If you have ever wanted to update the look of any room in your home, making your own drapes just may be the way to go! In many cases, custom drapes are cost prohibitive. You can achieve the look you want, with the fabric of your dreams, by sewing your own custom drapes.
What Design Do You Want?
The first step is to decide on the look you want for your room. Is your furniture contemporary, classic or rustic? What is your existing color palette? Once you have decided on the overall theme for your room, it is time to select your fabric. Do you need functional drapes for your windows (light blocking fabric, sound deadening fabric, fabric for privacy or to keep in/out heat and cold), or do you prefer decorative drapery, with sheer fabric to let in the natural light or fabric that will add personality to a room? If you  live in a hot, dry Fort Worth climate or a hot and humid Houston climate – you may
Select Drapery Hardware
The second step is to select your drapery hardware. The drapery hardware you select will provide a more aesthetically pleasing overall look for the room. Again, you should ask yourself the following questions as you choose your window hardware:
Will you need drapery hardware that is contemporary designs, modern, classic or rustic? Would you prefer a wood or metal finial and drapery rod? Do you need drapery hardware that is more functional or more decorative?
Picking the Perfect Designer Drapery
The third step is to decide on what type of drapes you want. Functional and decorative drapes include Roman shades, valances, cornices, swags, pinch-pleat or draw drapery, and drapery panels. And within these categories, there are many options to choose from. For instance, the cascade on a swag (a tapered piece of fabric which is very decorative) can be hung over or under or alongside the swag. And as for valances, there are inverted pleat valances, cinch-pleated valances, geometric valances, scalloped valances, cafe valances, and the simple straight valance.
DIY Designer Drapes
Many companies such as Simplicity, Vogue, McCall’s and Butterick make patterns for drapery panels, valances, swags and many different window treatments. The possibilities are endless! You may try browsing at a window treatment store for ideas, and then visit your local drapery fabric store to select a fabric that fits the style of your home and your lifestyle. Your finished window treatment will provide that custom look and feel at a fraction of the cost.
