Custom soft furnishings such as window treatments and bedding can be seen as a complicated process because of all the parts and pieces it takes to pull a beautiful, functional product together. Designers and clients often don't know where to start the process past choosing fabrics.

FAQ #1: What is the difference between custom window fashions and retail?

This question comes up often given the price difference between a retail and custom product. Retail products are not designed specifically for the the client's window. They are normally standard sized (length and width) and available in only one fabric of various colors. There are times when a retail product will work perfectly well. But if the window is arched, taller than normal, or is wide and needs to be completely covered for privacy then a custom product is necessary. When choosing a custom window treatment the client is able to pick fabric, linings (interlining or bump to give substance to the product or blackout lining to darken a room), design of the treatment, hardware that will compliment the style and function of the treatment, and any embellishments they wish to add such as trim. What I hear from most of my clients is that they love the workmanship they get from a custom workroom....attention to detail, a perfect length and width, and the guarantee that their treatment will be delivered as ordered.

FAQ #2: How long does it take to create custom window treatments?

That is an ever changing answer! Before the effects that Covid had on the supply chain and the increase in demand on the home industry, my production time was around 6 weeks. The past two years we have seen workroom production lead times increase to 12-14 weeks. Mostly that was caused by the increased demand due to people spending more time at home and wanting to make updates/changes to their residences. Workrooms normally start their lead/production times when all materials and a deposit are received. My policy is "first in, first out" and install dates are determined based on the workload at the time everything is received. So, the start to finish timeline is all dependent on if fabric is in stock, hardware is available, and the amount of backlog the workroom has at the time.

FAQ #3: How much do custom window treatments cost?

After "how long will it take", the next question is "how much will it cost?" Most clients do have a ballpark idea but everyone has a budget that needs to be considered and respected. Overall price is dependent on the cost of the fabric/trim, hardware, labor and installation. The places where cost can be controlled is in the style and design of the treatment, choice of fabric and hardware, and not adding highly labor intensive details such as hand sewn trim/embellishments. For example, if the client does not need complete privacy on a window then stationary panels are much less expensive than functioning panels which take more fabric, labor and hardware. Using a solid fabric and not an embroidered one will help keep cost down. Designing a simple valance or faux shade is another option to control cost.

On the flip side of working to control cost, many clients know what they want and know that custom treatments are a luxury item. They are willing to pay for the embroidered fabric, bump interlining, fuller drapery panels, more customized hardware, and the time it will take to fabricate an extraordinary, highly customized window treatment. The short answer to the "how much will it cost" question is it depends on your wants, needs and the availability of materials.

FAQ #4: What types of window treatments do you offer?

I offer both soft (fabric based) treatments as well as hard treatments (shutters, natural woven shades, blinds, roller and solar shades) as well as bedding, pillows and cushions. This allows me to offer many options to my clients that will fit their needs. When an appointment is set I bring fabrics, trims, hardware, and hard treatment samples to your home to see what will work with your decor and space. This allows us, as a team, to come up with the very best design that will work with your windows, furnishings and needs.

If you would like to discuss your window treatments, we would love to help! Reach out and let's get to know each other.

Until next time,

Amanda

The Top 4 Questions Our Workroom is Asked Most Frequently