Silk

Be sure to line silk drapes to protect them from sunlight and fading. An extra 12 to 18 inches at the bottom can form a nice puddle of fabric, but if you have kids and/or dogs, make it just a half inch longer so it breaks like suit pants on the floor.

If you love the look and feel of silk, but think it's too fragile, designers say it's surprisingly strong and these days they're using it in every room in the house. Silk is lustrous, elegant and dresses up a room like no other fabric.

Although it may seem lavish, anyone can add a touch of silk to their home by using it on furniture, as window treatments and bedding and for pillows. Plus, you can mix it with any style including modern, formal or traditional.

Don't worry about staining or hurting silk because there are a number of treatments available to repel water, wine, etc.

All silk is not created equal. There are actually many types; some are stronger than others and each one looks entirely different. Indian silk is hand-woven so it has a nubby texture similar to burlap. Silk linen is a much stronger fabric and smoother than Indian silk, but it still has the characteristic knots that give it texture. Silk is a little imperfect and that's what is beautiful about it.

low, medium and high-priced items:
red silk curtains (least expensive shown) (Target)
red faux silk panels (Sears)
red silk curtains (most expensive shown) (Restoration Hardware)
gold ruched pillow (least expensive), gold pillow with beaded trim, gold quilted pillow with red back (most expensive) (Macy's)