Hello,

As one of several people who have been involved with the draperies at the Bartow-Pell Mansion in The Bronx, I can advise you that we have many different fixtures in our historic house, some dating back to the 1940's!  Our large windows also have shutters that are opened and closed nearly every day.  Therefore, tension curtain rods are not sufficient because regular rods that screw into fixtures in the woodwork are necessary to keep them from falling.  Draperies can be carefully attached to the woodwork or a wooden frame, depending on the weight of the fabric.  We have used velcro for a simple light valance that can be removed for cleaning.  

In the case of our mansion, professional decorators with technicians have been consulted, as well as museum professionals  on the staff of the American Wing, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Every window is different, as you know.  We simply do not have the expertise to answer your questions. We have used modern methods on our tall windows, but more authentic ones on our two sets of bed hangings.

Mary Huber

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