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Frequently Asked Questions
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GENERAL QUESTIONS
 What is a custom window treatment?
How much do custom window treatments usually cost?
Why are custom window treatments so expensive?
How long do custom window treatments last?
Where are your custom products fabricated?
Do you have any ready-made products ready for immediate shipping?
SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
Does my custom window treatment need to be lined?
Why do you offer some trim and fabric options for some product styles but not others?
When should I choose the interlining option?
When should I choose the blackout lining option?
How should I care for my custom window treatment?
Do you offer decorator fabric samples?
Do you offer trim samples?
What is contrast lining?
What do I need to know about decorator fabrics before purchasing?
What are dye lots?
What are COM custom window treatments?
Do you have sales on your custom window treatments?
What type of drapery heading is best for my room?
What window treatments will work on arched windows?
What window treatments will work on bay or bow windows?
What is the difference between blinds and shades?
How do I make my window appear bigger?
What is the difference between curtains and draperies?
What kind of custom window treatment will give me more privacy?
What safety issues do I need to consider with children?
Can you make me a custom cushion?
What drapery lengths do you offer?
What window treatment options do I have with French doors?
Should I order an inside-mount or outside-mount drape?
My room is too dark. Can a window treatment add more light into my room?
Do you offer custom window treatments for commercial businesses?
Do you offer custom window treatments to interior designers/decorators?
Are there any space-saving custom window treatments?
How can I cover my entire window while at the same time letting the light in?
What tools will I need to install my custom window treatment?
Not knowing anything about fabrics makes me nervous. What fabric should I pick?
What are soft and hard window treatments?
Why are floating bottom hems better in draperies?
Do I need a shower curtain liner?
SHIPPING
What are your shipping costs?
Will I be notified when my item ships?
When should I expect my custom product to ship?
Do you ship to international destinations?
Will my products ship in one package?
How do you ship large cornices?
What should I do if my product is damaged during shipping?
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
I'd like to have a product made in a fabric you don't have. What should I do?
I'd like to have a product made in a size you don't have. What should I do?
I'd like to provide my own fabric. Can I get an estimate?
ORDER PROCESS
How do I order from you?
What types of payment options do you offer?
How long does it take to have custom window treatments made?
What if I order a product and your fabric or other supplies are out of stock?
Can I cancel an order?
What guarantee do you offer?
What is your return policy?
I am in a hurry. Can you offer expedited service?
MEASURING & INSTALLATION
How do I measure for draperies?
How do I measure for valances?
How do I measure for shades?
How do I measure for your other products?
How do I measure and install outside-mounted boards?
How do I measure and install outside-mounted boards?
How deep does my window have to be for inside mounts?
Can I use drapery rings on your rod pocket draperies?
What kind of curtain rod should I use with 3" rod pockets?
Why can't I specify my own drapery width?
Where can I buy drapery medallions?
Are there any less expensive solutions?
What width coverage does a gathered drapery or valance have?
What do you mean by "patterns are matched"?
What pillow size do I need?
How do I measure for a custom duvet?
How do I measure for a custom table runner?
What is a custom window treatment?
A custom window treatment is a product that is made to your specifications to fit your window just right. This is not an off-the-shelf product with only a few options. Custom window treatments are made with better quality fabrics with unique prints and colors, unlike the storebought options that are only offered in a few options to please the majority of consumers. Custom window treatments are made with great care. The process is much slower because it requires more expertise, but also a lot of extra details such as hand sewing, matching prints, or ironing, to name only a few. Custom window treatments are heavier and have more fullness because of good quality fabrics and quality lining.
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How much do custom window treatments usually cost?
That really depends on a few things. Obviously, the type of window treatment that you choose will determine the cost greatly. Also, who makes your window treatment will make a difference. Major chains that are known nationally will charge more because of higher overhead costs, whereas smaller workrooms will charge less because of smaller overhead costs. However, as a general rule, expect to pay about $150 to $300 per linear foot for simple draperies, or $200 to $450 per linear foot for valances, cornices, or complex draperies that have unique features or are oversized.
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Why are custom window treatments so expensive?
For one, the number of individuals who sew professionally has diminished. Therefore, the waiting list as well as the value for such work has its corresponding time and cost. On the other hand, most people are not aware of the time and experience each product needs. Sewing is not a quick process, and fabricators make an hourly wage just as much as the next guy. It is the amount of time as well as the rare skill that makes up the major cost of custom window treatments. Also, the fabrics really do set a custom window treatment apart. Decorator fabrics start at about $20 per yard and can go into hundreds for top-of-the-line, exquisite custom window treatments. Custom window treatments have their prints positioned professionally in order to center them on sections or create repetitive patterns. So, you must imagine the amount of fabric that goes into custom window treatments - it's quite a lot. While major companies cut their costs and yardage by choosing solid polyester fabrics and inexpensive percale linings, custom window treatments gear away from cheap mass production toward quality products that will last many, many years.
