Drapery Calculator

Drapery Basics

Understanding drapery measurements and styles.

  • Measurements Accurate dimensions.
  • Fullness Fabric gathering.
  • Returns Side coverage.
  • Overlap Center closure.

Drapery Styles

Pinch Pleat

Classic elegance.

Goblet

Formal look.

Ripple Fold

Modern style.

Euro Pleat

Contemporary.

Fabric Engineering

  • Material Properties Weight: 4-15 oz/yd². Tensile strength: 50-150 lbf. Tear resistance: 4-8 lbf. Seam strength: 30-40 lbf/inch. Abrasion: 15,000-30,000 cycles.
  • Performance Metrics Light fastness: Class 4-5. Pilling resistance: Grade 4-5. Dimensional stability: ±2%. Drape coefficient: 0.4-0.8. Air permeability: 10-50 cfm.
  • Durability Factors UV resistance: 500-1000 hrs. Colorfastness: Grade 4-5. Shrinkage: <3%. Breaking strength: 80-120 lbf. Martindale abrasion: >20,000 cycles.

Design Parameters

  • Fullness Ratios Sheer: 2.5-3×. Light/medium: 2-2.5×. Heavy: 1.75-2×. Pleated: 2.5-3×. Ripplefold: 80-120%. Stack-back: 15-25% width.
  • Hardware Specifications Rod strength: 75-100 lbs/ft. Bracket spacing: 24-48". Return depth: 3.5-4.5". Clearance: 2.5-3.5". Overlap: 2-4".
  • Construction Standards Hem depth: 4-6". Header: 3-4". Side hems: 1.5-2". Weights: 0.5-1 oz/ft. Seam allowance: 5/8-1". Pleat depth: 3.5-4.5".

Installation Metrics

  • Mounting Heights Above frame: 4-6". Ceiling mount: 1/2-1" clearance. Floor clearance: 1/2-3/4". Puddle: 1-3". Sill length: 1/2" above.
  • Support Requirements Wall strength: 75 lbs/anchor. Bracket projection: 3-6". Support interval: 24-30". Track capacity: 80-120 lbs. Traverse rating: 50-80 lbs.
  • Operational Standards Draw force: 3-5 lbs. Traverse overlap: 4-6". Stack width: 15-20% of width. Operation cycles: 7,000-10,000. Cord tension: 3-4 lbs.

Environmental Factors

  • Thermal Performance R-value: 0.5-3.0. Solar heat gain: 0.2-0.8. UV blockage: 75-98%. Temperature stability: -20 to 180°F. Moisture regain: 4-8%.
  • Acoustic Properties NRC rating: 0.45-0.75. Sound transmission: STC 3-8. Absorption coefficient: 0.3-0.6. Frequency range: 250-2000 Hz. Reverb reduction: 15-30%.
  • Indoor Air Quality VOC emissions: <0.5 mg/m²·hr. Formaldehyde: <0.1 ppm. Dust retention: 75-85% efficiency. Antimicrobial rating: >90%. Allergen reduction: 80-90%.

Fabric Selection

  • Cotton/Linen Casual drape.
  • Silk Luxurious flow.
  • Velvet Rich texture.
  • Sheer Light filtering.

Hardware Options

  • Rods Support system.
  • Brackets Mounting hardware.
  • Rings Hanging method.
  • Finials Decorative ends.