Custom drapery can instantly elevate the look of any room. Drapes add color, dimension, and texture.
Let’s walk through the key considerations for choosing custom drapes that perfectly fit your Idaho home!
5 Factors to Consider
Choosing custom drapery for your home may seem overwhelming, but breaking the process down into key considerations will simplify your decision.
We like to start by thinking about your drapery’s function. (It’s different for every space!) Next, we think about the unique features of your space. Finally, we consider how your window treatments can enhance your room’s design.
Let’s get started.
1. The Function of Your Room
The first thing to consider is the purpose of the room where the drapes will hang.
Is it a space for relaxing, entertaining, working, or sleeping?
Your room’s function will lead you to the right style and fabric for your drapery based on the level of privacy and light control you need, and the ambiance you want to achieve.
- Bedrooms: In a bedroom, you want privacy and darkness for restful sleep. We recommend heavier fabrics, like velvet or blackout-lined drapery, to block out light.
- Living rooms: These spaces often benefit from lighter fabrics, such as linen or sheer drapery. These fabrics allow natural light to brighten the room while still providing some privacy.
- Home offices: Consider light-filtering fabrics that allow in sunlight without the glare. This will make it more comfortable for you to work at your computer.
- Kitchens and bathrooms: Here, you’ll want fabrics that withstand moisture and are easy to clean, like cotton or linen blends.
2. Your Views
Do you have a great view that looks out at a park or your front yard? Or do you have a window that just looks at the side of your neighbor’s house? Either way, we definitely want to consider your view!
- Scenic views: If you have a beautiful view, consider mounting wide drapery panels beyond your window frame. This way, you can fully open your drapes during the day and enjoy your view without covering any of the scenery. Then you can close your drapes at night for privacy.
- Privacy concerns: For rooms that face other houses or high-traffic areas, you’ll probably appreciate drapes with a thicker fabric or a light-filtering liner.
3. The Size of Your Windows
Custom drapery allows you to play with proportions to make your windows appear larger. If you have a grand view, it will look even more impressive.
- Smaller windows: To make a smaller window seem larger, hang the drapery rod a few inches above the window frame, or extend the rod beyond the sides of the frame. This draws the eye upward and outward, creating the illusion of a larger window.
- Large windows: Large or floor-to-ceiling windows are a statement piece in any room. You’ll want to choose wider, longer drapery panels to ensure the window treatment complements the scale of your window. If you’re concerned about excess light, you can layer sheer shades beneath your drapes to filter light when your drapes are open.
4. Where Drapery Will Hang
Next, we like to think about the architectural features of your room and how your drapes will interact with them.
- High ceilings: Drapes can emphasize the height of a room. You can mount your drapery closer to the ceiling to make the space feel taller, drawing attention upward.
- Kitchens and bathrooms: Many clients opt for shorter drapes in these rooms so that they don’t get in the way. You can hang the drapery just below the window sill for a neat, tailored look.
5. Your Décor
Finally, it’s important to make sure your drapery complements your décor. Whether your style is modern, traditional, or eclectic, the right drapery can tie your room together.
- Modern interiors: For a sleek, minimalist look, consider simple styles like ripplefold drapery in neutral tones. These give you clean lines and understated elegance.
- Traditional interiors: Rich fabrics like velvet or silk in pinch pleat styles create a more luxurious and classic look, perfect for formal living or dining rooms.
- Eclectic or contemporary styles: In these styles, you can mix and match patterns or colors. Custom drapery allows you to choose fabrics that coordinate with your furniture, rugs, artwork, and accent pieces to create memorable, personalized designs.
Remember, drapery is one of the largest visual elements in a room. For this reason, it’s essential that it aligns with your room’s overall theme.
By considering these key factors – function, views, window size, placement, and décor – you can choose custom drapery that makes a big impact on your home’s overall aesthetic.
The Drawbacks of Ready-Made Drapery
Ready-made drapery may seem like a convenient and budget-friendly option, but it comes with several limitations that can affect both the look and functionality of your windows.
- Limited Sizing: Ready-made drapery typically comes in standard lengths and widths, which rarely fit windows properly. Drapes that are an inch too short can look awkward, while those that are too long can drag on the floor, collecting dust and dirt.
- Lack of Customization: Ready-made options don’t offer the opportunity to customize fabric type, lining, or special features like blackout or thermal insulation. You’re also limited in the styles and heading options (such as pleats or grommets).
- Fewer Patterns and Colors: Ready-made drapes are mass-produced in a limited selection of colors and patterns. Ultimately, you may have to compromise on design. On the other hand, custom drapes allow you to select from a wide range of fabrics and finishes to match your vision.
Overall, while ready-made drapery may work in a pinch, custom drapes offer the best fit and style for your Idaho home.
Choosing Materials
Selecting the right material for your custom drapery is crucial. It affects not only the look but also the function of your window treatments.
Different fabrics offer different textures, light control, and insulation properties. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Velvet: Known for its luxurious texture, velvet adds richness to a room. It’s a thicker fabric, so it’s ideal for formal settings or rooms where you want to block out light or create a cozy feel.
- Linen: Linen drapes have a more relaxed, natural look. They let in a soft amount of light and are perfect for spaces where you want to maintain an airy, light-filled vibe without sacrificing privacy.
