Here at Curtains by Design, we love a good pelmet. From a simple pelmet to hide a roller blind, to an elegant valance that turns the window into a grand statement piece, they’re one of the simplest and most underutilised ways to elevate the look of your blind or curtain.
But, as with any soft furnishing, it’s important to know how to make the most out of them, so they complement your deocr and enhance your space, rather than standing out for all the wrong reasons.
In this post, we’ll go through when pelmets are useful to have, the types that are available, and how to style them to bring those windows to life.
What are Pelmets?
Pelmets are placed just above the window, over the blind or curtain. They typically refer to a solid piece of material, such as wood or MDF, but they can be also bit of a ‘catch all’ term. Valances are made from soft fabric, and can be pleated or made up into other decorative patterns.
Pelmets can be made to a number of different shapes and sizes, including straight, scalloped, arched (and anything else our team can handle!)
A beautiful arched pelmet crafted and installed by our team at the Cheshire workroom
What are the Benefits of Pelmets?
There are a number of benefits for your windows, including:
- Improved insulation — they prevent cold air from escaping the gaps at the top of your blind or curtain, boosting your home’s energy efficiency.
- Light blocking — just as they prevent heat loss, by covering gaps around the window pelmets blackout unwanted light, making them a popular option for bedrooms.
- Creates a sense of height — pelmets are a great way to make your windows (and thus your overall space) appear taller.
- Adds a sense of luxury — they can truly create a sense of grandeur, or just add a feeling of intention to the space. Sometimes, they can really just make a window feel complete.
When are Pelmets Not Appropriate?
There are some instances where they may not be right for your space:
- Low ceilings — while pelmets can accentuate the height of the window, rooms with low ceilings where the window reaches near the ceiling mean that a pelmet can make the space look smaller.
- Highly minimalist aesthetics — pelmets can add a touch of character to modern, minimalist homes, but those who enjoy a particularly sleek, scaled-back look may find the boxy shape stands out too much.
Can I Have a Pelmet on a Bay Window?
Yes, but they are more complex than for a standard window. Due to the curved shape, the pelmet would need to be custom-made to ensure it fits the unique size and angle of your bay window. We regularly custom make and fit bay window pelmets, so we know how to ensure a proper fit that turns your bay window into a statement piece.
A stunning bay pelmet we crafted and installed in a Cheshire home
How to Style a Pelmet:
- Getting the size right — the proportions of your pelmet can determine whether they beautifully accentuate your windows, or overwhelm them. A pelmet that is too thin will look mean, whilst one that is too thick or large can risk overwhelming the window and disrupting visual balance.
- Choosing a fabric — You can choose between a variety of fabrics to suit your style, but there are a few things to consider. For structured box pelmets, opt for fabrics that hold shape well, such as cotton or wool. If you want a traditional or maximalist style, rich textures like velvet and the use of trims are great. For something simple or more modern, plain fabrics or simple patterns can keep things looking elegant without feeling too ‘out there’
Conclusion
Pelmets are an excellent way to add a touch of character to a room, and the variety of available styles and patterns mean they can be customised to your liking.
If you’re looking for a pelmet for your own or your client’s home, please get in touch! Or feel free to come down to our Chester showroom to see the range of available fabrics and see how our pelmets are made at the workroom.