Deciding to invest in custom drapes or curtains for your home is exciting. However, it also involves many considerations to ensure you end up with window treatments that suit your needs, style, and budget. As you begin the process, here are 12 key questions you should get answers to from drapery professionals before finalizing your custom drapery purchase.
1. What Are My Overall Design Goals?
Before diving into the specifics, first think about the overall vision and aesthetic goals you have for the space. Consider factors like:
– Intended room ambiance and style
– Décor elements you want the drapes to complement
– Ways you’d like the drapes to enhance the room and functionality
Having a clear sense of your objectives and priorities will help guide all the decisions to follow
2. Where Is the Best Place to Buy Quality Custom Drapes?
While many general home goods stores sell curtains and drapes, for a truly customized solution, it’s best to find a retailer specializing in custom window treatments. These experts can walk you through all the options and create drapes tailored to your exact windows and design needs. In the Austin, TX area, Bloomin’ Blinds is a premier destination for custom draperies, shades, shutters, and more.
3. What Window Measurements Do I Need?
Experts will need very precise measurements of your windows to craft drapes specifically for your space. Come prepared with details like:
– Exact window height and width
– Depth of window frame and sill
– Location of window handles and hardware
– Height from floor to top of window
– Distance between windows (for treatments spanning multiple windows)
Accurate measurements ensure proper light blocking, stack-back clearance, and optimal functionality.
4. How Do I Choose the Best Fabrics?
From rich velvets to breezy sheers, the fabric options for drapery are endless. Consider variables like:
Durability
Some fabrics like canvas and linen are very durable, while delicate sheers will require more care. Assess wear and tear factors in the room.
Texture
Prints, embroidered details, smooth satins, nubby weaves—explore different tactile fabrics to create the look you want.
Light Filtration
Sheers let in light, while blackouts block it out completely. Select fabrics that align with your light control needs.
Color/Pattern
Coordinate drapery fabrics with your overall color palette and room décor. Bold patterns make a statement, while neutral solids blend in.
Budget
Higher-end fabrics like silk can increase costs. Get pricing estimates for the fabrics you’re considering.
5. What Customization Options Should I Consider?
Some customization options include:
Length: Floor, puddle (piling at floor), sill, café (covering bottom half of window), or custom exact length
Style: Draw drapes, goblet (bell-shaped), rippled, inverted box pleat, rod pocket, and more
Headers: Plain, ruffled, tasseled
Embellishments: Banding, contrast fabrics, trims
Lining: Lined or unlined
Hardware: Finials, holdbacks, decorative rods
6. What's the Best Way to Mount the Draperies?
You’ll need to decide how you want the drapes mounted above the window. Here are some top options:
Rod Pocket
The fabric conceals a rod running through the top hem. Easy to install, but limits adjustments.
Hooks
Drapes attach via clips, rings, or Velcro to a rod or track. Allows for rearranging.
Tab Top
Fabric is looped through the rod top hem for a clean look. Requires precise measuring.
7. How Much Do Custom Drapes Cost?
Costs vary based on the fabric, construction, size, customizations, and more. However, expect pricing in these general ranges:
Basic ready-made: $20-$100 per panel
Middle tier custom: $100-$800 per window
High-end custom: $800-$1,500+ per window
Work with retailers to balance your budget with your design desires. Quality custom drapery is an investment that can drastically enhance your space for years to come.
Costs vary based on the fabric, construction, size, customizations, and more.
Work with retailers to balance your budget with your design desires. Quality custom drapery is an investment that can drastically enhance your space for years to come.
8. What Are the Best Ways to Clean and Care for Drapes?
Follow any specific care instructions from your fabric supplier. However, in general:
– Vacuum gently using proper drapery attachments.
– Spot treat stains gently with mild detergent. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.
– For professional wet cleaning, work with companies experienced in drapery care.
– Take down, dry-clean, and rehang drapes once a year to keep them fresh.
9. What's Involved in the Installation Process?
Installation specifics will depend on your window type and the mounting method selected. However, the retailer will generally measure, create, and install your tailored drapes. Installation includes:
– Marking drape length and clip locations
– Hanging drapery rods and hardware
– Attaching drapes to rods using clips, tabs, or rings
– Ensuring proper pleat spacing and stack back
Some installations can take as little as an hour, while complicated projects may require multiple visits.
10. How Do I Choose the Right Styles for My Windows?
Consider what styles best suit your window shapes and sizes. Some guidelines:
– For small windows, avoid too many ornate details, which can overwhelm.
– Floor-length drapes help elongate short, wide windows.
– Rippled styles add movement for large or arched windows.
– Pinch pleat drapes work well on standard rectangular windows.
– Long, narrow windows look best with drapes framing the window.
11. What Order Should I Hang Drapes in the Room?
Proper drapery order creates an attractive, cohesive look:
1. Outer curtains: Hang as window frames to complement the room.
2. Interior/under curtains: Provide privacy and light filtration.
3. Decorative swags/cascades: Optional for added drama.
4. Valances: Top treatments to conceal rods and hardware.
12. How Can Drapes Enhance My Room's Use and Ambiance?
Beyond décor, consider functional benefits like:
Privacy – Opaque drapes allow control over visibility.
Light Control – Darker drapes block light for sleep and media rooms.
Insulation – Thicker drapes add warmth in winter and cooling in summer.
Acoustics – Drapes help absorb sound in loud environments.
Aesthetics – Visually expand small spaces and accentuate architectural details.
Ready to Find Your Custom Drapery Solution? Contact Bloomin’ Blinds Today!
Meeting with a drapery design expert is key to deciding on the perfect custom drapes. Be sure to ask:
– What style and fabric choices do you recommend for my space and goals?
– How much do different textiles and customization options cost?
– What are the pros and cons of different hanging methods for my windows?
– Do you provide measuring, installation, and home consultations?
– Can you show me examples of previous custom drapery projects?
Our team of window treatment experts can help answer all your questions and craft custom drapery that fits your windows, style, and needs for any room perfectly. Book your free design consultation today to get started creating your ideal aesthetic with personalized drapes!
