Custom Draperies or Ready-Made? How to Choose

Mass production has helped us control the cost of many things. But when it comes to draperies, ready-made just may not be worth the savings. Custom draperies have many benefits. But we know that isn’t always practical. Let’s explore why custom window treatments are a good choice and how to make ready-made drapes look the best they can.


Why invest in custom draperies

Custom drapes and soft treatments are specifically crafted for your windows to ensure the correct size, style and fabric to work with your décor.

  1. Custom drapes last 15-20 years. They are usually made of heavier weight, quality fabrics that are lined to protect against the sun’s harmful rays. 
  2. With thousands of fabrics to choose from, you will be able to select the exact perfect color and/or pattern for your space.
  3. With professional guidance, you will have a product that enhances the space and will look beautiful for many years to come.
  4. Custom draperies give your room a finished look that is particular to your space and style.
  5. You can make your window treatments sized properly and installed by a professional to ensure a perfect fit.


Custom draperies – design and hanging tips

Custom drapes should be positioned just overlapping the window so as not to block the window, but enhance the window.

This pair of drapes enhances the blue/gray wallpaper with the trim, while keeping the clean white look of the trim and dining chairs. The height had to be perfect because the space to mount the hardware was very small.



Sometimes drapes don’t need to cover the window at all, like in this bay window we dressed the wall outside the bay, making it appear as one big window.

Short rods overlapping the bay area finish the look with decorative crystal finials. Again the height of the drapes had to be perfect.


One other way to mount drapes is with “hidden hardware” as in this bay where we went right up to the ceiling because as you can see the space to mount hardware was almost non-existent in this case.

Notice the use of trim on both the inner and outer edges of the drapes creating a decorative “break” between the wall color and the drape. This is a sophisticated look that can only be created with custom.


Now you might be saying, yes but I don’t think I can afford custom window treatments. However, they may be less than you think.

And the added benefit of having a professional help you find the right fabric and the right style may be worth a little extra. Check out a custom window treatment specialist in your area for more information.

Challenge of Ready-Made Draperies

Ready-made treatments are often the wrong size and not pleated to hold their shape. They are limited to four or five set lengths, unlike custom drapes, which can be created in any length. Hanging ready-made curtains gives you limited options. And if you don’t hang them properly, they look messy and can detract from the overall look.


Tips to make ready-made drapes look custom

So you want to go with ready made drapes. Here are some pointers to make them look the best they can.

  • Make sure you don’t crowd the window. Go as high as you can on the wall and out from the edge of the window 4”-12” depending on the thickness of the drapes when hanging.
  • If you can’t find pleated drapes the best option is grommet style. This keeps the fabric hanging neatly and offers good coverage if you plan on opening and closing them.
  • If your fabric is thin and wispy at the bottom, try weighing them down with pennies. Yes, pennies slipped into the hem will help keep those fly away corners under control.
  • If your drape is too long, roll up the hem at the bottom one more turn and glue into place. This will add weight to the bottom and help them hang better.
  • And if you want that pleated look, try clipping the back of the fabric with clip rings.



When purchasing telescoping hardware, always by the larger size if you have the choice. In other words, if your window is 40” and you have a choice of 28”-48” or 40”- 60”, always go with the larger one. This will put the split closer to the edge where you can hide it with the rings. It also makes the rod sturdier in the middle. An extended pole might sag as it gets wider and the split gets closer to the middle.

This picture shows a sagging pole because it is extended out from the middle.

Interested in custom window treatments but are afraid of the price? Visit our showroom to get an idea of what custom drapes might cost. For the best experience, call and make an appointment. We will be happy to help!


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