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• The lower edge of the pelmet can be cut to any shape
• The pattern of the fabric is shown to best effect
• Can utilise the dead wall space above a window
• Economical on fabric
| A pelmet is a
fabric-covered band of buckram, canvas or plywood which is fixed onto the front
edge of a pelmet board. It conceals the track and curtain heading. Pelmets can
be fitted to any shape of window and the design can easily be adapted to suit
different sizes of windows within the same room. They can be fitted on the dead
wall space above the window so that less light will be lost and the window will
appear more elegant. Pelmets are suitable for a full range of window treatments from the simple to the dramatic. Depending on the shapes, Fabric and trims chosen, they can be austere, classic, pretty or even amusing. The shape can be a straight band, or the lower edge can be gently curved. Curves can be shaped to emulate architectural details in the room or to emphasise the design of the fabric. Fabrics with distinctive prints such as damasks or toiles de jouy are shown off to best advantage on pelmets because they are viewed flat rather than their design being lost in the folds of curtains, valances or swags. The lower edges of pelmets benefit from being defined with braid or rope trims. Braid or rope in a striking contrast colour will accentuate the shape of the pelmet even more. Fabric contrast-binding works well for straight shapes, but is not practical for intricate shapes. The flat lines of the pelmets can be softened by placing individually made trumpets or swags on top of them. The trumpets or swags can also be connected with rope. Proportions 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. The shortest point of the lambrequin should be 1/6th of the curtain length but the sides can be very long and dramatic. |
Fitting
pelmets There are two types of pelmets, soft and hard. A pelmet is constructed in the same way as a tie-back where fabric is laid over a pelmet buckram or thin ply-board and lining is slip stitched to the reverse side. Webbing tape or Velcro is stitched to the top of the pelmet which can then be secured to the pelmet board. The pelmet board from which the curtains and pelmet are hung is cut from planed timber 19-22mm (3/4in) thick which should be either painted or covered in lining or curtain fabric. If possible the pelmet board should be placed up to the coving or cornice in order to heighten the window treatment and to avoid an unattractive gap between the top of the pelmet and the coving. Check that the proposed depth of the pelmet will cover the soffit or architrave at the top of the window and if necessary adjust the height of the pelmet board. Pelmet boards are usually 13-15cm (5-6in) wide, with the track set 5-8cm (2-3in) back from the front edge of the board to allow the curtains free movement behind the pelmet. The board can be up to 25cm (1Oin) wide in order to enable the curtains to clear radiators, for example. If they are any wider they will look heavy and intrusive. The pelmet board is secured to the wall using angle brackets. For pelmet boards over 170cm (67in) in length a centre bracket is required to prevent the wood from bowing and to support the weight of the curtains and the pelmet. The curtain track is then fitted to the underside of the pelmet board. If necessary use plastic or wood spacers between the track and the board to create a gap for angle brackets to be slotted through. |
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