Choosing custom draperies for your home is an exciting project and as any decorator will tell you, your window treatments really make a room. Often times, this is the last design element added to a room, but the one with the most impact. Custom draperies mean that a homeowner’s choices are limitless when it comes to styles, fabrics, colors and embellishments. This is where a professional decorator is needed, and we here at Metropolitan Window Fashions offer our design service with experienced decorating professionals than will make this process not only educational, but fun and enjoyable! If you are looking for custom draperies, here is some advice to help you understand the process and give you some insight on design options that you need to ponder when choosing custom draperies.
Tips for Custom Window Treatments
- Style of a Room – This is probably one the first questions one of our design professionals will ask, what is your style? Traditional rooms, may require more ornate styles and fabrics as well as plenty of embellishments. Types of styles for your window treatments could also include top treatment options such as swags with trims. Traditional patterns and fabrics would also be considered including damasks, silks and jacquards. A more transitional or modern style would keep the styles of fabrics and styles simpler and cleaner, and less pattern . Linens and textures work well in spaces that have a minimalistic style.
- Colors and Patterns – Color and pattern can be a challenge when choosing custom draperies, but this is where a professional can definitely help! A room tends to look more interesting when there are 3 patterns in a room. Usually, the largest patterns are on the larger pieces, which can include the rugs and a sofa. Your window treatments, if you are looking to include a pattern, maybe a medium sized pattern or even a smaller pattern that coordinates. When you are mixing patterns, it’s always best to stay in the same color scheme. Colors are fun to incorporate in a room, but choosing a particular color will have different effects. You can contrast your colors by choosing something that is dramatically different than your wall, or you can keep a monochromatic color scheme, but keeping within the tones of the wall, which makes for a softer transition.
- Types of Fabrics – We discussed particular fabrics that would work well with traditional, transitional or modern rooms, but let’s delve a little further. Fabrics are made up of many different types of fiber that affects the way it drapes and durability. Cottons and Cotton blends are great for drapes, they are soft and provide a great “hand” . Silks can also drape well, but faux silks drape better and are more durable. Homeowner’s need to be aware that a silk cannot be steamed, and that wrinkles and slubs are the natural and part of the beauty of the fabrics. If a more pressed look is for you, we would recommend a faux silk which is a poly blend, it drapes beautifully, does not have a wrinkle and is more durable than silk. Linens do not drape well and cannot be steamed. They are a stiffer fabric and will wrinkle easily. Think of a linen jacket. However, there are faux linens, that are a blend of linen and cotton, or polyesters that drape beautifully and give you that linen look. These faux linens come in a variety of colors and styles, including embroidered styles. Our decorators are using more of these types of fabrics and they are definitely on trend.
Looking for Experts of Custom Window Treatments?
Custom window treatments are an investment and it’s best to use a professional in this decision making process. Metropolitan Window Fashions is a third generation family business that has been serving customers of the Metropolitan area for 83 years. We live and work in this community and support other small local businesses. Although our children are in school, they have all worked part-time with us, making them the fourth generation to join the company. We’ve served customers from areas such as Manhattan, Green Brook, Scotch Plains, Watchung, Glen Rock, Westwood, Woodcliff Lake, Edison, Chatham, Mahwah, Bridgewater, & many more. Call our NYC & New Jersey custom window treatments experts today and ask about our Roman shades and the other great services we offer!