- Sheer: If your goal is to diffuse sunlight while maintaining your view, sheer fabrics are a great choice. They offer a soft, breezy feel and are perfect for layering with heavier drapery for added privacy or style.
- Wool: Wool is highly durable and great for insulation. It’s an excellent option for homes in colder climates or for rooms that could benefit from a bit more temperature control, like a living room with large windows.
- Silk: For an elegant, high-end look, silk drapery adds sophistication. However, it is a more delicate fabric and may require lining or maintenance to avoid fading in direct sunlight.
When choosing materials, think about both the aesthetic and practical needs of your room. Custom drapery allows you to pick the fabric that best suits your style while also ensuring the drapes perform the way you need them to.
What Are Side Panels?
Side panels are narrower drapery panels designed to frame your windows rather than fully cover them. They are often used for decorative purposes, adding visual interest and balance to a window treatment without the functionality of full drapes.
Here’s are some reasons people choose to incorporate side panels.
- Decorative Accent: Side panels offer a way to add texture, pattern, or color to a window without overwhelming the space. They are ideal for layering over roller shades or blinds, adding softness and elegance to a more minimalist window treatment.
- Style Enhancement: Side panels are perfect for creating a more tailored look. For example, in a traditional or formal room, side panels in rich fabrics like velvet or silk can elevate the overall design. In more casual spaces, linen side panels add a relaxed, yet polished vibe.
- Framing Your View: If you have a great view, side panels help frame it without blocking it. You can mount them on the outer edges of the window, leaving the center open to allow in natural light and highlight your surroundings.
In sum, side panels are a versatile and stylish way to enhance a room without the bulk of full-length drapery.
Drapery and Side Panel Styles
Custom drapery and side panels come in a variety of styles. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options and when they work best:
Drapery Styles
- Two-Finger Pinch Pleat: This style creates a tailored, formal look with a more structured feel. It’s perfect for traditional or formal settings, like dining rooms or elegant living rooms.
- Two-Finger European Pinch Pleat: Similar to the traditional pinch pleat but with a more relaxed, European flair. It’s ideal for casual or contemporary interiors where you want a mix of elegance and simplicity.
- Ripplefold: Ripplefold drapery has soft, continuous folds that create a sleek, modern look. It works well in minimalist or modern homes and is also great for rooms with a lot of natural light, as it allows the fabric to hang evenly and move fluidly.
Side Panel Styles
- Two-Finger Pinch Pleat: This style also works for side panels, offering a formal and elegant frame for your windows. Pair it with matching full drapery or use it on its own for a subtle accent.
- Two-Finger European Pinch Pleat: Again, this style adds a relaxed sophistication, perfect for layering over shades in a cozy living space or bedroom.
- Grommet: Grommet side panels are modern and casual, ideal for family rooms or informal spaces. The metal grommets create clean, even folds, and are easy to open and close.
Combining Drapery with Shades
For added versatility and style, consider layering drapery with shades. With this combination, you’ll get even more control over your room’s lighting, so you can easily adjust your room’s mood throughout the day.
Coordinating with Your Interior Design
The details you add to your interior can elevate the look of your room and tie the whole design together.
Coordinating accessories like hardware, valances, and pillows can complement your drapes and create a cohesive design that feels intentional and polished.
- Coordinating Hardware: Sleek metal hardware pairs well with modern or minimalist drapes. Ornate or wooden rods can enhance a more traditional look.
- Valances: Adding a valance at the top of your drapes brings a finished, tailored feel to the window. Valances are especially useful if you want to conceal curtain rods or blind mechanisms. They can be made from the same fabric as your drapes for a seamless look or in a contrasting color to add visual interest.
- Custom Pillows and Decor: Ordering extra fabric from your drapery project gives you the opportunity to create matching pillows, table runners, or even upholstered headboards. These touches can pull a room together and make it feel custom-tailored from top to bottom.
By layering these elements, you can ensure your window treatments feel fully integrated, and give balance and harmony to your room.
How to Get the Perfect Fit
Custom drapery is all about achieving a tailored look. Here are a few key tips to help you get that just-right fit.
- Leave Space Between the Drapes and Floor: Drapes that hang too long can drag and collect dust, while those that are too short will look unfinished. The ideal fit leaves about a half-inch of space between the drapes and the floor.
- Mount Drapery Higher: To make your ceilings appear taller, mount your drapery a few inches above the window frame. This simple trick can elevate your room’s overall design and create a sense of spaciousness.
- Bathroom and Kitchen Windows: In spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, where floor-length drapes aren’t practical, consider hanging drapery just below the window sill. This creates a neat, functional look while still adding softness to the space.
By focusing on these details, you can ensure your drapery not only looks good but also functions well in your home.
Add Glamor to Your Home with Drapery
Custom drapery is a chance to make a design statement. Whether you’re looking for something classic and timeless or modern and bold, custom drapery offers a tailored solution that’s both functional and beautiful.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless! By working with a professional designer, you’ll be able to style drapery that perfectly suits your Idaho home.
Are you ready to enhance your windows? Reach out to a local expert for personalized guidance on bringing your vision to life!
