• By Nicole
  • |
  • Jun. 28. 2021

Custom drapes enhance the look of your house nicely but are tricky to work with.

First, you need to take perfect measurements and determine what kind of look you want for your window. You can layer your window treatments for a more luxurious look, or you can try something new and creative.

Here are some ideas for customizing your drapes.

 

Short-Styled Custom Drapery Ideas

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If you are looking for short drapes for your windows, consider these ideas.

 

1. Relaxed Roman Shades

A relaxed roman shade is just like a standard roman shade, except it has a little swag and its center is not square and level. The latter is held up by cords, creating a slight curve along the bottom which adds flair to its look.

Medium-weight cotton fabric is the best choice for making relaxed roman shades. They come with nice prints and a wide variety of colours. Don’t go for anything too soft or thin.

Be sure to wash the fabric before sewing. This is because cotton can shrink after being washed, and the first wash may ruin your custom drapery.

 

2. Tie-Up Shades

Tie-up shades don’t use drawing panels at the side of the windows to open. Instead, they are opened from the bottom. You can attach cords, tapes, strings, clips, or ribbons to the drape to open and close it.

These shades are soft and have an extremely graceful fall from the rod. They use an outside mount, which means the shade will cover the entire window frame.

To obtain the classy look these shades offer, you must get the folds right and use a lightweight fabric. For a romantic look, use a soft fabric like sheer linen, lace, or translucent polyester.

You can use jacquards, cotton, lightweight silks, and other heavy materials, but they will not provide the charm of tie-up shades. You can use custom-made bands, tassels, colourful ribbons, fabric bows, and other similar materials to further customize your drapes.

 

3. Café Curtains

Café curtains are hung only part way on the window, either at the top or near the bottom. They are a good option for practically anywhere, including your bathroom, dining room, office, or bedroom. You can use either sheer, semi-opaque, lined or unlined fabrics. They can have rod pocket panels, pinch pleats, or any other look you prefer. You can also combine it with a tension rod and clip rings.

 

4. Roman Shades

These are a good choice if you want a clean and streamlined look for a window with limited space. They are a decor staple and are popular for the soft and modern look they bring. They are operated via a cord system, and when raised, their horizontal folds stack evenly.

Modern roman drapery is available in both rolling and stacking options. Stacking roman shades are perfect for homes with kids and pets since they don’t have exposed cords.

For durable and easy-to-maintain roman shades, go with polyester.

 

Long-Styled Custom Drapery Ideas

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While short-style custom drapes are perfect for windows, you can use long-style drapes for both windows and doors.

 

1. Roman Shades with Trims and Panels

Roman shades are a classic, and you can customize them with velvet trims to make your simple curtain look decorative. You can also add coloured finials made from the fabric for tying in the rod.

Use fabrics that are rich in texture, have shimmering details, and can be sewn with precision for an artistic look. Some fabrics, like Villa, come with a basket weave appearance and dimensional organic texture that can be eye-catching when used for roman shades.

 

2. Curtains with Return Rods and Wooden Blinds

Return curtain rods allow drapes to be pulled right back to the wall on either side. This not only provides extra privacy and sun protection but also gives a fuller look to the door or window.

You can use panels and heavy fabrics for a more opulent look. They can be paired with beautiful wooden Venetian blinds that you can use to manipulate the amount of light after you have drawn apart the curtains.

 

3. Bamboo Shades and Panelled Curtains

Bamboo shades are inexpensive, stylish, and long-lasting, which is why they’ve resurged in popularity. They also add texture to a room and filter light. You can easily have them modified for your windows. Or you can pair them with panelled curtains for a heavier look and add more control over privacy and light.

 

4. Long Curtains with Valances

Valences don’t only cover the top of curtains; they also add a bit of style to them. You can add them over your custom drapery for dimension and texture as well.

Ascot valances offer a more elegant and formal look and can be used with lightly-panelled curtains. They can be adorned with tassels and fringes for a more decorative look.

If you have blinds or shades, you can use stand-alone valances. For a puffy and full look, go for balloon valances made of lightweight cotton fabric. These usually go well with thin flat curtains.

For a more elaborate and decorative look, go with swag valances. These are usually heavy and go with panelled or unpanelled curtains.

The thing with custom drapery is that you can have it modified as per your desire. Its price is justified because of the diversity it offers to your interiors. But you need to get them right. To avoid paying for something unsatisfactory, consult a professional drapery store to discuss the look you want and the easiest way to achieve it.