Advantages of Custom Window Treatments

Saturday, January 23, 2010

When selecting new window treatments for your home, one of the first decisions you must make is whether you want custom or store-bought. While store-bought treatments may be a faster, easier and cheaper way to go, there are a few advantages to custom treatments that you may want to take into consideration.

The first advantage is the lining. Custom draperies are fully lined making them heavier and fuller. Most custom drapes weight around 2 lbs. per panel whereas unlined store-bought drapes usually weigh about 1 lb. It is possible to find lined store-bought curtains, but unfortunately they are usually lined with cotton percale fabric, which is thin with a low thread count and adds very little to the fullness of the curtain. The thicker poly-cotton lining of custom curtains also helps block the sun as effectively as possible.

Another (and probably the most obvious) advantage of custom window treatments is that they are tailored to your needs. Store-bought curtains are designed to please the majority of consumers, but your windows may not be like those of the average consumer. If you have a window that is unusually large, for example, it would be very difficult to find that size if there was a specific color scheme you were trying to match. Having your treatment custom-made gives you a wide range of color, print, and size options that most store-bought treatments don't offer.

Finally, choosing custom window treatments will ensure that they last longer. This is because the quality of custom made treatments is better than that of store-bought treatments. Also, if you have a treatment custom-made, you are getting the look you want as opposed to the look that is available. You’ll be happier with your window treatment for longer because it was exactly what you wanted for the room.

Yes, having your window treatments custom-made will most likely cost you more money and take a little bit longer. But, when you take these advantages into account, you’ll find that it just might be worth the investment.