Please note that our series on Festoon Blinds is currently being updated to reflect the use of new techniques and materials. This article still contains excellent information, but some of it may be changed as a result of our review.

Check back here soon for the updated articles. Meanwhile, if you need any advice on materials for your projects, call us on 0208 331 4383.

Austrian and Festoon blinds are often misnamed one for the other. The Festoon, as its name suggests, is completely ruched for its full drop, whereas the Austrian is only ruched for part of its drop. The Festoon has much more opulence, and a rich full ambience. Its style is period not modern, and it is very grand if used in the correct setting. Attention should be paid to using the right fabrics and therefore the choice of materials is in laces, voiles and soft draping fabrics.

Only in certain circumstances should a Festoon blind be lined, for there is no reason to add to the fullness of the fabrics chosen.The operation of the blind when the permanent ruching is again ruched as the blind is raised will restrict the height to which the bottom of the blind can be raised. Made in lace or voile a Festoon of around 4’6” drop will, if fitted into the window recess, cover the top 1’6” of the window. Not all the light will be lost because the fabric will allow a certain amount through. If lined, about half of the window will be covered when the blind is raised. Of course if the blind is fitted above the window the loss of light will be reduced accordingly.

The method used in making is very similar to the method used in making Austrian blinds, and the basic parts are the same. However, the first stage involving the setting out and sewing of the blind and its ruching is more complicated, but nevertheless not difficult. Detailed illustrations and instructions are set out in the making up section.

The heading for a Festoon blind will be the same as for the Austrian blind i.e. press studded tape or touch and close fastener on heading tape. It is considered to be important to use clear rings instead of tape because tapes will add to the bulk to be raised and restrict the free movement of the fabric. Besides these considerations the tapes will cast shadows and detract from the beauty of the blind and it is easier to attach clear rings than to sew on tapes and get them properly positioned.

By far the most important benefit of the methods described is the fact that with the Festoon blind there will not be any stitch marks on the face of the blind apart from those on the heading tape.

All the accessories used on the Austrian blinds are suited to a Festoon blind. There is an additional accessory – a cloth covered decorative lead weight which is recommended for use if the fabric is weighty. Fabrics gathered up into vertical and horizontal ruching will tend to sag and as the fabric droops under its own weight there could be a tendency for the bottom sides of the blind to be pulled inwards. The weights, which can easily be attached to the quick release, will counteract this tendency.

By the unique method described the side frills of the Festoon blind can be formed out of the blind fabric as the blind is being made. There is no need for separate side frills to be made up. However, a separate bottom frill, if required, will need to be made up separately and attached.  Festoon blinds cannot be piped at the sides. Piping can only be added at the bottom and can be attached when the frill, or double bottom frill, is added.