verticals. By adding a cloth lining to drapes, you will
greatly reduce light, increase privacy, and improve the durability of them by protecting the material
against damaging sun rot. In fact, lined drapes can last 10 to 20 years longer than any other
type of window covering!; 3) Blackout - this eliminates all light into the room. The
single best way to black out or eliminate all light from coming into a room is by using "blackout
drapes". Blinds do not always provide the same light control as drapes, sheers, or curtains. For
example, light can come in through the space between the slats of both mini and vertical blinds.
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Liner - A liner is a
drape lining that is not attached directly to the back of a drape. Instead, it hangs on a
rod behind the draperies on its own. This treatment requires a double rod set up.
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Lining - A lining is an additional
piece of fabric permanently attached to the back of a face cloth material. The use of a lining is usually
intended for greater privacy or protection against the sun. You can use an insulated lining, blackout,
lining, or fire-retardant cloth. Any viable cloth linings will make your drape last 10-20 years longer.
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Louvers (Vertical Blinds) - Our
louvers or vanes for vertical blinds come in alabaster, white, or custom textured colored PVC materials.
The louvers are 3 ½" wide. The louver overlap is ½". Louvers rotate 180 degrees and stack into
approximately ½" per louver when opened.
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Manual Shade - Operated by a chain controlled
clutch mechanism and pulled by hand to open and close.
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Master Carriers - This is
the device attached beneath the drape rod as the lead finger shaped carrier. It is connected to the cord
that pulls the leading edges of a drapery together and provides the overlap.
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Natural Fabrics Imperfections - The
nature of fabric fibers weaving imperfection methods are such that a certain number of slight imperfections
can and will occasionally occur. Examples include slight slubs, nubs, and weave variations. Such imperfections
are considered to be a normal part of the weave and fabric and should not be seen as unusual or flaws. These
normal variations cannot be returned, repaired, or exchanged.
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Neutral Fabrics - When we use this
term, we mean earthtone colors, off white, and other light tones for drape fabrics that will blend in well
with almost any color scheme. Neutrals are the opposite of what we define as "color fabrics".
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Open Drapes - These are drapes
that stack to the outside of the window frame leaving the glass portion of the window exposed.
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Openness Factor - The percentage of light transmitted to the room interior directly
through the roller shade fabric. For example, a 5% open roller shade fabric allows 5% of the
ultraviolet (UV) rays to pass through the roller shade while effectively blocking out 95%.
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Outside Supports - This is the support
that is mounted on the wall and attached to the outside portion of a drape rod, horizontal mini-blind, or vertical
blind.
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Pair - Two way draw drape
that opens in the middle and separates to each side of the window.
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Panel - One way draw
drape that opens from only one side. These are commonly used for patio or sliding doors. Panel drapes
also find popular applications to cover corner window configurations and smaller windows as well.
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Pleating - Pleating is a
term used to describe when the fabric is doubled into narrow vertical folds that goes up and down
the drape.
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Regular Roll - A standard orientation allowing roller
shade fabric to drop from the backside of the tube closest to the window.
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Reverse Roll - An optional orientation allowing a roller shade
fabric to drop from the front side of the roller tube closest to the room.
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Right Rod - A drapery rod
that pulls the drape and stacks it to the right of the window when it is fully opened.
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Roller Shades - Shades are a well established window covering with functional use and
popularity; especially in commercial settings. Roller shades are engineered with a durable clutch
system to lift the shades. The center roller tube is an extruded aluminum. The shades and tube
are designed to fit tightly into the window frame and casing thereby eliminating the light and
visible glass. The material for shades comes in a wide variety of options including fire-retardant;
eco-friendly and organic; varying degrees of openness factor including translucency (see through)
or opaqueness (solid); plus numerous colors, patterns, and styles. They operate by
using a control cord or bead chain that is specially engineered to the reduce the hazards of
strangulation and entanglement of young children by limiting access to the control cords. Operate via pulling the control cord or chain in one direction to raise the shade. By pulling the
cord or chain in the other direction, the shade is lowered. Roller shades can be lifted and left in
any open position desired.
