It used to be the case in the late 1980s that curtain fabrics took centre stage, with matching valances and fabric tiebacks either made from the same fabric, or a complementary fabric creating a co-ordinating look
The fabrics would be all frills and pleats and would be supported on a collection of tracks in plastic or metal.
Even blinds were popular in the same way, with Festoon blinds, which were a complex collection of fabric ruches, and Austrian blinds, a milder form of the Festoon blind with most of the ruching taking place at the bottom of the blind, the favourites of the time.
Poles were nowhere to be seen
Now the window furnishings landscape is completely different. Poles in metal or wood make a fashion statement of their own in a more contemporary manner, and new finishes are being invented all the time.
We could scarcely have believed 20 years ago that the market would be dominated by metal poles in stainless steel, antique brass, chrome and gun metal. Pole distributors are constantly on the lookout for ways to re-invent their product with new colours of the moment such as black chrome, dark nickel and dark steel. There are even metal poles with antique white finishes. Meanwhile black poles are making a comeback with modern finials.
They are also experimenting with new finial materials to go with metal poles, such as marble, glass, acrylic, resin, ceramic, wood, mother-of-pearl, wire with beads and granite. The ultimate contemporary pole statement at the moment must be the Acrylic pole, available with modern finials and colours such as chrome and dark nickel, and in up to 50mm diameters
Metal pole diameters are also edging larger, with 35mm being quite common now, relatively speaking. However it is still rare to see a metal corded pole, with the exception of Swish Polaris, which is showing the way for other pole suppliers.
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Students using Pay As You Go Mobile Plans
By: Athanasios | 31/12/2009The biggest limitation to using your mobile phone more today is usually the cost of the calls. And even though today we use our phones more and more and for more and more things, we are still always looking for ways to save on that dreaded phone bill.
Different Types and Tips on How to Make the Most of Them - Part 2
By: Derek Brown | 07/06/2008 | Interior DesignIn part 1 we looked at traditional curtain tapes. In recent years other types of heading have come to the fore and have resulted in the decline in sales of the traditional curtain tape.
Different Types and Tips on How to Make the Most of Them - Part 1
By: Derek Brown | 07/06/2008 | Interior DesignThere are various types of curtain headings and ways of both holding curtains up and securing them to the curtain pole or track.
Curtain Poles Unlimited: Adding Value to Window Furnishings – Part 2
By: Derek Brown | 28/05/2008 | AccessoriesIn the same way that metal curtain poles have developed into a fashion statement on their own, the same can be said of the wood curtain pole, albeit to a slightly lesser extent 20 years ago wood curtain poles were no more than broom handles with a ball end. Now they can truly enhance a room and complement the rest of the furnishings in that room.
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By: Derek Brown | 28/05/2008 | AccessoriesAt Curtain Poles Unlimited, our ultimate aim is to bring you the best selection of curtain poles, tracks and accessories at a competitive price. With this in mind, we are planning to introduce some new lines over the coming weeks and months, and detailed below are the lines we are considering: