Custom Draperies 101
Say Yes to Great Fabric, Liner and Hardware
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator of Decor Demon, lifestyle editorial with an edge. http://www.decordemon.com
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator... More »
I'm the biggest $@!#%& snob when it comes to dressing windows. My rule of thumb: Leave those panes bare until you're ready to drop some cash on the real deal. Pre-fab panels can sometimes turn out pretty nice, but most of the time they become a wrinkled, too-short, too-tall mess.
I've gathered 8 well done examples sure to fit a wide variety of budgets and architectural styles. Next time you open a fashion catalog, say NO to that new houndstooth scarf and instead say YES to fabrication, liner and hardware. Trust me, your windows, your soul and your sense of privacy will appreciate it.
I've gathered 8 well done examples sure to fit a wide variety of budgets and architectural styles. Next time you open a fashion catalog, say NO to that new houndstooth scarf and instead say YES to fabrication, liner and hardware. Trust me, your windows, your soul and your sense of privacy will appreciate it.
The inverted box pleat is the go-to style used by one of my favorite interior designers, Betsy Burnham. Sure, this particular space is feminine, but for the most part, inverted box pleats are a great trick to giving draperies a more masculine or gender-neutral feel. When closed, they have a super tailored, boxy feeling. Stack them back and they create a sleek, uniform look which allows the hardware to shine.
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| An advantage to custom draperies is the ability to create subtle yet graphic impact with borders. If you're afraid of prints, this is a great compromise.
DIY tip: If you wanna do this yourself, keep in mind you'll need 3.5 yards of solid fabric for every single-width 8-ft panel. To create the border, you'll need approximately 1 more yard per panel, depending on the width of your desired border. Since the look is all about the contrast versus texture or pattern, sticking with $8.99 cotton duck will do just fine. |
Tie-backs: an uber-traditional approach to dressing windows. I sometimes have issues with tie-backs. They can look super stuffy and bore me to tears, especially when they don't really have anything to be tying draperies back from.
Here's a perfect example of tie-backs with two real tasks. First up, these tie-backs aid in capitalizing on the view. The pair can be pushed back in place allowing its bathing homeowner to peer out. Next, the tie-backs keep the panels safely in place just above the harmful wet surface.
Here's a perfect example of tie-backs with two real tasks. First up, these tie-backs aid in capitalizing on the view. The pair can be pushed back in place allowing its bathing homeowner to peer out. Next, the tie-backs keep the panels safely in place just above the harmful wet surface.
Something you'll be asked when creating custom draperies is, "How do you want these to break?" This refers to how the bottoms will hit the floor. I try and stay away from the puddled look because it's not ideal for homes with shedding animals. Instead, I opt for drapes that break directly at the surface of the floor. The overall look is clean, tailored and carefree.
Those of you longing for an ounce of the puddled look, consider 1/2-inch of extra fabric for a leaning, stacked-back break along the floor.
Those of you longing for an ounce of the puddled look, consider 1/2-inch of extra fabric for a leaning, stacked-back break along the floor.
Here's an example of a fixed curtain. These puppies aren't meant to function; they visually separate space.
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| Here's a cost saver. If you don't have the clams to shell out for pricy hardware, instead opt for a header made from painted plywood or drywall. Once the header is built and in place, add standard drapery track up and inside of it. While your custom draperies are proudly on display, the tricky little track on the inside will be out of sight. |
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| The uber-masculine, uber-modern approach to window dressing: remote-controlled blinds. Although I usually detest blinds, they work well in modern spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows. With just one click, the blinds rise to allow light in, or they fall, blocking it out...so you can turn on Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion. Why? Because you, like me, love that movie yet don't want your neighbors to know you're watching it. |
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| Although your biggest focus on custom draperies should be how they'll look and function inside your home, don't forget about the exterior. Sticking with white liner pretty much always guarantees you'll be able to appreciate them just as much while outside with a leafblower as you will inside with a martini. |
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| Although I often dissuade people from using pre-fab, store-bought panels, they can be done right. In this case, clip rings attached to nearly sheer white panels allow them to move with the breeze. There would be no need for custom pleats to help the fabric stack tightly since the overall purpose is for the window dressing to add to the casual, breezy aesthetic. Try IKEA's RITVA at only $19.99 per pair. |
Ideabook published on Dec. 20, 2010.
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Great post and I totally agree. Save your money until you can do something fantastic for your windows! Custom makes such a difference {and YES, custom costs more than off-the-shelf since they are made expressly for YOUR windows with a fabric YOU choose, by artisans who have honed their skills}.
Great post!
Ellen
nouveaustitch.wordpress.com
Since they are not all the same height, I find it challenging and believe I need custom drapes. If anyone knows of a website or company that can make these for me that would be appreciated. Thanks!
Good window treatments really finish a home and make it feel comfortable and personal.
www.conniesworkroom.com
Now sewing can be your friend here, as a drapery with a simple "rod pocket" end is just a pocket, two narrow folds, and a folded hem. Plain valances could be used, but with a husband handy with a saw, I chose to make a solid plywood "valance." It has a soft fiber layer, then material to match the draperies with a 1" fringe, and upholstery "tacks" which are bronze. This structure is mounted above the window to seal any air leaks and heat loss at the upper window.
Some great jacquard(sp), brocades, and heavy decorator cottons are to be had online in places like eBay and lining fabric is also available.
Just remember, if you do try to sew your own draperies and you have no experience with doing this, go slow, and keep an eye on your lines. Sewing long straight lines you can quickly go crooked and be picking out stitches. Take your time and mark your seams. The end results can be beautiful, and be a matter of pride.
We are in Portland my company is filling spaces, Website fillingspaces.com
love to help you with custom drapery
There were a lot of changes I wanted to make when we moved in and a lot of furniture I wanted to buy. Instead of buying temporary pieces to finish the rooms I decided to buy a few quality pieces and splurged on hiring a custom window seamstress to come to my home and design window treatments for a few of the public rooms.
Since cost was an issue and I wanted to showcase the unique window moldings and let in lots of natural light, she designed and installed window valances and cornice boards. They look gorgeous and are an interesting departure from the standard floor to ceiling drapery panels that are usually seen these days. Plus I was able to splurge on luxury fabrics that would have been cost prohibitive if I had opted for panels.
It will be a long time before I will be able to afford to finish decorating our home but the window treatments were worth it.
I specialize in designing window treatments (www.annelubnerdesigns.com) because I love to do more than just dress the window. I design window treatments, especially ones made with fabric (draperies, valances, cornices, etc.) to pull the room together and make the difference between a room feeling cozy and inviting vs. stark and unfinished. After what seems like years of seeing rooms with naked windows featured in shelter magazines, I'm happy to see magazines featuring draperies again!
tkim, sometimes it's the challenges (such as your varying height windows) that can inspire the coolest designs! I work with clients all over the country via the internet, designing on a photo of your room, mailing swatches, etc. Email me if you're interested in learning more.
Custom window fashions, like the accessories to the perfect black dress, are the hallmark of a beautiful home.
Steven
P.S. My guess, a ethnic print fabric could add an exotic touch to your style. Good luck.
Barb wyckoff
Jc penney custom decorator
Ny
- Remote operation (for draperies, roller shades, roman, verticals, skylight systems, etc.)
- Timing and sensory control
- Integration and building management
- Light management
- Sustainability and energy conservation
- Protection of artwork and textiles
- and more
There’s more to it than just motorization. We are prepared to support your project from the stages of design all the way to helping the sub-contractors (whether electrical or window covering installers) through the final installation and inspections. We realize that in certain cases, window automation or motorization can be intimidating, so we are here to help your experience with motorization be as pleasant as possible.