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Rotation Mechanism (Vertical Blinds) - Rotation
of louvers is provided by rotating the (5/16" diameter) solid core "child safe" fiberglass wand which rotates
a gear assembly in the control housing. This drives an extruded (.300 diameter) aluminum pinion rod passing
through all carriers and transmits rotation to each louver stem through a molded rack and pinion gear system.
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Serge - Stitching that holds two pieces
of drape fabric together. We typically use this form of stitching on seams.
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Shading Coefficient - Represents the percentage of solar heat gain that
is transmitted to the interior/room through the glass and window covering.
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Sheers - In many instances,
sheers are added beneath drapes (note: this requires a separate rod, one for the drape and one for
the rod; or a double rod set up). There are usually two types of sheers: 1) Batiste; and 2) Voile. The
main difference between these two fabrics is the surface sheen. Voile is generally shinier and more
custom in appearance. Voile is also a wider fabric material that can often be made into a "seamless"
window covering depending on the size. These sheers are usually made of a polyester or Dacron material. Sheers
provide filtered light into the room, complete privacy, and protect your drapes from damaging
sunlight thereby allowing the drapes to last several years longer. They are washable and often fire-resistant. These can also
be used as stand alone coverings by themselves on a window.
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Side Mark - This is a notation
or reference that we place on an order form, invoice, or packing slip which identifies a property name
and/or address next to applicable items ordered for that property. It is a specific item unit, unit number, or property identification
helpful to the customer for both bookkeeping and installation purposes.
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Slats (Mini-Blinds) -Specially
formulated aluminum slats crowned or formed for maximum strength and bounce back resiliency. The special
care and skillful craftsmanship by our American workers help the slats resist bending, crimping, corrosion
and sagging. We manufacture "Made in America" mini-blinds with 1" wide spring tempered aluminum slats with rounded
corners at end; rout holes free from rough edges or burrs; and available with nominal slat thickness gauge
of .006 for our standard Dura-Blinds or a super .008 gauge thickness for our Deluxe Hercules Blind. All
slats are pre-coated with a polyester enamel finish. Slats
are the most vulnerable part of a blind. The extra thickness of the Deluxe Tenant Tough Hercules slat is to provide increased
durability and toughness. In fact, we call these (Hercules Mini-Blinds) "tenant tough" blinds that are made
from recycled aluminum and come with a Lifetime Warranty.
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Snap Tape - This is generally used
with accordion pleated drapes. Snaps are attached to the heading of the drapery. This type of drape must use a special
rod where the snaps on the rods attach directly (snap onto) the drape rods.
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Stacking - This describes the
stacking on either side of the window when the drapes or blinds are opened. For example, drapes stack
on both sides of the window when they are pair drapes. Conversely, drapes only stack to one side of the
window for panel drapes. Drapes stacking only to the left side of the window require a left pull
traverse rod. Drapes that stack to the right of the window need a right pull traverse rod. Vertical blinds
can be literally flipped around to be universally used as either a left or right coverage. When opened,
vertical blinds will 1) stack as split in middle, 2) draw open to the left, or 3) stacked on the right. It is important to remember when
you are covering a sliding door with a window treatment, you always want the product to stack (when opened)
on the opposite side of the door handle so you do not cover it up.
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Standard Coverage - This is normal
coverage for a window. In this situation, the drapes frame the window and hang 4" above the glass to
4" below. They also extend 3" past each side of the casing in order to secure the traverse
rods into wood. By mounting to the specific placement cited above, it will provide solid mounting into
the wood framing behind the wall or sheetrock.
