Why Custom Window Treatments are Always Worth the Investment

Quality and unique design are the biggest differences between custom and retail window treatments.  Yes, custom costs more, but they will look good forever.  Retail options rarely fit a window correctly and never have the fullness or finished details needed to add a layer of great design to a room. 

If custom just isn't in the budget, try to find a ready-made drape in a good quality fabric, lined with extra width for fullness, and save by using iron hardware.

The Ins & Outs of Retail Window Treatment Options

Ready-made drapes generally lack in fabric quality and uniqueness.  They are often on the skimpy side (lack fullness) and the header options are limited.  With standard lengths, you either hang high, puddle with intention or find a local tailor to hem them (throwing good money after bad, sorry).  Retail shades are even trickier if you want an inside mount, so go for the outside mount although you will still deal with a standard length, etc. 

Since I design custom window treatments for clients, I am biased. I can see the need for a quick retail fix: rental, first apartment out of college, spent all the money on the home and forgot the furnishings?  

If you must go retail, choose an outside mounted bamboo shade under a layer of ready-made drapes in a quality fabric with the double width option.  Use a simple iron rod and note that you need the support brackets to have enough projection to clear the shade.  Don't mount anything on the window trim, and if there is no window trim, this is your chance to hide that lack of detail.

The Benefits of Beautiful, Custom Window Coverings

Custom window treatments offer limitless design opportunities in terms of style, fabrics, colors, trims, etc.  Whether you want shades, shutters, drapes or a layer of treatments, you can create a solution to meet your needs both aesthetically and functionally. 

If you need light control and motorization, no problem.  If you want sumptuous drapes with trims to match your sofa, you got it. Custom window treatments will also be professionally installed and can often work around tricky architectural details. Even better, potential installation issues are discussed ahead of time and treatments are made to work with unique situations.

An Essential Element of a Room’s Design

Window treatments are part of the overall all design of the room.  Whether they are simple or elaborate, they are essential to the look, feel and function of the space.  When I design a room, I always include window treatments and work them into the agreed upon furnishings budget (more on budgeting for your project here). My goal is to always present a completely finished room that looks great and meets your needs.

Have a question about working with me? Get in touch through the contact form so we can talk about your project!

Thanks so much!
Molly