I learned the Drapery and Upholstery Workroom ropes in the mid 1980’s in Boca Raton, Florida serving the design trade. Back then the trend was covering everything in fabric. We upholstered walls, tented ceilings; created fabric covered box springs for beds and added 20″ of extra length to drapery panels in order to “puddle” them on the floor. 
During the past several years, our urges to fabric-wrap our interiors had become tamed. I can’t remember the last swag and jabot treatment I provided and installed. Instead it’s either a pair of drapery panels on a simple decorative rod or a flat Roman shade. 
I do like the simpler designs, but as we know fashion trends swing like a pendulum. Lately we have been getting requests for more styles from the past. We have been seeing more upholstered bed platforms and requests for wall upholstery. Fabric valances are being specified more frequently from my designers. Drapery and upholstery are on the upswing.
As a helpful guide, let me present some of the more interesting window fashion styles.
Roman Shades
There are a wide range of Romans, Austrians and Balloon Shades in many styles. The benefits of Roman Shades is that they are both a decorative and functioning treatment and can be fabricated in a wide range of fabrics, from sheers to upholstery weight fabrics and great for residential or commercial projects.
Draperies
The most widely known style is the French Pleat. However there are several other ways to pleat a drapery. I have included a few of my favorite ones below.
Valances
The fabric Valance is a simple design, allowing the functioning shade’s hardware to be hidden. The trend towards more fabric on the window is evident in the valance designs. Below are some of the most popular styles.
Cornices
Upholstered Cornices are always a good selection for a top treatment. There are some many shapes and fabric combinations possible. In addition, Cornices can be fabricated with any fabric – from a lightweight sheer to a heavy upholstery weight fabric.
