J is for Jabots

The ABC’s of window treatments

I had a really hard time coming up with something for the letter “J”.  Jabots and Jackie Von Tobel was the only thing I could think of and since I have already done a post on Jackie ………. jabots it is !

According to WFCP jabots are additional pieces of a top treatment, often shaped like a tie, cone, or cylinder, which are used between and over swags as decoration.  I use the term jabot interchangeably with cascades, which are often seen on the sides of swags.  The first summer I ever worked in a workroom I’m pretty sure I called them “jags and swabots”

I’m not sure who made this but the picture above is from M’Fay, where you can order patterns for window treatments.  It’s a nice simple tail.

The zig zag shape is accentuated when you add fringe to the edges and I highly recommend it.  These are both lined on the back with the main fabric.

 

In the bedroom below, designed by Armando Guereca,  a contrasting plaid fabric is used on the back of the jabots.  Notice there isn’t a fringe but they did use a solid bias banding on the edge.

                        Image via Window Dressings

                                              Image via All the Best

This 1962 photo shows Jackie Kennedy’s dressing room in the White House.  The jabots are about one-third the length of the overall treatment, which is another pleasing length. 

There’s your drapery terminology for the day !

How To Cover a Bow/Bay Window

This is the inspiration photo for the bow window treatment that I just completed. I have had this in my file for years just waiting for the perfect window. This photo is the drawing room of the chairman of Christies, Charles Allsopp. You would expect his house to be full of treasures like this.
My clients' house is worthy of such treasures too !

Bay and bow windows can be challenging to cover and usually need to be treated with custom treatments. This was a 13' bow window in a master bedroom that we installed today. My clients wanted privacy as well as being able to let in light.
The first step for this fabulous treatment was to make a template of the curved wall and have a custom curved double traverse rod made so that sheers could go on the back and chocolate brown silk panels could close on the front.

The swags and jabots topped off the window perfectly. I applied brush fringe and a beaded metallic cord to the edge of the panels, swags and jabots. Carved medallions rubbed in gold were the finishing touch. These pictures do not do this justice, I must get a better camera !

This is the window before...............