Monday, September 13, 2010

Italian Stringing

When Joni of Cote de Texas wrote about curtains as her #4 Top Ten Design Element, she mentioned a term I had never heard before: Italian Stringing. It's a method of holding back curtains without any obvious visual means. Well, while at The Jefferson this past weekend I noticed that the curtains in their recently redesigned dining room were just that - held back but without a tieback.
Here's the behind-the-scenes look showing the string and metal rings. Yes, the waitress thought I was a bit strange...

Back next post with more from Richmond, including Mary Douglas Drysdale and Tobi Fairley.

19 comments:

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

This is a lovely, understated way to pull back a gorgeous curtain. Thank you for sharing and the visual.
Enjoy the new week. XO

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Oh, I've gotten some looks in stores for snapping photos, but have yet to pull back drapes in a restaurant...thanks! I had not seen this before, makes perfect sense this treatment would be accomplished in this way! Janell

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Thanks for sharing. I would have never thought to use string.
Have a nice day.
Teresa

ArchitectDesign™ said...

I never even noticed this detail when I was there last week, but I suppose that is the entire point! More importantly (or AS importantly?) how was the food?

Anonymous said...

Never heard of this. I am shopping for curtains for my bedroom as I gave mine to my mom.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a great idea. Love it. Hugs, Marty

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

That's going in the idea file! I love the simplicity.

Unknown said...

Oh....I have this kind of curtain in my living room, but honestly didn't know the name for it! It works really well. I'm thrilled to know I'm in step with history!
xo Elizabeth

Kristen White said...

I love this technique as a curtain holdback! I have never seen it before.....pretty clever!
Kristen

Karena said...

Ooh I love the look, very elegant!! Love seeing behind the scenes!

I have a New Giveaway from the French Basketeer I think you will love!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

lisaroy said...

Thanks for peeking for us! I always wondered but never checked myself :)

Unknown said...

I am so very glad that you did this.....I have always wondered how they did that!
smiles....

Alan Dailey said...

"Italian strung" is also commonly know as "Reefed curtains" by people in the business. I do not sail but I am told that is in reference to reefing a sail on a boat.

Reggie Darling said...

I never knew what this was called, thank you. Reggie

Anonymous said...

We have done this with some of the drapes we design, though less and less people want the tied back look. Straight panels are the thing.

Dumbwit Tellher said...

This is a first for me & it's brilliant. What we will do for our love of design.One small smerk @ you but another lesson in design for us all.

Have a good Tuesday ~ Deb

Anonymous said...

Thanks for snooping for us. Very interesting.

Susan McClaskey said...

Interesting...

Lisa Porter said...

I do this to my family allll the time. Makes them nervous to go anywhere with me when I have my camera or I'm in the "junk" truck.
Thanks for the behind the scenes peek.
xo

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