Custom window treatments can be a big purchase. The process is somewhat involved, and the draperies represent an investment. However, a room's window treatments can be the anchor for the entire décor. When you choose the custom route, you also ensure the draperies will fit the windows perfectly.

When you approach the purchase of custom window treatments, keep the following considerations in mind.

Budget

Your budget is an important consideration. Your first step is to decide if you're outfitting the entire house or just one room with the custom window treatments. Apply that information to your budget. If you're only outfitting a few windows, you might be able to splurge on the individual treatments.

If you're outfitting the entire home, you might still be able to budget in a few splurges. Consider where such splurges will have the biggest impact. If you entertain a lot, upgrade in social rooms, such as the dining or living rooms. If you're more of a homebody, the kitchen or bedroom might be the place to splurge.

Level of Privacy Needed

When you start thinking about types of window treatments, consider each room on a window-by-window basis. Window treatments control who can see inside your home. So you must consider the level of privacy needed in each room.

Personal preferences will play into this consideration, however, most people want privacy in the bedroom and bathroom especially; note how easy it is for outsiders to see inside those windows. For other rooms, you might be fine with sheerer window treatments.

Desired Amount of Light

The other main useful function of window treatments is light control. Most homeowners prize natural sunlight. However, you do want to filter or even block out the light in some cases. Again, you'll evaluate this element on a room-by-room basis.

This consideration should be two-fold. As with privacy, you might have different light preferences depending on the room. The second aspect is the amount of light capable of coming into the room. Look at the direction of the windows and whether any obstructions come between the sun and the glass.

Room Requirements

Some rooms have specific requirements beyond how much light control or privacy you want. These rooms are the humid ones - bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. You can choose humidity-resistant treatments for those rooms, such as vinyl blinds or muslin curtains. If the window is far from the sink or bathtub, though, the treatments might not have to be quite so moisture-resistant.

Another room requirement involves its architecture. For example, in some rooms you might not be able to hang a rod above the window. You'll have to adjust your treatment choice for such windows. Designers often recommend blinds or shades, both of which can affix right to the window frame.

Method of Cleaning

Your window treatments will get dusty over time, which necessitates a cleaning. When you're ordering custom window treatments, decide what methods of cleaning work best for your lifestyle. For example, blinds don't need to be professionally cleaned. However, they do tend to collect dust, so you'll need to attend to them regularly.

Curtains don't tend to collect as much dust. However, some fabrics are safe to wash at home while others require professional dry cleaning. Determine which style will realistically work with your time and budget.

Décor Style

Finally, one consideration doesn't relate to function. When you're choosing custom window treatments, the most fun aspect is choosing the style. You'll have an almost unlimited range of colors, fabrics, and patterns from which to choose.

Your window treatments can help drive the style of the room. Choose whether they're meant to blend in with the décor or promote it. For example, if you want your furnishings to take center stage, look at neutral window treatments. Conversely, you could choose curtains with a bold pattern that fits with your décor theme.

With the above considerations in mind, choose beautiful custom window treatments for your home. Call Tailor Made Draperies, Inc. , when you're ready for new window treatments.