Designers have always known that dressmaker details like tufting, buttons and pleating can turn an ordinary item into something extraordinary. The soft accordion folds found in fan pleating have been all the rage in apparel as well as home “fashion”. This detail can be added to home décor items such as pillows, lampshades, hearth fans, linens and window treatments.
What is a fan pleat?
A fan pleat is a softer and more feminine version of the pinch pleat. Pleated draperies have long been a staple in home decorating and the standard pinch pleat is the most commonly used form of this detail. Fan pleating is actually a small accordion pleat. They can be stiff and sharply edged as in a hearth fan or lamp shade or they can be soft and sculptural for use on pillows and window treatments.
Home decorating with fan pleats.
There are many ways to use this lovely detail on items throughout your home.
• Trimming pillows with fan pleating will add interest and personality to an ordinary throw pillow. Perfect for use in a guest room, master bedroom, ladies dressing room or a formal living room.
• To hide the unattractive black hole of a fireplace during the summer months, place a pleated hearth fan or screen in front of it. These decorative fans are available in many different colors and patterns and will provide an instant pop of color to the space.
• The soft folds of a fan pleat will create a relaxed and less formal look to your draperies. Depending on the size of the pleats, they also require less stack room, making them a nice solution for a wall with limited space. (stack is the area taken up by any window treatment when they are opened)
• A pleated shade will complement many lamp styles while adding some texture and movement to your room.
• Take an ordinary set of sheets and turn them into something special by adding fan pleated trim to the pillow cases, shams and hems. An off-the-rack throw gains the look of something expensive and custom when pleated trim has been added to the edges.
You can purchase trim that is already pleated and ready to sew onto any item; you can actually pleat the fabric yourself or have it done professionally. Regardless of how you use this fashionable detail in your home you are sure to be pleased with the end results.
