What is swagging? (And I’m not talking about the urban dictionary definition that’s for sure!) I’m talking about décor swagging. It’s the draping of fabric between two points. It’s a personal décor style of mine that creates a sense of décor drama inexpensively. Now my mother, who is a fantastic decorator disagrees. She swears my house will go up quickly in flames due to all the fabric throughout! Above all, I’m a very cost-conscious decorator especially with things or designs that aren’t permanent or even semi-permanent. I would never buy expensive drapery but I would certainly buy high-end doors, fixtures and cabinets. I know the likelihood of me wanting to change the design of a room after 3 years is very likely so why waste the coins, right? And décor swagging doesn’t just stop at windows for me. I have done swags to cover unsightly wall plates, to enhance ways with no doors, on or over bed posts and headboards, or simply as a design feature from the ceiling or around a wall feature. Swagging is also good for all sorts of event draping, especially tents. It may seem a bit intimidating to do yourself at first, but trust me, once you get started, and you do it a few times, it won’t be anymore.
So after assessing the area to determine creatively what I want and how much fabric is needed, I go to the discount fabric store in search of my vision. And as far as which hardware to use, you can swag the fabric through sconces, over and around rods, with finials or even with nails and hooks directly on the wall or window. Once I have my fabric I can get to work with the actual “swagging” which is manipulating the fabric from point-to-point; draping, tucking or wrapping to create the look I have in mind. Once I’ve finished creating my look I finish it off with puddling. Puddling is where you leave enough fabric at the bottom to be manipulated so that it looks like a puddle. I personally don’t care for any type of swag, drape, window or wall treatment that simply goes to the floor and stops, or a table cloth that isn’t puddled as well. Puddling makes the look very luxurious and dramatic. (the only place I want drama in my life!) There are a ton of Youtube “How-to” videos out there to assist in the process. Thank God for the internet!
