Adding draperies to your bathroom can instantly transform the space, making it feel more elegant, luxurious and inviting. Draperies add softness, texture and a sense of privacy to the bathroom while complementing your existing decor. Here is an in-depth look at how to incorporate draperies into your bathroom design for a high-end look.
Choosing Draperies for the Bathroom
When selecting draperies for the bathroom, there are a few important factors to consider:
Fabric
- Silk – Provides an ultra luxurious look but requires dry cleaning and delicate care.
- Cotton – More casual but is machine washable and durable. Looks great with a crisp pleated style.
- Linen – Has beautiful natural texture but wrinkles easily. Best for a coastal or farmhouse style bathroom.
- Velvet – Very elegant and plush but shows water spots. Should be professionally cleaned.
- Polyester – Affordable and low maintenance but lacks the elegance of natural fibers.
Consider moisture and sunlight levels in your bathroom when choosing fabric. Natural fibers add luxury but may not hold up over time in a humid space.
Color
Neutral solids or subtle patterns blend seamlessly into most bathroom designs. Whites, creams and beiges won’t clash with fixtures. Dramatic colors like jewel tones can make a statement.
Length
Floor length drapes make the biggest impact. Pooled drapes add softness underfoot. Cafe length (stopping just above the floor) offers a more casual vibe. Avoid drapes that end mid-wall, which can look choppy.
Lining
Lined draperies add body, improve hanging and help block light. Match the lining color to the drape for a uniform look when closed. For privacy, blackout lining blocks all light.
Pleats and Gathering
Pleated drapes have a more formal, tailored appearance than gathered. Pencil pleats provide a smoother, neater look. For a softerGathered drapes create soft ripples.
Tie-Backs
Hold drapes open with tie-backs in coordinating fabric. Loop style tie-backs work with any drapes. Fixed tie-backs suit pleated draperies.
Budget
The cost ranges widely, with custom draperies being the most expensive. Ready-made drapes are affordable. Invest in quality fabrics and construction for long-lasting drapes.
Drapery Styles for the Bathroom
There are endless options when it comes to choosing a drapery style for the bathroom. Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
Formal Pleated Drapes
- Perfect for traditional, transitional or glam spaces
- Crisp pleats add structure
- Floor length makes the biggest impact
- Requires professional measuring and installation
- Custom or high-quality ready-made
Soft Grommet Drapes
- Casual and breezy look
- Grommet top is modern and easy
- Gathered style works for any space
- Can be hung inside or outside window frame
- Affordable ready-made option
Rich Velvet Drapes
- Plush velvet in jewel tones feels ultra luxurious
- Floor length with slight pooling is stunning
- Formal pleated style highlights the richness
- Handles light well but shows water spots
- Dry clean only for best results
Breezy Linen Drapes
- Lightweight linen in natural tones is beachy
- Gathered style and uneven hems feel casual
- Sold ready-made or custom in relaxed lengths
- Wrinkles easily, needs ironing for crisp look
- Matches coastal, farmhouse or cottage decor
Vintage Lace Curtains
- Delicate lace adds privacy without blocking light
- Small floral patterns complement shabby chic spaces
- Sold as ready-made paneled curtains
- Must be gently hand-washed to maintain
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading
There are so many ways to incorporate drapery into your bathroom design. Consider the overall look you want to achieve and choose drapes to match.
Hanging Drapes in the Bathroom Like a Pro
Installing drapes properly ensures they hang beautifully and function optimally. Follow this professional approach:
Measure Carefully
- Use a steel tape measure for accuracy.
- For floor length, measure from top of rod to the floor.
- Add at least 2 inches for puddling.
- Account for clearance under and around windows.
Select Mounting Method
- Inside mount hides hardware for a clean look. Requires precise measurements.
- Outside mount is easier to install but hardware is visible. Provides fuller drapes.
- Ceiling mounts work for skylights or roof windows.
Choose Correct Hardware
- Look at window frame depth and construction.
- Inside mounts need specialty brackets or clips.
- Outside mounts use decorative finials and brackets. Match metal finishes.
Install Rod Correctly
- Use the correct fasteners for window frame material.
- Make sure brackets are level and anchored securely.
- For extra long drapes, use a sturdy center bracket.
Hang Drapes Properly
- Use ring or pin hooks evenly spaced along pleats or back of drapes.
- Hang drapes so pleats or gathers are uniform when closed.
- Use holdbacks and tiebacks to keep drapes in place when open.
Drapery Ideas for Bathroom Windows
Bathroom windows provide great opportunities for incorporating elegant drapery designs. Consider these stylish options:
Frame Entire Window
Floor length drapes that cover the entire window make a huge impact. They create a focal point and feel very luxurious. challenger at first impression. Choose pleated drapes with tie backs to keep them open and breezy.
Soft Fabric Roman Blinds
Roman blinds made from soft cotton or linen provide privacy and a clean, tailored look. Available ready-made to fit standard sizes. Add drapes in a coordinating fabric over the blinds for extra elegance.
Cafe Length Side Panels
Side panels hanging just above the floor feel light and airy. They allow light in while adding privacy. Work well with narrow windows. Choose a sheer grommet style for easy hanging.
Long Sheers Under Drapes
Layer long, sheer grommet curtains underneath lined drapes for added privacy and dimension. Let the sheers puddle at the floor and hang drapes just below the window height.