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Standard Drape Rods - These are
usually the white metal rods, non decorative, with glides or carriers for drape hooks beneath that are
traditionally sold in several grades of quality at most retail outlets. They are available both as two-way (pair drapes) and one-way
(panel drapes); as well as a "double rod" set up for sheers and drapes combined together onto one mechanism.
American Draperies & Blinds, Inc. offers the strongest and longest lasting drape rods on the market. Our Kirsch Traverse
super fine heavy duty rod will last 10 years or longer.
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Stiffener - This is a hard piece
of material that is sewn into the top edge of the inside of the drape to give it added
strength. Typically, a stiffener is used so a baton can be attached to it for pulling a drape manually; also
this technique is used for extra heavy/large drapes.
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Stock Blinds - These are
replacement horizontal mini-blinds that we maintain on hand in different standard window sizes.
Our stock blinds are ready to be immediately shipped out to you from our inventory.
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Stock Drapes - Replacement
drapes available in several different fabrics and twenty-eight different standard window sizes. They
can be shipped quickly from our American Made inventory.
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Stretch Panels - Flat curtains
with rod pockets at top and bottom. The pockets are usually 1" high. Sometimes these treatments are used
to cover the glass portion of a door.
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Suedeback - Suede backing
is a richer backing than foam. Suede backing has a "cloth like" feel to it. It is a good serviceable
drape that offers insulation, privacy, and durability. Some suede back drapes are even washable.
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Tab Top Drapes - Free hanging
drapes with fabric tabs at the top (instead of drape hooks). These tabs slip over a manually operated drape
rod. Tab top drapes can be made as "pairs" (split in the middle two way draw drapes), "panels" (one way
draw drapes) single sheet of fabric, and/or can be pulled away from the window with fashionable and popular
"tie backs." They can additionally be lined for insulation!
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Telescoping - Refers to the roller shade fabric moving from
the left to right of center as the shade is raised and lowered. This can occur if the shade was not properly
leveled during installation or if the length of of the shade is significantly greater than the width.
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Textured Vertical Blinds - Offers a customized and rich
appearance with louvers that have a designer surface and pattern (i.e. instead of flat and plain louvers).
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Tilt Mechanism (Mini-Blinds) - Low
friction lexan plastic worm gear with Celcon plastic gear to hold and tilt slats at any angle with smooth
uniform operation. 1" solid plastic wand tilter with clutch mechanism to prevent over rotation.
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Traverse Mechanism (Vertical Blinds) - Traversing
occurs by sliding the "child safe" baton or wand control which is attached to the wheeled lead carrier.
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Valance - This product can be used to
highlight and top off practically any type of window treatment, including, but not limited to: drapes, curtains,
tabs, horizontal mini-blinds, vertical blinds, wood blinds, faux woods, roller shades, etc. Valances are a cost
effective way to really customize your window coverings and make them "pop and sizzle". The use of valances is
a great designer technique to upgrade the look of products at a very low cost.
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Weights - Small weights sewn into
the corner seams of drapes, curtains, and sheers to help give weight and body to the pleats. Weights help
even out the hem at each seam.
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Width - This is the measurement
of the width of the window opening. The "width measurement" is always expressed first when ordering a window
covering; height is ordered secondly for each window. Thus, when measuring and ordering always provide
width x height. Do not invert this sequence or process.
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Wood Blinds - These are horizontal
mini-blinds with 2" wide slats as the most popular slat width choice. We only use hardwood slats that are hand
selected and kiln dried to reduce warping issues. Wood blinds capture the beauty of nature and dress the windows
up in handsome style and sophistication. Also, the natural insulating qualities of wood help keep rooms warmer in
the winter and cooler in the summer. Similar to quality crafted furniture, our wood blinds are built to last.
Selection includes slats in a full palette of rich stains, paint colors, and sandblasted finishes.
Other options include valances, cloth color matched tape covers to tastefully hide the slat ladders, and
operating control option.
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Yardage - Fabric used for
drapes, sheers, and other soft window coverings.
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