Strung Out Monday, August 31, 2009 Coming up with new, interesting, budget-friendly aesthetics for event and exhibit environments can be a challenge, but a look around event stages and big trade show floors shows the trend toward leveraging string curtain material in intriguing ways. These textiles started out primarily as high-class window treatments for interior and residential applications. European designers have been using them as accents for events and exhibits in recent years, and now the trend is hitting the States. Whether it’s used as an accent in the vertical space above an environment, combined with lighting effects, or used as a replacement for hard architecture, designers have officially begun pushing the limits of string curtains. Four things to keep in mind from the outset before you join the string revolution: Variations. These curtains are extremely lightweight, and the price per square foot is a very economical way to put décor into large spaces.  “We’ve used them as room dividers, ceiling pieces like lighted chandeliers, and curtains for productions,” says Josh Jacobstein, a director with Rose Brand. The height typically goes up to 20 feet tall, with panels between five and 10 feet wide that can be mounted together for a seamless look. It’s important to check the specific string material, as Rayon string cannot be fireproofed—a major no-no in some venues. Polyester-based string, however, can be fireproofed. Most suppliers stock a variety of colors, though white and gray are the heavy hitters. “Gray is easier to keep clean and takes light just as well, so it may be better for traveling shows,” says Dazian director of production services Wade Wesson. How They Hang. Anywhere you can hang a curtain you can hang the drape—using pipe and base, truss, Velcro attachments, or grommets. “You’re going to want to go with a rigid attachment point, otherwise the bottom may not be straight,” Wesson says. The string curtains can also be trimmed onsite without the material fraying. If the product comes out of the case a little uneven, or if you want to trim it into an archway, it can be done with a standard pair of scissors. Lighting. Combining lighting with the curtains can create a cool layered look of colors and motion, hiding what’s behind the curtain enough to build intrigue. Color choice does have an effect on lighting results. “While white gives you a cooler, brighter light, gray gives a warmer, softer light,” Wesson says. Media projection is also an option for the curtains. “It’s not high-res but results in a very interesting look,” Jacobstein says. Trouble-shooting. These curtains do tend to tangle—especially in the longer lengths—but preventative maintenance can go a long way toward avoiding big problems onsite. The experts suggest tying them off several times (every five feet or so) along the length of the curtains. The smaller the sections you tie off, the less problems you’ll have. “Tie and untie them while they’re hanging, it makes life easier. Otherwise it really can be a nightmare—you end up with a ball of knots,” Wesson says.
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