CUSTOM DRAPERIES VS. READY-MADE

A client recently asked me, "why are custom draperies so much more expensive than ready-made panels?"

​I get this question often so I will address it today.
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First, size and fullness is no longer a concern when going custom. Ready-made curtains come in only 1 or 2 lengths, 84" or 96" so you must either pay to have your new drapes altered, or live with an odd length. Often the lengths vary from what the packaging says.  And many ready-made drapes are only available in single width panels so once again you are paying to have panels sewn together to attain proper fullness for your windows.

Ready-made panels: cheap fabrics, no lining, uneven hemming and lengths.

​Patterns, colors, and textures are very limited with ready-made products. When choosing custom you have endless choices of fabrics, trims & design. You aren’t limited to 10 fabrics and 1 or 2 styles. Do you need an exact shade of fabric to match or compliment your furnishings and accessories? Looking for an exclusive print and something unique? Your selection is limited with box stores, but not when custom ordering. No one wants a copy-cat of what half the people in town already have.

A designer will have thousands of fabrics to choose from.

Most important of all is QUALITY! The quality of fabrication is always missing when selecting store bought draperies. The hems show the stitching to the face. That is a big no-no in the custom drapery world. Often you see puckering at the side hem or the lower hem, that should not happen either. Retailers import their drapes from overseas. In a manufacturing plant panels are produced so quickly that little time is taken to ensure accuracy and quality. When window treatments are made in professional workrooms not only is your construction superior, but your materials are as well.

Obvious puckering on ready-made panel. A definite no-no!

​​Linings play an important role in the overall look of window treatments. Your drapes hang more beautifully with the body and substance that liners provide. With custom drapery you can choose from a variety of lining options to protect fabric from outside elements, regulate the light, and insulate your windows. So the quality of the lining and outer fabric is superior with custom drapes, they also look fuller and thicker, as opposed to cheaper versions that may hang flat.

Linings add fullness and help your fabrics drape well.

Think of window dressing like choosing an outfit. If your clothes are not the right fit or made from poor quality material, the finished look won't be flattering.

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Here are some of our custom made, quality draperies and window treatments, we take pride in our work!

For a free consultation please call 250 769 8585 or pop on into the store on Byland Road!