There are many reasons why you may be thinking about getting draperies to hang over your windows. Draperies cover your windows, giving you privacy. Certain types can help block sunlight, reducing your energy usage. And they can add texture, color and style to your room. When selecting them, you have a decision to make. You can purchase store-ready curtains or have custom ones made. There are pros and cons to both methods and learning about them will help you make an educated decision as to which is best for you. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having custom draperies made.

Cons of Custom Draperies

• Custom Tends to Cost More

One of the biggest drawbacks to custom curtains is the cost. Custom draperies are often significantly more expensive than ready-made curtains that you can buy in a store. There are many factors that ultimately affect the price of both, including the type of fabric and how much fabric is used. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay more for custom curtains. As such, they may not be the ideal choice for someone who is looking for draperies on a budget.

• Custom Takes Time to Make

The other downside to custom curtains is that they take time to make. The amount of time varies based on who you select to make them and how busy they are. Always ask how long your curtains will take to make so you ensure you have enough time before you need them. But this is important to keep in mind if you need curtains quickly. If you have family coming to visit this weekend and want to make your home more inviting, custom may not be the best option for you.

Pros of Custom Draperies

• You Can Fit Windows With Hard-to-Find Dimensions

One of the biggest advantages to custom draperies is that you have the ability to fit windows with hard-to-find dimensions. As you shop for ready-made curtains, you will see most stores carry the same sizes of curtains. That's great if that's the size you need. But if it isn't, it can be challenging, if not impossible, to track down the size you need for your window. When you go with custom curtains, a seamstress can create the exact size of curtain you need, really helping you to emphasize the shape and size of your windows.

• You Can Select the Fabric and Colors

The other upside to custom draperies is that you get to select the colors and fabrics that are used. And generally, you will find you have more color options when you go with custom curtains. When custom curtains are made, you and the person who is making them will go to a fabric store together. From there, you can select from hundreds or even thousands of different materials available. This gives you a huge range in colors, patterns, textures and materials. You typically don't have this large of a range when you buy store-bought curtains. Finding certain colors can be challenging and finding patterns that may not be trendy at the time can be hard. If you have searched through ready-made curtains and haven't found what you are looking for, custom curtains may be right for you.

The draperies you use in any given room can set the mood for the space. Colorful curtains with fun patterns can give the room a trendy or fun feel, while lightweight chiffon curtains can give a space a romantic feel. Selecting the right curtains can help enhance the look and feel of your space, giving it the perfect final touch. As you shop for draperies, keep in mind that you have two options. You can buy them directly from a store or have custom ones made. Learning about the advantages and disadvantages will help you decide if custom curtains are right for you. Talk to a company that sells draperies for additional info.