Should you buy off-the-shelf or custom window treatments? If you need to decorate (or redecorate) your bedroom, living room, and other home spaces, but you're not sure which type of window treatment is the right choice, take a look at what you need to know about store-bought treatments, custom creations, and your options.

What Size Are Your Windows?

Off-the-shelf window treatments come in standard sizes to fit standard windows. While your home's window may fit the dimensions on the store-bought package, slim, long, wide, or over-sized windows won't. A custom window treatment allows you to:

• Choose your own dimensions. You don't have to settle for treatments that are too long, barely meet the edge of the sill, or are too wide for your home's windows. A custom design gives you the chance to create treatments with any length and width you want or need.
• Get help with the fit. Do you know how to measure the length and width of your windows to fit curtains, drapes, blinds, or another treatment correctly? If not, a custom contractor can help you to measure and find the best fit possible.
• Create off-standard sizes. Create any size of window treatment you want with a custom option.

Can, or should, you choose custom curtains or blinds if your windows are standard sizes? Size is a popular reason to create custom window treatments. But it's not the only factor. Even though your traditional rectangle double-hung or casement windows may fit off-the-shelf measurements, you can still choose a custom creation.

What Are Your Design Goals?

Size is a functional part of your window treatment decision. In comparison, the overall design is an aesthetic issue. Before you choose an off-the-shelf option, consider whether a ready-made window treatment can meet your interior design goals or not. If you're not sure which choice (store-bought or custom) is right for your room's décor, ask:

• What is the room's color palette? Off-the-shelf window treatments may only come in certain colors. If the ready-made options don't fit your room's color palette, you may need a custom creation.
• What type of pattern will fit the room's décor? Color isn't the only aesthetic issue to consider. A specialized pattern or a coordinating design may require a custom creation.
• What texture works with the room's overall design? You also need to choose the texture of the material. Like other aesthetic aspects, custom window treatments typically come in a wider range of textures - ranging from silky sheers to chunky heavy-weight fabrics.

Along with the color, pattern, and texture, you also need to choose the type of window treatment that works best for your design goals. These could include sweeping drama-filled drapes, sheer curtains, plantation shutters, roman blinds, shades, or another popular style.

Where Do You Want to Buy Window Treatments?

If you're short on time, a quick trip to the local big-box store is an easy way to pick up a pack of curtains or blinds. Even though this option is convenient, it may not give you the best treatments for your home décor needs. Homeowners with complex or specific interior design needs may want to consider a specialized window treatment retailer. The advantages of this option include:

• Expertise. Specialized window treatment companies have the industry expertise and knowledge necessary to create standout custom drapes, curtains, blinds, and more.
• Experience. The custom contractor should have years of experience to back up their design and installation abilities.
• Choices. A specialized window treatment retailer offers customers a wide array of options. You may not find the same variety of choices in other stores.

Before you choose a specialized retailer to work with, ask to see photos of past work. This can help you to understand what you can expect from the design and installation services.

Are you ready to replace or update your home's window treatments? Contact Tailor Made Draperies, Inc. , for more information.