Many times I’m asked about ways to quickly change an old or drab space into a new and fresh feeling room.  If you’ve followed my blogs over the years you’ll have picked up on many of those solutions like pillows, lighting and accessories.  However, one way to add a refined ‘freshened’ appearance to a room (that will cost more than pillows and or lighting) is custom drapery. 

We have clients (and friends) who like to pick up drapery panels off the shelf.  While this is a way to add drapery panels, many times the full effect of these additions is lost in the details.  Like anything in design, the real payoff is in the details.  And, when we speak of details, our design operations manager Emily, is one of the best in the world.  Based on her passion for precision, I asked her to guest blog as it relates to her experiences participating in nearly all of our client installs.  Emily’s words of wisdom are as follows:

Whenever we are at an install and the draperies go up, we are in awe by how quickly they transform the room. Besides the color scheme, the window treatments are one of the first selections that are made during the design process.

Here are the top three reasons to take the leap and invest in custom drapery panels for your home.

1. You are creating a unique, one of a kind look

When creating your custom draperies, there are endless possibilities that can be suited towards your taste. From classic to contemporary, we have hundreds of fabric books and various trims that can be paired together to create your vision.

In the image below, our design team paired a simple white and black linen to create a artistically chic look. Although the color scheme is simple, the elements of this room are special and eye catching.

In this next photo, the draperies contain three separate elements, 2 fabrics & a trim. You won’t be able to find something “ready made” with this detail!  When you are in the room, you really notice this ‘wow’ factor.

Another aspect to take into account when creating custom draperies is pleat style. Options range from Cartridge (more casual) to French (more formal) which can further foster the room you have envisioned. There are many options available and choosing your style can transform your dream into a reality.

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2. You have the option to create “fully functional” or “decorative only” draperies

There are two options when creating custom draperies, decorative or functional.

Below are draperies that are functional. As you can tell these are hung between 10-12” higher to make the windows & room appear larger. This gives the room a grand look & feel.

The second option is to have draperies that are decorative only and are meant to make a statement. These draperies are also hung 10-12” above the window frame to draw the eye upwards. Although these draperies do not close to cover this window, they were designed so they would not encroach on the beautiful view of the Texas Hill Country outside.  Although no one wanted to block the view, it was also recognized that drapery panels add the warmth and finishing touch that a room needs.

3. Draperies are the focal point of the room

Window treatments typically make a large style statement.  They can pull together the room with color and pattern. Light, airy fabrics can brighten up a space and bold, patterned panels can add a statement when paired with neutral furnishings.

Below are examples of draperies that have a classic hand and give the space a feeling of serenity.

Custom draperies are always an integral part of our design projects because they finish a room.

If you are interested in custom draperies, don’t be intimidated! Before you get started, below are four questions to consider:

1. How tall do you want your draperies to be?

2. Do you want them to be fully functional or purely decorative?

3. What type of pleat style are you interested in?

4. Do you want to upgrade the lining to something thicker or possibly block out the sun?

Feel free to reach out to us if you would like to explore custom draperies for your home.  You can stop into the store or send us an email.  We hope to help you create the perfect draperies for your home!