My business is custom draperies. I imagine them, design them and sew them.
Custom pinch pleat draperies made with vintage fabric.
I seek out unique fabrics and embellishments and pair them together with a discerning eye. I love vintage velvet in bold colors, mid-century modern prints and Indian jacquard trims. To name a few. For me, window treatments are never an after-thought. When done right, they can take a room from drab to dramatic in no time.
Of course, I realize that custom draperies are a luxury. In my experience, most homeowners don’t have the budget for them, especially if new window treatments are part of a larger renovation project. But…fear not! With a few creative hacks, you can transform a set of off-the-rack draperies into something special.
When I’m not sitting behind my sewing machine, I’m staging and flipping apartments. Here’s how I dress up the windows for potential buyers…
Go for good quality ready-made. Look for fabric that is a polyester-cotton blend. You don’t want 100% poly or 100% cotton. Plan to spend $50 per pair of panels at a minimum. $50 per individual panel is even better.
Wayfair.com panels and sheers.
Measure the space properly. You want the draperies to be hung as high and as wide as possible. Place the rod as close to the ceiling as you can. Then extend it 5-6 inches outside the frame of the window, on each side. This way, when your draperies are open, the full window is exposed. This strategy gives you lots of light as well as the impression of a larger space.
Get the length just right. In most cases, you want the drapery to just float right above the floor. Or just barely touch it. When you measure, don’t forget to include the rod and any hanging hardware, like hooks or rings. Use your local tailor to do the hemming. This will help nail that custom look!
Remove the wrinkles. If you’re buying online, your draperies will arrive folded and stuffed into a plastic sleeve. These wrinkles are tough to get out. But don’t give up! A sleek, smooth hanging drapery is the difference between cheap and chic. If it’s in your budget, take the panels to your dry cleaner to be pressed. It’s worth the money!
Wayfair.com panels and sheers.
Buy the right number of panels. The key to a really custom look is fullness. So, you’re going to need the appropriate amount of fabric. Panels come in different widths, but the total should be 2 ½ – 3 times the size of your window. This will give you a full, lush look. Too little fabric leaves you with something that resembles a shower curtain.
Consider hiring a professional installer. Hanging a drapery rod isn’t always easy. If it’s in your budget, get a professional to do it. This ensures the rod is in securely, at just the right height. He’ll hang your panels too…and make sure that every fold falls perfectly.
Where to shop. Wayfair.com has a great selection of good quality draperies. I usually shop there for my apartment flips.
You might also consider buying vintage draperies. Etsy, Ebay and estate sales are good sources for pre-owned everything. If you go this route, have the draperies dry cleaned and consider your local tailor for any necessary alterations. I have done this in my own home with great success.
Here are a few examples of vintage draperies that I’m considering right now. All found on Ebay.
You don’t need to invest a lot to get a lot. A few simple tricks and a little imagination go a long way toward achieving a custom look.
And if you need advice or ideas, drop me a line. I’m always here.
Until next time,
Cami