A tailored balloon is one where the front of the treatment is flat with all the fullness in the pleats giving the window treatment a much more tailored look. You can put anywhere from 4″ to 10″ in each pleat and beyond. The more fabric in each pleat means the more fullness along the bottom of the balloon. A tailored balloon shade works best as a stationary valance keeping the wrinkles at bay. Some softer fabrics or non wrinkle fabrics will work great as a working balloon but you will have to play with them and adjust them from time to time to keep them looking great.
A horizontal stripe gives a modern look to this traditional design.
by Susan Dorbeck