Floor Length on Skylights
Make a dramatic statement with dark velvet drapes on skylights. Draw closed to block all light. Install drapes from ceiling mounts around the entire skylight. Use cordless traversing rods for easy opening and closing.
Incorporating Drapes in a Small Bathroom
Even if you have limited space, you can still enjoy the soft elegance of drapes. Follow these tips for small bathrooms:
- Stick to narrower windows – Avoid covering large expanses of wall with fabric, which can overwhelm.
- Use side panels – Hung inside window frames, side panels add privacy without dominating.
- Choose cafe length – Skimming the floor subtly elongates the look of the room.
- Pick lightweight fabrics – Sheer, linen and lacy styles prevent a closed-in feeling.
- Favor gathered drapes – Billowy gathered drapes take up less visual space than pleated.
- Select solid colors – Solid white, cream or beige reads cleaner and less busy than prints.
- Only dress key windows – Skip windows in showers or obscure locations for a balanced look.
With the right choices, small bathrooms can still enjoy the softness and polished look drapes provide.
Unique Ways to Use Drapery in the Bathroom
Beyond windows, there are creative ways to incorporate drapery elsewhere in your bathroom:
Ceiling Draping
Suspend long swaths of breezy fabric overhead to create an exotic, ambient feeling. Position lighting above to cast a glow through the fabric.
Alcove Curtains
Use curtains to define and conceal alcoves for towel storage, shelving nooks or the toilet area. Choose washable cottons or linens.
Pocket Doors
Install floor to ceiling drapes across pocket doors to dampen sound when closed and add architectural detail.
Freestanding Tub Surround
Enclose a statement freestanding tub with ceiling-hung fabric panels. Choose luxurious materials like silk or velvet for ultra pampering appeal. Tie back panels when not in use.
Vanity Skirt
Disguise clutter or pipework by draping a pleated fabric skirt anchored to the bottom of the vanity. Coordinate with window treatments.
Shower Enclosure
Use water-resistant fabric panels on a curved shower rod to create a spa-like vibe. Opt for reflective materials like sequined fabric.
With creative draping techniques, the possibilities are endless. Use drapes to define spaces, conceal eyesores or simply add privacy and softness.
Choosing Drapery Styles for Different Bathroom Design Themes
Drapery styles should be selected to complement the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Here are recommended drape types for popular bathroom design themes:
Traditional Style Bathroom
- Formal pleated drapes in rich fabrics like silk, velvet or brocade
- Elaborate swag valances with trim, tassels and plenty of folds
- Opulent patterns like damask, jacquard or tapestry
- Austere metal hardware like wrought iron curtain rods
Transitional Bathroom
- Crisp pencil pleat drapes in solid colors
- Textured linen drapes in neutral tones
- Simple flat valances that mimic the drape shape
- Minimal tiebacks like thin ropes that blend in
Contemporary Bathroom
- Floor length ripplefold drapes for clean lines
- Grommet top curtains in bold solids
- Sharp geometric prints like graphic ikat or stripes
- Sleek rods in materials like acrylic for floating look
Coastal Bathroom
- Breezy linen curtains in natural shades
- Casual gathered styles with uneven hems
- Beachy prints like nautical ropes, shells or sailboats
- Driftwood hardware including textured rods
Matching your drapes to your overall bathroom decor style creates a pulled-together, harmonious look.
The Elegant Look of Draperies in the Bathroom: FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using elegant draperies in the bathroom:
Are drapes suitable for bathrooms?
Yes, drapes work very well in bathrooms, as long as you select fabrics that can handle humidity. Materials like cotton, linen, polyester and treated silk hold up well. Proper ventilation and moisture control prevent mildew and deterioration.
How do you hang drapes around a bathtub?
For freestanding tubs, install ceiling-mounted curtain rods to hang panels along the outer edge. Leave enough space between panels when open for easy access. Water-resistant polyester or treated silk are good sheer options.
Should bathroom drapes touch the floor?
Drapes that puddle slightly on the floor create an elegant high-end hotel feel. Consider machine washable cottons or linens in case of drips. If you prefer a more hygienic look, stop drapes a few inches above the floor.
How do you hang drapes on a curved rod?
Curved rods need specially designed curtain hooks to slide smoothly across the bend. Alternatively, use small fabric loops sewn into a drape heading rather than hooks. Make sure the drapes have enough fullness to stack attractively.
Should you have two curtains in a bathroom?
Having two layers, like sheer under-curtains and opaque drapes, adds dimension. For privacy and light control, a dual design works well. Ensure the under layer is easy to remove and wash regularly to prevent mildew in humid areas.
What fabrics are best for bathroom drapes?
Look for durable, washable natural fibers like cottons and linens or easy-care synthetics like polyester. Avoid silk, velvet and other delicates that require dry cleaning. Adding water repellent treatments can boost longevity and prevent odors.
Conclusion
The addition of elegant drapes can instantly elevate a basic bathroom into a spa-like oasis. When thoughtfully chosen and properly styled, draperies complement any decor. From stately pleated silk framed by finials to breezy linen grommet panels in a cottage bath, the options are endless.
Following the recommendations in this guide will help ensure your bathroom drapery achieves the upscale polished look you desire. Consider style, fit, fabric, hardware and hanging method to create a harmonious, designer feel. Accent with other plush details like rugs, lighting and art. With the right draping choices, your bathroom can feel like a luxurious hotel retreat.