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How long do custom window treatments last?
A good quality custom window treatment can last at least 10 years. Some fabrics can last as much as 20 years. Thicker upholstery fabrics, cottons, and fabrics that are interlined or lined with blackout linings can easily reach a life span of 20 years. Fabrics such as silks or linens or fabrics exposed to excessive climates last a bit less. However, most people change out their window treatments before they wear out. Research shows that Americans change their custom window treatments every 7 years. In order to get the most out of your custom window treatments, proper care is essential. Vacuum and dry clean regularly.
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Where are your custom products fabricated?
Our custom products are all fabricated in our professional workroom located in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Do you have any ready-made products ready for immediate shipping?
No, sorry, we strictly adhere to providing custom products to our customers. That means that we begin our work after we receive custom orders.
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Does my custom window treatment need to be lined?
Yes, by all means! Not lining a custom window treatment is throwing money down the drain. A big chunk of why custom window treatments are what they are is because they are lined. Lining makes them fuller, makes them sturdier, gives them a better shape, makes them last longer, and protects them from sun damage. With the exception of some styles, you should definitely get lined custom window treatments.
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Why do you offer some trim and fabric options for some product styles but not others?
The options that you see on this site are based on our professional opinions. We don't want you to purchase a product that does not work. For example, some of our elaborate balloon valances have their scoops tucked in deep in the back in order to create a rich volume. Getting trims that are less than 2 inches in length is a bit pointless since shorter trims will hide behind the balloon valance. The same applies with fabrics. Some fabrics are too soft to be used in styles that require strength. Other fabrics are too thick to be gathered. Some fabrics don't have the correct repeats to be used for certain valances. Brush trims are ideal for pillows but will only work on a few valance styles. We want to make sure that when you make your choices, you are given the same options that a personal consultant would give you, without the pricy consultation cost.
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When should I choose the interlining option?
You should always choose it with silks. Our silk draperies already have interlining included in the price, so you shouldn't worry about that. However, for other fabrics, interlining is a good idea when you need to block out the sun or noises. Interlining is the most effective insulator available for custom drapes.
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When should I choose the blackout option?
You have to be a bit careful when considering blackout lining. Blackout lining is a thick, vinyl-like material. Because of its thickness, it is not always a good choice. It is best to use it with window treatments that have flat sections and are not gathered. It can also sometimes be used as a less expensive alternative to interlining in draperies. It helps to isolate noises to some extent, but for rooms that face very noisy roads, interlining is a better solution.
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How should I care for my custom window treatment?
Dust can settle into the fabrics, so it is best to start cleaning your custom product on a regular basis to prevent that. We recommend light vacuuming, using the brush attachment, at least twice a year. Ideally, if you are eager to keep your window treatments for a very long time, vacuuming them once a month is a good routine to follow. In addition to vacuuming, they should be dry-cleaned professionally at least once a year. Keep in mind, custom window treatments are made with high quality decorator fabrics. While it may be possible to toss a simple storebought curtain into the washing machine, custom curtains need professional care. Think about it - you may toss your casual cotton dress into the washing machine, but your fancy silk gown needs to be dry-cleaned. Just like your fancy clothes, custom window treatments need special care.
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Do you offer decorator fabric samples?
Yes, we do. Browse around our site to purchase a fabric sample. Unfortunately, at the time we do not offer silk samples. We hope to offer that option in the future.
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Do you offer trim samples?
No sorry, we do not. If you are wondering if a particular trim will match a fabric that you are interested in, you are more than welcome to contact us and ask for our advice. You may also have noticed that our trims are not solid, but instead feature many colors. Because of the various colors that each trim features, we believe that it will be easier to match a particular fabric color combination.
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What is contrast lining?
Contrast lining is usually a small-scale fabric that coordinates with the main fabric that you chose. It usually shows only a little bit behind trumpets or jabots, but it is an interesting way to add an accent to a custom window treatment.
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What do I need to know about decorator fabrics before purchasing?
