As interior designers, we have seen time and time again the difference quality custom curtains make in a room. They can take a space from ordinary to extraordinary; unfortunately, this is one of the elements that often gets overlooked.
Why design custom curtains, what’s the value?
When you enter a room, the drapes are one of the first elements seen. They are at eye level, often extending from floor to ceiling. They are a huge component of the room and immediately set the feeling of the space. If you design contemporary curtains, visitors will immediately sense the contemporary style of your space.
The fabric of custom curtains adds softness, texture, possibly color or pattern as well as acoustical value. It’s amazing how much echo is reduced by the addition of drapes.
Now I know what you are thinking, “I can get texture, color, pattern, and acoustical value with ready-made curtains from my local store, why would I want custom curtains?”
There are some major quality differences between typical retail curtains and custom curtains.
- LINING: Many retail options have either low-quality liner or none at all. You always want your drapes to be lined to protect them from sun damage, help them keep their shape, be able to see the fabric during the day when light is behind it, and for a fuller look.
- FABRIC: Nothing will kill the look of a room quicker than cheap looking curtain fabric. Curtains are a dominant element in a space, if they look cheap, your room will look cheap.
- HEMS: Double fold hems will keep your hemline true while improving the overall structure of the curtain. Single fold hems are common in the retail market.
- WEIGHTS: Quality drapes include weighted hems, again improving the overall structure of the drape and preventing ends from curling up or moving every time someone walk by them.
- THREAD: Curtains should always have color matched fabric thread. Unfortunately, cheap clear plastic thread has become common in the retail market, which falls out easily, unraveling the drapes.
- FIT: Installing the right size curtain is essential to add aesthetic value to your space. We often see curtains that are much too small for the window, which ends up detracting from the space rather than improving it.
So, what do these differences mean for you?
Quality construction means your drapes will last longer. They won’t quickly fade from the sun, or lose their structure, sagging and unraveling from poorly constructed seams. The return on your investment is strong. You can feel confident that your drapes will hold up and look great, right up until you are ready to change the style.
When you design quality custom curtains, you are receiving curtains that improve your space, add a sense of luxury, define your style, add much needed softness, and elevate the overall design of the room immeasurably.
When you design custom curtains, there is a huge price range, depending on the fabric and style. We recommend you do your research and find the options that best fit your budget and style requirements. In this day and age, you can even easily design custom curtains online. If you decide to design custom curtains online, be sure to get fabric samples to see in your space – do not order just from a picture online. The fabric will likely look very different when you see it in person.
Whether you design custom curtains online or work with a local designer, your custom curtains will have a huge impact on the function, look, and feel of your space. It is an element you never want to underestimate.
Design Team
The Contemporary Curtain
A brand of PKB DESIGN LLC
