Swags and tails are the ultimate in window treatments.  Stunningly impressive, if you walk into a room where the windows have been treated in this fashion, you cannot help but gaze at their grand appearance.

Swags & tails look sophisticated when made up in rich fabrics and trimmed with fringe, however, untrimmed swags can look far simpler and if used in conjunction with contemporary, modern fabrics, can be far more suited to today's less formal tastes.

This sumptuous fabric has been made into deep scalloped swags with a fabulous spiral centre tail.  The edges of the swags, tails and the centre tail (or "jabot") have been trimmed with glass beads.  As a result the whole effect shimmers when light hits it.  This display may be seen in-store at HomeZone.

Swags & tails come in many sizes, shapes and forms, limited only by your imagination.  There suitability for a window however, must be taken into consideration as the swags themselves will hang down considerably and may block out light coming through the window.

If it is possible, they are better fixed as high up on a window as possible.  This also has the added benefit of making them look more impressive.

Generally speaking, the wider the window, the more swags there in the design.  The combination of the number of swags will depend on the design you go for, but as a rule of thumb it is better to use an uneven number of swags.  Where there are windows of dissimilar widths in the same room, a narrow window could have 1 swag, and a wide window could have 3 swags.

As with everything, there are exceptions to this rule.  For instance, if you were to use mini-tails (or Jabots) between each swag, then it is perfectly acceptable to use even numbers.

What is a Jabot

Most swags & tails are fitted onto a pelmet board.  They are arranged to give the illusion of continuous drapery although each element is made up and fitted separately.  As we have already seen, swags & tails are usually fitted on a pelmet board and may be either overlapped or butted up together in conjunction with Jabots.  However, swags & tails may also be fitted to poles.

For individual swags and tails on a pole, each element is made up separately and then fitted to the pole to give the impression that is has been wrapped around it.  Careful choice of pole is vital.  Wooden poles are the type used, and the thicker the diameter the better.  You must remember that when made, these items may be heavy, therefore the pole must be capable of taking the weight.

Since the pole is on show, go for one that is striking and will form as important a part of the design as the swags themselves.  The swags and tails are usually pinned or staples to the pole itself and then a separate discrete track is hidden beneath them for the curtains to hang from.

These swags & tails have been made more loosely and draped around the pole in a less strategic pattern, thus lending a more informal, relaxed feel to the overall design.

Different coloured fabrics that harmonise as a whole have been used to bring drama and warmth to the window.  The curtains have been set into a permanent, draped back position so the entire effect is only for dress purposes.  Generous amounts have been used to create a voluminous and voluptuous, almost decadent glamorous effect.

The side tails of the swags add length to the window treatment.  As the reverse sides of the tails are visible through the folds, they should be lined using a contrasting fabric.  The diagonal hem lines of the tails usually start level with the base of the swag, but this rule may also be adapted depending on the window and the overall design.

These swags and tails have been mounted onto a shaped pelmet. This takes careful design but the effect can be simply stunning.

Careful use of shapes, fabrics and colours can turn swags and tails into stunning contemporary pieces. Why not use a black back pelmet and white swags and tails with the same black lining the tails? Or use stunning shades of coffee and cream in suede fabric to create a modern effect.

These sumptuous looking swags and tails have been made in a fabulously rich brocade and have been finished with co-ordinating tassel fringing. Then they have been set against a backdrop of a fabric covered back panel which in turn has been mounted behind an ornate wooden pelmet. The overall effect is rich and impressive. Note the long length of the tails. This helps to elongate a window and long tails add glamour, balance and style to the composition. Try using tails that are at least two thirds the length of the curtains.

Long swags have been used over a window with dress curtains and pretty voile inner curtains. A contrasting fringe has been used on the swags, tails, dress curtains and inner voiles while tassels have been added for detail in place of jabots. The effect lends itself to a slightly exotic feel. Simply stunning.

DESIGN BENEFITS A sumptuous and impressive window treatment that will not fail to fascinate. Can be formal or deliberately casual. Surprisingly versatile Easily adapted for different widths of windows in the same room.

As we have already demonstrated, swags and tails are very versatile. home zone specializes in difficult windows, especially bays. Remember, if you want swags and tails, there is usually a design that will suit your window!

For example, this window could have been a nightmare, but planning and thought have enabled a simple, formal swag and tail design to be used to suit the clients needs.

Don’t ever be told that a window is impossible; there is usually a way around any problem!