Custom drapery refers to fabric panels made to order for a specific window or space. Unlike ready-made curtains sold in fixed sizes, custom drapery is cut, sewn, and finished to your exact measurements, fabric choice, pleat style, and lining. The result is a precise fit, a fuller hang, and a polished look that off-the-shelf panels rarely achieve.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but in the trade “curtains” typically refers to lighter, unlined panels that hang casually and are intended to filter light. “Drapery” refers to heavier, usually lined panels that hang in formal, structured folds and are designed to frame the window as a finished architectural element. Custom drapery is almost always lined and often interlined for added body, insulation, and a more luxurious hang.

• Pinch pleat (French pleat): Three fingers of fabric are sewn together at the base to create a classic, evenly spaced fan. The most traditional drapery heading.
• Euro pleat (two-finger pleat): A wider, more relaxed version of the pinch pleat with two folds. Clean and slightly more contemporary.
• Goblet pleat: A cylindrical fold at the top resembles an upturned goblet. Formal and sculptural — often stuffed with tissue to hold the shape.
• Box pleat: Flat, structured pleats that fold inward on both sides. Crisp and tailored; popular in contemporary and transitional interiors.
• Ripple fold or Modern Wave: Evenly spaced S-curve folds created by a special carrier system on the rod. Modern, effortless, and ideal for motorized tracks.
• Rod pocket: A sewn channel at the top slides directly over the rod. Casual and simple; best for stationary panels.
• Grommet / eyelet: Metal rings punched into the fabric create uniform ripples. Casual to contemporary; requires a compatible rod diameter.

The most common drapery fabrics are linen, cotton, velvet, silk, polyester, and blended weaves. Linen and cotton give a relaxed, natural look; velvet and silk add drama and formality; polyester blends offer durability and fade resistance. Fabric weight affects how the panels hang. Heavier fabrics fall in tighter, more structured folds, while lighter fabrics produce softer, more fluid drape.

• Unlined: Face fabric only. Lightest and most affordable; minimal insulation or privacy.
• Standard lining: A cotton-sateen backing, usually white or ivory, that gives the panel more body and shields the face fabric from UV fading while adding a layer of privacy.
• Blackout lining: An opaque interlining that blocks virtually all light. Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms.
• Interlining (bump): A soft, flannel-like middle layer between face and lining that adds substantial weight, warmth, and a sumptuous hang. Common in high-end custom drapery.
• Thermal lining: Reflective or insulating backing that reduces heat transfer through the window, helping with energy costs.

Mount drapery hardware about 4 to 6 inches above the window frame, or closer to the ceiling when appropriate. Extend the rod or track 6 to 12 inches beyond each side so the panels can clear the glass when open. Very wide windows or fuller drapery may need 12 to 16 inches of extension per side.

Measure the total rod length (end bracket to end bracket). For a full, luxurious look, the total fabric width across all panels should be 2–2.5 times the rod length. For sheer panels, use 2–3 times fullness. If you want panels that remain stationary as a decorative frame, you can reduce fullness slightly, but less than 1.5x will look flat and skimpy.

• Sill length: Hem falls ½ inch above the window sill. Casual and practical for kitchens or children’s rooms.
• Apron length: Hem falls 4–6 inches below the sill, covering the apron trim. A tidy, traditional option.
• Floor length: Hem falls ½–1 inch above the floor. The most versatile and widely used length.
• Puddle: Hem extends 3–6 inches (slight puddle) or 12–18 inches (dramatic puddle) onto the floor. Formal and luxurious; best with heavier fabrics in low-traffic areas.

Measure from the bottom of the drapery ring or rod pocket to your desired hem point. Always measure at multiple points across the window — floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly level.

Fabric requirements depend on panel width, fullness ratio, pattern repeat, and hem allowances. As a starting point, multiply the finished panel width by your fullness ratio to get the cut width per panel, then add 6–8 inches for side hems. For length, add 16–20 inches to the finished length for top heading and bottom hem. If your fabric has a pattern repeat, add one full repeat per panel cut to allow for matching. We calculate exact yardage for you at checkout once dimensions and fabric are selected.

