On a pair of draperies, even on a one way draw drapery panel, there is a “lead edge” and a “return”. The lead edge is the side of the drapery panel that draws across the window first. It is the space from the outer edge of the side hem to the first pleat, and usually measures 3″ to 3.5″ wide. The return is the same space on the other side of the drapery panel, the back side. This is the portion of the drapery panel that “returns” to the wall and is permanently attached to the wall. Returns can measure as much as 7.5″ wide depending the multiple layers in your window treatment. If there are no layers under the draperies, the returns will be 3.5″ to 4″ wide, and your bracket will project 3.5″ from the wall. If there is a valance (pronounced VAL ance, accent on VAL. Not val ANCE, accent on ANCE.) under your draperies, the return will probably be 5.5″ to 6″ wide, and you will purchase a bracket with a 5.5″ projection from the wall. If there is a blind mounted outside the window, then sheers, then draperies mounted over all layers, your returns will be 7.5″ to 8″ wide and your bracket will have 7.5″ projection from the wall. Dressing a window in more than 3 layers will result in the draperies projecting into the room a bit too far. You should limit your layers to three. This rule of thumb for returns is proper for valances and cornices mounted over layers of a window treatment, also.
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