Lambrequins: For the Bold at Heart

 “Lambrequins are for the bold at heart. The individuals who know how to make a statement in their spaces and are unapologetic about it. The ones that want to dress a room not simply furnish it,” said Andrea Cummin-Disbro, CEO and Principal Designer at Lost Orchid Interiors, In an Instagram post about this fabulous project.

At Vitalia Inc., we have a deep appreciation for the timeless elegance of traditional window treatments. While modern designs have their own understated beauty, sometimes the architecture and style of a room call for a dramatic approach. In a recent collaboration with the uber-talented  Lost Orchid Interiors, we designed a contemporary interpretation of a lesser-known traditional window treatment – the lambrequin, adding the perfect amount of pageantry to this lovely space.

Throughout the process, the team at Vitalia Inc. worked hand-in-hand with Andrea. Here, window treatment specialist Beata helps in selecting the perfect fabrics, trims, and embellishments to create a custom piece that will elevate the entire room.

What is a lambrequin?

A traditional lambrequin has sides that continue to the window sill, or even to the floor.

A lambrequin is a decorative, often ornate panel mounted above a window or door and extending down the sides. Historically, lambrequins were made of wood or fabric and served to conceal drapery hardware and provide extra insulation. They were popular in grand, formal spaces during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, but have stood the test of time in luxury design.

When considering a lambrequin for your design project, it's helpful to understand its similarities to a cornice. Both are decorative top treatments mounted above the frame. What sets a lambrequin apart from a cornice is a more elaborate design with sides that extend to the window sill, or even to the floor.

How is a lambrequin constructed?

At Vitalia Inc., precise measurements are always one of the first steps in our process, before fabrication can begin, to ensure exact fittings. This is especially important in older and historic homes which rarely have plumb walls.

After measuring, a mock-lambrequin template, constructed by Beata, is used to ensure proper fitting, fabric selection, and trim placement.

With more than 30 years of experience, our lead fabricator Boris is one of our workroom experts that makes our flawless results possible.

In our state-of-the-art workroom, our skilled artisans expertly brought this custom design to life using a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology. After the wood frame was precision cut, it was upholstered by hand to ensure a flawless fit and finish — with special attention given to the ornate details and trim work that define the lambrequin style.

Fabricated entirely by hand, this custom lambrequin will add a touch of traditional elegance to Lost Orchid Interiors’ final design.

A Modern Take on the Traditional Lambrequin

For this custom window treatment, Andrea wanted to frame the windows without extending fully down the sides. We helped design a lambrequin-cornice hybrid, blending the two styles to combine tradition and elegance.

Working closely with Lost Orchid Interiors on the design, we created a unique hybrid design that combines the essence of a lambrequin with the clean lines of a modern cornice. The result is a captivating and sophisticated focal point that elevates the entire room. What sets this approach apart is that it does not extend too far down the sides of the window, making it a perfect blend of both styles – a lambrequin-cornice hybrid. The custom-made lambrequin-cornice beautifully frames the windows, adding depth and dimension to the space while showcasing the exquisite floral curtains beneath.

From the hand-stitching to the intricate trim, attention to detail and commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of this bespoke window treatment.

When the brilliant and talented Andrea Cummin-Disbro of Lost Orchid Interiors approached us with her concept for this one-of-a-kind window treatment, we were thrilled at the opportunity to partner with her and bring her creative vision to life. From the initial design discussions to the final installation, our team worked closely with Andrea to ensure that every detail aligned perfectly with her inspired idea.

Before the upholstery process is finished, trim placement is finalized with the designer.

Trim and cording, both by Samuel & Sons, are tacked in place on the padded board before final upholstery.

At Vitalia Inc., every detail is tended by hand. Here, the trim and cording are ready to be hand-sewn for a finishing touch on this custom lambrequin-cornice hybrid.

In the case of this lambrequin-cornice hybrid, the construction details were carefully considered to ensure a cohesive look. The piece was expertly crafted using the finest materials, including luxurious fabrics, elegant trims, and high-quality hardware. The lambrequin-cornice hybrid was designed to be layered over stationary drapery panels, in a gorgeous House of Hackney Artemis Linen floral fabric, creating a rich, multi-dimensional effect that adds depth and interest to the window treatment.

This vintage-inspired floral fabric was the perfect fit for this project — suiting the historic home, the client’s vision, and Andrea’s design.

This stunning, one-of-a-kind window treatment perfectly complements the room's decor and showcases the beauty of the floral drapery panels beneath.

At Vitalia Inc., we understand that a project like this, with its multiple elements and layers, requires a high level of support and personalization. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and attention to detail throughout the entire process, from initial concept to final installation. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and preferences, offering guidance and expertise to help bring their vision to life.