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Silk Drapery

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We offer silk drapery in a myriad of colors and styles. From simple, elegant dupioni solid silk drapery panels to exquisitely embroidered silk organza drapes. Silk Curtains have been the material of choice for high end window treatments since Marco Polo made his journey to the far east!

Silk is a natural fiber made from the cocoons of silkworms and often considered the pinnacle of drapery fabric. Each type of silk fabric is known for its particular trait. Unlike many products the domesticated product is often more desireable than wild silk for draperies. In general the quality of silk is determined by the momme (weight) count. Typical Momme counts range from 5mm which is a very light sheer to a 22m which a thick heavy fabric. After Momme, thread counts are further used to classify silk fabric. Generally 2000 threads or more within a one meter width of fabric is required to be considered "good" quality.

While many people know that Silk is the strongest of all natural fibers, Silk Curtain's other qualities are what make it such a desireable fabric for curtains. Silk fabric is breathable. Silk is insulative staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A well maintained Silk Curtain will maintain its form and elegant drape thoughtout its entire life cycle. Lastly, high quality silk drapes are naturally hypoallergenic!

There are a variety of silk fabrics but not all are suitable for window treatments. Chiffon & Charmeuse silks for example are more common in the fashion industry.

Dupioni silk drapes are the most common silk drapery. Dupioni silk curtains feature a plain, crisp weave that creates a tightly woven fabric with a lustrous sheen. Dupioni fabric is widely recognized by teh uneven, irregular threads called "slubs."

100% pure Thai Silk Taffeta Curtain panels are crafted from hand made silk. Each drapery a unique work of art that cannot be duplicated by mass market machines. Thai silk drapery has an incredible sheen which produces brilliant prisms of light with dazzling shimmering effects. Because of the look, drape and handfeel Thai Silk Draperies are often more expensive than Dupioni Silk Curtains.

Shangtung is another medium to heavy weight silk fabric that is made from a combination of rought silk and heavy dupioni threads. Shangtung Silk can be either lustrous or dull and like dupioni features characteristic "slubs." Shangtung drapes hang really well making it increasingly popular for custom draperies.

Bestwindowtreatments.com can craft Custom Silk Curtain Panels to any size to fit your specific windows. A consistent recommendation across all of our custom silk drapery offerings is to have silk drapes sewn with 2.5 timess fullness. Additionally, we can fashion complimenting roman shades as well as window top treatments or cornices from the same silk material.

Drapery lining can make or break your silk window treatments. Bestwindowtreatments recommends that Silk curtain panels always be constructed with interling to protect this beautiful natural fabric sun damage. Another added benefit of interlining is increase fullness of your curtain panel. Finally, proper lining also adds to the insulation of your room.

Caring for your Silk Draperies

Although silk is a strong fiber, caring for Silk Draperies can be a tricky matter. Overall, we recommend dry cleaning as you best option. Extreme heat from high setting steam or a dryer will damage silk fabric and possible cause yellowing and fading. Check your manufacturer's label or recommendation. Remember just because hand cleaning may be possible does not mean that it is easy or will turn out well. Never twist your damp silk curtains as this can