Decorator fabrics come in all sorts of fun colors and prints. It is best to take a look at your room and carry on some of the colors when choosing our fabrics. Regardless of what fabric you choose, you can be assured that the fabric will have the right hand for your chosen product. The most common fabric is cotton. It is quite versatile and is great for low-maintenance rooms. It will last a long time and is a great solution for busy families. Linen can sometimes be added to cotton as a small component. Linen is quite popular in two-colored toile prints. It adds sturdiness to a custom window treatment and is especially nice in, but not limited to, balloon valances and shades - this is what we commonly refer to as "drapery canvas". Then there is also rayon. Rayon makes a window treatment more pliable. It is especially nice in draperies, but can be used virtually anywhere with the exception of some styles that require extra strength. Rayon adds a coarse feeling to a fabric that is similar to barkcloth, but it is more pliable. Silk is an organic fabric that is prone to sun damage. Silks are usually woven by hand, producing imperfections which give it a slubby texture. This is commonly referred to as Dupioni silk. As long as silks are both lined and interlined, they can be a great fabric that will last many years.
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What are dye lots?
A dye lot is the mixture of colors that is used by fabric mills when printing fabrics. Sometimes dye lots can be slightly different. This can be due to the fact that fabrics are printed at several different fabric mills, but even dye "batches" in the same mill can be slightly different on a given day. To ensure consistent colors, we recommend that you purchase your window treatments at once, one fabric at a time. We understand that some people may want to divide their purchases over a longer period of time due to budgets or because they want to design one room at a time. However, if you decide you'd like to buy draperies in fabric A and shades in fabric B, instead of purchasing both fabrics at once one window at a time, it is best to purchase the products with one fabric first and then come back for the other fabrics at a later time when you are ready.
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What are COM custom window treatments?
COM stands for Customer Own Material. As you may have guessed, COM allows a customer to buy their own fabrics and purchase custom labor alone. We accept COM orders, but require fabric and trim samples to be sent to our workroom for approval to ensure that you are picking the right components. Click here to learn more about custom window treatments made with your own fabrics.
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Do you have sales on your custom window treatments?
We do sometimes. Click here to see our current online coupons and promotions.
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What type of drapery heading is best for my room?
The most important question you should ask yourself is whether or not you will draw your curtains on a regular basis. Rod pocket draperies are intended to be stationary. If you'd like to draw your curtains, pleated draperies installed onto curtain rings that allow your drapery to slide along a curtain pole are a much better solution. Curtains with drapery rings are quite easy to draw. Pinch, goblet, Cartridge, or Parisian pleats are just a few options. Another aspect of pleated draperies that is oftentimes overlooked is that pleated draperies form folds naturally, whereas with rod pocket draperies, you have to adjust and create the folds each and every time that the drapery is drawn.
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What window treatments will work on arched windows?
Usually, valances that are installed onto medallions are your best options; that way, you can raise the middle of the valance so that it follows the shape of the window. Browse our valance section, you will find plenty of products for arched windows.
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What window treatments will work on a bay or bow window?
The simplest solution is a pair of extra wide draperies on either side of the window. We also offer board-mounted draperies with pivotal boards - that way, you can adjust it to the right angle when installing between the window sections. Your next option are custom window treatments that are installed onto drapery medallions. We have quite a few draperies, as well as valances, which give you that option. If you prefer shades, you can install inside-mounted shades onto each window section. Custom window treatments installed onto curtain rods can sometimes be a hassle when it comes to bay or bow windows. If you are able to install curtain rods and use connectors to join each section, then you can go ahead and purchase custom products that fit on curtain rods. Nevertheless, due to the shape of bay and bow windows, many people are compelled to order custom drapery rods. That can get very pricy, so we offer products installed onto boards, medallions, or inside the window as a solution.
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What is the difference between blinds and shades?
Blinds usually let you control the light filtration with individual slats. Shades are pulled up and down to control light. Blinds are oftentimes made of wood or vinyl; shades are oftentimes made of fabric.
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How do I make my window appear bigger?
Purchase a heavy valance that is installed at least 6 inches above the window. With high ceilings, you may install it even higher. Because custom window treatments are not made small like many store-bought window treatments are, you have the liberty to install custom window treatments very close to the ceiling. In fact, that's how most custom window treatments are installed. Once you have installed your valance, then you can use draperies underneath and install them at least 10 inches out on each side of the window. The key is to cover as much of the wall as possible in order to create the illusion of a large window.
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What is the difference between curtains and draperies?
Curtains nowadays can mean almost any window treatment. However, both curtain and drapery can mean a long panel that hangs on the side of the window. In addition, the term drapery implies that the panel is heavy. For that reason, you will hear the term "custom drapery" more often than the term "custom curtain". Custom draperies are naturally heavier due to better quality fabrics and linings that are used in their construction.
