Invariably, there will be a radiator installed
beneath many short windows, as that is the most energy
efficient place for them to be located. It is the area of the room
where there is the maximum amount of heat loss and where heat is
required the most. This will directly affect the type of window
dressing you design, as you must give due consideration to
problems caused by placing fabrics in close proximity to a heat
source. Many fabrics will distort or shrink when subjected to the
changes in atmospheric conditions within a room. Long curtains
over radiators may well help insulate against draughts but will
restrict the amount of heat coming into the room. The curtains
themselves could also become severely damaged over time due to the
closeness of the heat source. Many manufacturers state that
allowance must be made for this shrinkage and that extra fabric
should be built into the making up process to allow for
alterations at a later stage. As you can imagine, this can cause
some serious problems for the professional and amateur curtain
maker who must produce a perfectly fitting article initially but
may then be faced with major alterations that will spoil the look
of the curtains later. |