A tailored balloon is much more structured than a traditional balloon shade or valance. This ballon shade has pleats formed at the top of the shade and opening out as the fabric falls. The fullness across the width is minimal because the heading is generally straight except where the pleats occur giving it that tailored look. A tailored balloon shade is constructed much like a typical balloon shade. It falls in a series of deep rouched scallops along its base. It operates in the same way as a roman shade, with rings attached to the back of the shade through which cords, secured to the lowest ring are threaded. A piece of wood is fixed to the window frame by screws or brackets which will house the screw eyes for the pulley cords to thread through as well as support the shade itself.
A tailored balloon shade is a great way to make good use of deeply folded fabric without cluttering work sufrfaces beneath the window. In this picture the balloon shade is set at just the right level to allow light where it is needed without compromising privacy. This window treatment brings to life the room.
A great way to anchor the window treatments to the rest of the room is to add toss pillows to in the same fabric. Here we have used the same silk from the balloon valance to make a kidney pillow for the sofa. Now the draperies are tied into the furniture giving a cohesive look to the entire room.
by Susan Dorbeck