Yes. For horizontal pattern matching across panels on the same window, we align the pattern at a consistent height (typically at the leading edge at eye level) for an additional charge. Vertical pattern centring — ensuring a motif falls centred on each panel — is also available. Please note the pattern repeat dimensions on your order and indicate your matching preference. Panels on different windows in the same room can be cut from the same dye lot but are not typically cross-matched.

Standard lead time is 4–8 weeks from order confirmation, depending on fabric availability, lining choice, and heading complexity. Interlined and goblet-pleat panels typically fall at the longer end. Rush production (2–3 weeks) is available on select fabrics for an additional fee. Please contact us before ordering to confirm eligibility. You will receive email updates when your order enters production and when it ships.

• Decorative rod with rings: Works with all pleat styles and grommets. Rings allow smooth operation and are the most versatile option.
• Track / channel system: A ceiling- or wall-mounted track that panels glide along. Ideal for ripple fold, pinch pleat with carriers, and motorized drapery. Provides the cleanest, most contemporary look.
• Tension rod: Suitable only for lightweight, unlined rod-pocket panels in smaller openings. Not recommended for custom drapery.

Standard grommets have an inside diameter of 1⅝ inches and fit rods up to 1¼ inches in diameter. If you select a grommet heading, confirm your rod diameter before ordering. We can produce grommets in 1½-inch or 2-inch inside diameter for larger decorative rods upon request — note this in the order comments.

Yes. Ripple-fold panels on a motorized track are the most common motorized drapery configuration, offering smooth, quiet operation via remote, wall switch, smartphone app, or voice assistant. Pinch-pleat and other headed panels can also be motorized using carrier-based track systems. Battery-powered motors require no wiring and are recharged via USB; hardwired motors offer continuous operation without recharging and are recommended for frequently used panels or very wide, heavy drapery.

For routine maintenance, shake the panels gently and vacuum using the upholstery brush attachment on low suction, working top to bottom along the folds. Most lined drapery should be dry-cleaned only — check the face fabric care label and lining spec sheet included with your order. Washing can cause shrinkage, colour bleeding, and interlining distortion. Spot-clean small marks by blotting (not rubbing) with a clean damp cloth and allow to air dry fully before closing the panels.

All fabrics fade with sustained direct sun exposure, but you can slow the process significantly. Using a lining, especially a blackout or UV-blocking lining, protects the face fabric from the inside. On south- and west-facing windows with intense afternoon sun, adding a sheer or solar shade behind the drapery provides an additional UV barrier. Rotate or rehang panels periodically if one side of a window receives more sun than the other.

After installation, train the pleats by gently folding and guiding each pleat in the same direction and loosely tying the panels with fabric strips or cotton twill tape for 1–2 weeks. This encourages the fabric memory to hold the fold. Steaming (not ironing directly) can refresh pleats that have relaxed over time — use a handheld steamer held 2–3 inches from the fabric and allow the panels to hang and dry fully before moving them.

Well-made, properly cared-for custom drapery can last 10–20 years or more. Longevity depends on fabric quality, lining, sun exposure, and how frequently the panels are operated. Silk is the most vulnerable to sun damage and should be relined or replaced sooner than linen, cotton, or polyester blends. Hardware — rods, rings, and tracks — generally outlasts the fabric and can be reused with replacement panels.

All custom drapery carries a limited warranty on workmanship: seams, hems, pleating, and lining construction for 2 years under normal residential use. Fabric defects (weaving flaws, dye inconsistencies) are covered for 1 year from delivery. Warranty does not cover fading from sun exposure, shrinkage or damage from improper cleaning, normal wear over time, or damage caused by pets or moisture. Hardware carries its own manufacturer’s warranty, typically 1–3 years.