Valance

• A valance is a curtain that only partially covers the window. A valance traditionally hangs down the window 1/3 to 1/2 of the way, depending on the size of the window. A valance is typically lined. The lining can be either the same fabric, a plain lining fabric or a coordinating fabric. The style of valance can vary greatly. Some valances have scalloped edges, while others have straight bottom edges and may be held open by decorative tassels, ties or ribbons.
  
  

Swags

• Swags are a simple long length of curtain fabric that is looped over the curtain rod. The number of times you loop the fabric over the rod depends on how many swags you want to have. If you want four swags, you need to loop the fabric five times. The number of swags you need is dependent on the width of the window. Narrower windows may only need one swag. Use a light to mid-weight fabric if you want to hang swag curtains. This allows the fabric to flow nicely without being too stiff.
  
  

Panels

• A panel can be either a curtain or a drape. If you are using a lighter weight fabric, it is normally a curtain. Panel curtains typically use tiebacks that hold the curtains back and allow light to come into the room. Drapes are made from heavier fabrics and are sometimes held with tiebacks. Drapes are usually more formal than curtains. Both of them can be lined or unlined. Lining helps to protect the fabric from the harmful, fading rays of the sun and also gives a little added insulation if necessary.
  
  

Pinch Pleat Drapes

• Pinch pleat drapes are normally made from a fairly heavy material, such as special decorator fabrics or drapery fabrics. Pinch pleats do not have a rod pocket casing. Instead, the fabric at the pleats hold drapery hooks. These drapery hooks are inserted up into the pleats of the fabric and then hung on a rod. Pinch pleat drapes can be either lined or unlined.