Selecting the right custom draperies for your home can seem overwhelming with so many fabrics, styles, and options to choose from. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know when ordering custom drapes, from fabrics and lining options to measuring and installation. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to beautifully dress your windows with draperies tailored specifically for your space.

Fabrics

The fabric you choose for your custom drapes sets the overall look and feel. Consider the room your drapes will be in as well as your own personal style preferences when selecting fabric. Here are some of the most popular custom drapery fabric options:

Silk

Silk drapery fabric has a luxurious look and feel. From shiny silk taffeta to soft silk shantung, silk drapes can range from formal to casual depending on the weave and texture. Silk drapes pleat beautifully but require delicate care.

Cotton

100% cotton drapery fabric comes in multiple weights and weaves. Lightweight cottons like voile have a breezy, casual vibe. Medium-weight cottons add softness and are suitable for many rooms. Durable heavyweight cottons can provide good light-filtering. Cotton is easy to care for and maintain.

Linen

Made from the flax plant, linen has natural slubs in the weave that provide lovely texture. It resists dirt and is very durable. Linen works well in relaxed spaces like beach houses or cottages. It softens beautifully over time.

Velvet

Velvet drapery fabric is known for its depth of color and ultra-soft pile. From cotton velvet to silk velvet, it creates an elegant, formal look. Crushed or panne velvet has a distinctive vertical texture. Velvet must be handled carefully to avoid crushing the pile.

Faux Silk

For a silk-like look without the cost, faux silk is a popular drapery fabric option. Polyester faux silks closely mimic the sheen and drape of real silk in taffeta, shantung, and dupioni weaves. Faux silk is easy to care for and maintain.

Lining

Unlined drapes allow some light to filter through. For maximum light-blocking and insulation, lined draperies are recommended. Here are common lining options:

• Blackout lining blocks most light from entering a room, ideal for bedrooms and home theaters.
• Thermal lining provides extra insulation, helping reduce energy costs. It’s available in light-filtering and blackout options.
• Sheer lining allows some light through while concealing drapery hardware from view through sheer fabrics.
• Matching lining coordinates with the drapery fabric for a uniform look front and back.
• Contrasting lining can add a pop of color when drapes are opened.

Grommets, Tabs, and Rod Pockets

How your custom drapes will hang is determined by the top treatment selected:

Grommets

Metal or plastic grommets reinforced with fabric piping are the most common option. Grommets slide easily along a drapery rod allowing the drapes to open and close smoothly. They create casual, contemporary style drapes.

Tabs

Small fabric tabs sewn into the drapery heading slide into rings on a drapery rod to create a more tailored look. The tabs are visible when drapes are closed. Tabs work well with pleated drapes.

Rod Pockets

A sewn channel at the top slides right over the drapery rod for a sleek, flowing look. Rod pockets allow drapes to stack nicely when opened. This style is often seen on formal or elegant drapes.

Pleats and Headers

Pleats and headers affect how the drapes hang and enhance their style:

Pencil Pleats

Narrow doubled-up folds of fabric that run vertically. Pencil pleats create neat, tailored drapes that stack tidily when opened.

Inverted Pleats

Wider box-style pleats facing inward toward the window. Inverted pleats provide a luxurious, abundant look. They take up more space when open.

Goblet Pleats

Pleats that face alternately inward and outward for a sculpted, ornamental style. The billowy shape works well in formal spaces.

Rod Pocket Headers

Plain, unfurled section at the top with no pleats. Rod pocket drapes have a smooth, rippled look when closed.

Shirred Headers

Two or more rows of narrow gathered stitches that make the top portion elasticized. Shirring creates pretty ruffled effect.

Length and Fullness

Proper length and fullness allow drapes to function and look their best:

• Length should just graze the floor for the right amount of puddling. For safety, keep 1/2″ – 1″ off the floor.
• Fullness refers to fabric width; around 2.5 – 3 times the window width is ideal for proper draping.

Too little fullness appears skimpy. Too much causes overly bulky/bunched look.

Measuring for Custom Drapes

Careful measuring ensures a perfect custom drapery fit:

• Width – Precisely measure each window opening at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the longest width.
• Height – Measure from the rod’s height to the floor. For extra puddling, add 8″ – 12″.
• Depth – Measure how far beyond the window frame you want the drapes to extend when closed. 12″ – 24″ depth is common.

Provide exact measurements and window details like type of rod used. Any inaccuracies can result in ill-fitting drapes.

Hanging Draperies Properly

Once your custom drapes arrive, use these tips for smoothly hanging them:

• Make sure the rod is securely installed at the correct height before hanging drapes.
• Use clip rings with tabs or pinch pleater hooks with grommets to easily slide drapes along rod.
• Adjust side overlap of centered drapes so edges meet but do not overlap.
• For off-center drapes, close drape edges should just meet without overlapping.

With proper installation your drapes will operate cleanly and have an expert finish.

Custom Drapery Care

Follow the fabric care instructions to keep your custom drapes looking their best:

• Vacuum gently using low suction and upholstery attachment.
• Spot clean stains gently with mild soap and water.
• Steam or iron on low, following fabric guidelines.
• Dry clean drapes only if fabric is labeled dry cleanable.

Take down, dry clean, and rehang drapes once a year to refresh pleats and overall look. With proper care, your custom draperies will beautifully grace your windows for years to come.

Conclusion

The right custom draperies can transform the look and feel of a space. With so many design elements to consider from fabric to pleats and headers, custom drapes allow you to fully tailor window treatments to your personal style and room décor. Measuring precisely and providing detailed specifications to your drapery maker will ensure your drapes are custom-fit for your windows. Proper installation and care are also key to drapes maintaining their beauty over the long term. Follow this comprehensive guide and you’ll be able to adorn your home with stunning, quality custom draperies unique to you.