Shopping for draperies? Read this simple guide to help you find out more about your options and what works best for your room. This will save you from wasting time looking at draperies that won’t fit your window, and also help you answer the sales representative’s questions so he can immediately lead you to your options. Or, if you’re not sure what draperies you want, this article can help you see what’s out there.
Ready made draperies
Ready made draperies are very convenient. They come in standard lengths of 36, 45, 54, 72, 84, 95 inches, and widths of 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 inches. With this kind of variety you are sure to find ready made draperies for your window.
Ready made draperies come in different kinds of colors, textures, styles and fabrics. It’s best to go to the drapery store with a paint swatch that matches the color of your room. Also bear in mind the color of your furniture (read our tips on buying a sofa) and the overall mood or look, and whether you need to make a small room look bigger.
Made to length draperies
Made to length draperies give you even more freedom than ready made draperies because the store can cut the fabric according to your desires. You can also request special details like hidden seams or weighted corners. Though made to length draperies are more expensive, you save a lot of time going from store to store, because you can simply specify the style that you like: ‘I want blind stitching and a ruffle.’
However made to length draperies are still dictated by the menu of designs offered by the store. You are simply adjusting the dimensions. Some stores have wider menus than others, so do shop around. Your interior designer may also be able to recommend stores that offer made to length draperies.
Custom-Made draperies
Custom made draperies are quite expensive because you need to have them done in a custom work room. They are best suited If you have a very specialized request, for example an irregular sized window or a design problem that needs to be fixed with a particular window treatment.
You have full freedom in specifying the color and the pattern of the fabric. For example, you may wish to have a heavy fabric that will block out sound from a busy street, or match a pattern with your sofa or carpet.
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