10 Considerations Before Buying Made-To-Order Drapes

Decorators often add drapes as a focal design point in living spaces, add a little romanticism to a bedroom or are used to complete the room's overall look. These add sophistication to a living space, warmth and privacy to a bedroom and finesse to dining areas. Choosing custom-made curtains isn't as easy as a quick purchase; there is much to consider to ensure you get the right look and feel for your home, which we've explored below.

Components of Custom Drapery & Curtain Design

Most people believe that curtains and drapes are the same, but they technically refer to contrasting window coverings:

●      Curtains: They are airy, light and usually sheer. They often have no lining, allowing light to flow into your home.

●      Drapes: Typically, these are more formal, heavy and bunch up. They are used chiefly in bedrooms to block out light when shut and add texture to the area.

With this clearer understanding, let's go through the considerations required for obtaining suitable window treatments for your home.

1. Purpose

Ask yourself:

●      Is this a formal space or casual living?

●      Am I looking for insulation & privacy?

●      Would curtains or drapes look better in this space?

You can zero in on the best window treatment for your home by asking yourself a few simple questions.

2. Choice of Colour

When choosing curtains or drapes, you must consider your colour choice. Selecting a questionable choice of colour cannot be hidden, especially given your window coverings largely influence the overall design.

A better choice is to unify colour from other aspects of the room to create balance. If the palette is primarily monotone, selecting colours can be the binding force.

3. Texture

The characteristics of texture can be just as much a statement point as colour is known to be. It's essential to make choices based on other factors surrounding your curtain or drape choice, such as the features of throws and floor mats. If a living space is already an indulgence of textures, sleek drapes may not look as well blended into the environment. Create harmony in your selection by choosing fabrics with suitable finishes and characteristics.

4. Design Choices

Suitable drapes and curtains will not be the same for a stately country home as for a minimalist new build. Varying architectural styles require an array of style elements to enrich their looks, especially when using curtains and drapes.

Designing window coverings without considering the building's architectural details will result in an unattractive, out-of-place mess. For a stately country home, the dining area may require a formal look, but the same space in a minimalist home can take on a whole other type of vibe.

5. Length

The length of your drapes has a lot to say about the room you're in and vary in the benefits:

●      Hovering: A small amount of space between the floor and drape gives your room a casual feel. Its practical length means they are less likely to gather an excessive amount of dust, ensuring the hem remains clean. These are ideal for high-traffic spaces in your home.

●      Brushing: Lightly touching the floor, a brushing drape makes a statement in modern and minimalist homes, looking sophisticated without being stuffy.

●      Breaking: This look is stylish; the 'break' gives it a decorative look that looks great in homes, new and old.

●      Puddling: It's the epitome of classic elegance when the folds pool in puddles to the floor. Everything in the room must be in keeping with the theme, or else you'll experience a design emergency to manage.

6. Window Coverage

When planned and hung right, drapes and curtains are more than a covering for your windows; they also cover walls. They often hang from the ceiling to the floor, and some sit wider than the frame of your window. We recommend being brave by extending your drapes and curtains across your walls.

7. Material

Fabrics also say a lot about the style and design of your home. Velvet is a luxuriant fabric that creates a formal look; in contrast, for a casual feel, cotton is more suitable. Using a liner, you add substance and body to the drape or curtain, ensuring they keep their shape while also helping block out sunlight.

8. Style

Drapes and custom-made curtains come in many styles that give a room character. Whether your window coverings have swag, pinch pleats, gathering or grommet top, each provides a distinct feel and look and allows the fabric to express itself differently.

9. Featured Window Coverings

With the correct type of curtains or drapes, you can create a feature in your room that frames what is outside your windows and draws your eye to the scenery. Using colour and different fabric types that match, draw out or minimise the exterior colours will determine how the view is framed and whether you want it to be a focal point of your room.

10. Hardware Choices

The hardware is the final consideration before deciding on your drapes or curtains. If you choose hardware wrongly, your window coverings aren't going to hang well or look their best. Hardware choices range from finials, brackets, rods, tiebacks and hangers and these need to be chosen to fit with the remainder of your decor. For example, if you select brass hardware, but there are no other metal decorative pieces in the same space, it is likely to look out of place.

Why Choose Drapes and Custom Made Curtains from Globe Interiors

When dressing your windows, you want to be confident that you are receiving only the best custom designs that are top quality. While buying ready-made is ok, having them made-to-order ensures you get quality, a custom fit and proper installation.

Wanting an extra helping hand? Here are some tips on purchasing custom created curtains.

For all your custom-made curtains and drapes, browse online or talk to one of our professional teams about what we can do to meet your needs.