Things To Consider Before Purchasing Custom Drapes

When you decide to purchase custom drapes for your home, you are able to choose the fabric, color, style and pattern that suits your own individual tastes, and while you may pay more for this luxury, custom drapes afford you more flexibility in terms of your own design preferences and personal needs. Here are some things to consider before purchasing your new window treatments.

Measure Right

To determine the amount of fabric that will be necessary to make your drapes, accurate measurements will need to be taken. Your drapery professional can use a laser tape measure to ensure a precise fit; however, if you will be taking the measurements yourself, you'll need to follow a few guidelines.

Home decorating professionals often recommend that you allow approximately 6 inches for the hem, or length of the drape, and another 6 inches to allow for the top casing. These estimates may be more generous than what is actually needed, however, it's better to allow for a little more fabric, than not enough.

Choosing Your Fabric

You'll need to choose your fabric based on your lifestyle and functionality of the room that the drapes will be in. Washable, strong fabrics are best for play or family rooms, where formal rooms might be enhanced by velvet or silk fabrics, which insulate well, but are usually "dry clean only."

If you are seeking a more practical or washable option, choose a rayon blend. For a casual room, flowing linen or a crushed, crinkly velveteen may appeal to you, while cotton blends generally work well with all types of home decor. Cotton window treatments are cost-effective and great for all seasons, as are wool blends.

When choosing bedroom curtains, a heavy fabric that offers "blackout" qualities may be appropriate, unless you plan on accenting your window with a matching blind to block outdoor light. Blackout curtains not only block out the light, they can also help you save on energy bills, while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are associated with energy consumption and production. 

While most people prefer full-length curtains for their bedrooms, sill-length may be a better choice for others. Bathroom curtains can either be make from thick fabric for privacy, or a lighter fabric to accentuate an opaque or glass block window.

Color Choices

In order to choose the most appropriate color for your drapes, you'll need to decide if you want them to match or contrast with your furniture, paint and floor covering. To blend your window treatments, choose curtains that are similar in color to your walls, but slightly darker.

Keep in mind that if you purchase unlined curtains, the sun will shine through the fabric and infuse color tones throughout the room. Pink, orange or yellow color infusions can look cheerful and bright, while blue curtains can lend a mysterious tone to your room.

Pattern Preferences

When choosing a pattern for your custom drapes, keep in mind that solid patterns work best if your furniture, rugs or bedding are patterned. Conversely, if your bedding, rugs or furniture are solid, a patterned-curtain may complement your decor better.

Stylish, upbeat patterns such as paisley, geometric shapes, dots or subtle neutral prints will give your room a subtle energy, while large, attention-grabbing patterns will become the focal point of the room and create a dramatic look.

To learn more about making the best decision when purchasing custom drapes, visit a retailer in your area for more information about correct color and pattern choices, as well as which fabrics would be the best choice for your lifestyle, home decor preferences, budget and privacy needs.