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What kind of custom window treatment will give me more privacy?
Your best solutions are either shades that move up or down to cover most of your window at all times or draperies that are installed onto curtain rings. To learn more about which custom window treatments will give you the most privacy, click here.
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What safety issues do I need to consider with children?
When purchasing custom window treatments, you should also consider the safety of your children. Avoid puddling draperies in busy areas where they might trip and if purchasing shades, keep cords away from them so they can't reach them. Install cord cleats higher so that they cannot reach them and avoid placing cribs and furniture that children can climb on directly under a window treatment.
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Can you make me a custom cushion?
Yes, we can. However, the sizes that we can make are limited. You are more than welcome to contact us with the details of your project and we'll do our best to help you.
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What drapery lengths do you offer?
We offer drapery lengths between 60 (for sill length drapes) and 240 inches (for two story windows). If you need a drapery size that is shorter than 60 inches or longer than 240 inches, don't hesitate to contact us.
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What window treatment options do I have with French doors?
With French doors, you could purchase inside-mounted valances or shades that only cover the panes of your door. If you have high ceilings, you could purchase outside-mounted valances. These are installed very high above the French door and drop down to the frame of the door. That way, your door looks longer but it also can be opened freely without any obstructions. We suggest our London valances and our hobbled valances. Click here to view our custom valances.
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Should I order an inside-mount or outside-mount drape?
For inside-mounts, we recommend a window that is at least three inches deep. If your room is small and you're trying to save space, an inside-mounted shade can be a great solution. Also, pairing up inside-mounted shades with outside-mounted draperies is a great look. If you have a series of windows that are very close together, you may only have room for inside-mounts. This is commonly done with bay, bow, or corner windows. Others may like their molding detail around their windows so they choose an inside-mounted custom window treatment. Outside-mounted shades are commonly used if they stand alone and are not paired up with draperies.
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My room is too dark. Can a window treatment add more light into my room?
You'd be surprised, but yes, it can. There are window treatments that actually bring in even more light. The key is to choose very light or vivid colors. An Austrian shade in a snow white color can work miracles in dark rooms and make it much brighter and likewise, dark, neutral rooms can "pop" with brightly colored window treatments such as yellows, oranges, or reds.
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Do you offer custom window treatments for commercial businesses?
Yes, we do. However, keep in mind that there are government regulations that may limit what products you can buy. Check before you make your purchase to ensure that our products are allowed. Most decorator fabrics are not fireproof; if you are required to have fireproof fabrics, you can either contact us and we will try to find out if your desired fabric is fireproof or you can provide your own fabric to us and purchase our labor only.
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Do you offer custom window treatments to interior designers/decorators?
Yes, we do. If you like our work and decide to use us on a regular basis for your clients, we offer a 15% discount and other benefits. To learn more about a discount for interior designs on our custom window treatments, click here.
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Are there any space-saving custom window treatments for small rooms?
The best solution are inside-mounted window treatments. Simple valances with a small drop are also great.
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How can I cover my entire window while at the same time letting the light in?
Choose sheers or shades that pull up and down. We have addressed this issue in a recent guide about window treatments and privacy.
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What tools will I need to install my custom window treatment?
That depends on what window treatment you buy. Obviously, you will need hardware. This can be a curtain pole, rod, medallions, finials, curtain rings, and any other hardware accessories that your drape needs. For board-mounted curtains, you generally won't need such hardware. Most commonly, you will need a drill, screws and anchors, measuring tape, and a level.
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Not knowing anything about fabrics makes me nervous. What fabric should I pick?
Click here for general advice on decorator fabrics.
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What are soft and hard window treatments?
Soft window treatments are made of fabric. Hard window treatments are things like blinds, which are made of wood, vinyl, or other "hard" materials.
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Why are floating bottom hems better in draperies?
They allow your drapery to float freely without bunching up or sagging at the bottom. They are also very convenient since they allow the drapery weights to be sewn inconspicuously. On a downside, they require hand-sewn blind stitches, which is rare in store-bought curtains.
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Do I need a shower curtain liner?
Our shower curtains are already lined, but with drapery lining. While it does make a shower curtain stronger, a shower curtain liner is recommended for busy bathrooms. If you purchase a shower curtain that is installed using a tension rod, you can install the liner directly behind the shower curtain. Many of our shower curtains feature custom valances and are board-mounted. Those shower curtains are more decorative than functional. However, if your bathroom is quite busy, you can attach a small curtain rod to the inside of the board and hang a liner from it.
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