How to Customize Your Curtains and Transform a Room By Kerrie Kelly, ASID

Hearing the word ‘custom’ when it comes to any renovation often evokes images of flashing dollar signs. However, when it comes to drapery, ‘custom’ doesn’t have to mean ‘expensive.’ With a little research and a few insider pointers, you can navigate the world of custom curtains and come out with a style that perfectly complements your home—and your budget.

Start with the Right Color

One of the most difficult obstacles when outfitting your home is making sure all the colors are cohesive. Picking the wrong color of drapery can take away from the full aesthetic of the room and divert from your intended design. Custom curtains are a great choice when you have a specific palette in mind. Look for drapes and curtains that match the accent pieces in your room, like pillows and throw rugs. And if you can’t find a perfectly matched hue, choose a consistent pattern or complementary tone and your room will still look cohesive.

Consider Custom Trim

If your style is all about the details, drapery trim is the perfect way to add a little ‘oomph’ to your design. From tassels to fringe, custom trim and banding is a simple method to bring an entire look together. I recommend checking samples against your room’s color palette prior to signing off on the custom design. 

Get the Length Right

Do you have a peculiarly shaped window, or a space that needs a little extra “something”? Custom drapery can help fill that void. If your window length or width is not a standard measurement that is widely available, consider a custom design taken to the exact inch needed.

Curtain length is important—drapery that is too short makes the room look off balance, and drapery that is too long can make the space seem cluttered. If you find curtains that you love but they’re too long, you may be able to save money on custom creation simply by having them tailored to the correct length.

Choose Custom Hardware

Last but not least, the hardware that goes with drapery can also be customized. This small detail lends a completed and curated look to your room and is important to consider when picking out the fabric, fullness and opacity of your curtains.

Choosing custom hardware means you are able to match the rod, rings, finials and other decorative elements to your drapery. While you may not think to add this extra element, it really brings the entire look full-circle to create a cohesive space.

With these notes in your back pocket, you’re ready to pick out your custom curtains, hardware and all!

 Kerrie Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, a professional interior design firm based in California. Kerrie is the author of the book Home Decor: A Sunset Design Guide. A wide assortment of drapes and curtains, including styles Kerrie mentions, are available for review at Home Depot online.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choose Custom Hardware