Fashion Your Windows with Custom Draperies
Window fashions can completely transform a room and bring its entire décor to life. Your window treatments can create an illusion of larger windows, or higher ceilings. Or, you can create privacy or open up a space; absorb sound or reflect it; provide insulation or reduce damaging UV rays; control and moderate artificial light and sunlight. Draperies can stand on their own, or they can be complemented by elaborate layering of bishop sleaves, swags, valances and stylishly decorative decorative hardware. Let us show you how to create a little magic.
Only custom drapey can give you:
- Largest choice of styles
- Perfect fit; proper fullness, look and feel
- Fabric of your choice; colours, patterns, texture, durability
- Harmonious pattern matching
- Valances and trims that are the perfect complement
What We Do
Drapery Styles
- Standard Pinch Pleat
- European Pinch Pleat
- Goblet Pleat
- Pencil Pleat
- Box Pleat
- French Pleat
- Swagged
- Cuffed
- Austrian
- Café
- Balloon
- Tab Top
- Tie Top
- Ring Top
- Grommet
- Casement (Rod Pocket)
How We Work with You
Consultation
Live in the North, West, or Greater Vancouver area? Your free in-home consultation with an experienced member of our team will form the foundation upon which your entire project is developed. By means of skillful questions, a discerning ear and finely honed observation skills, we will tease out of our discussions your decorating goals and clearly identify what you want to achieve. We will apply our expertise and creativity to help you exceed your goals.
Big Picture
We recognize that purchasing customized drapes for your home is about more than that individual element. It is about conveying your personality and style through unique, quality pieces that make a statement. It is also about creating a seamless and harmonious blend between the old and the new. Whether we are redesigning an entire room or installing custom drapery alone, we take into consideration the entire look and feel of your home to create something with beauty and balance.
Room/Space Requirements
Once the vision for your drapery project and the feel of your home as a whole has been established, we turn our attention to the technical aspects of the process. For example, the amount of natural light available to the room, current artificial lighting strengths and weaknesses, and lighting requirements based on room usage will all be assessed. The size and shape of the room and windows, and the room’s current and intended uses will all be carefully considered to ensure that a great style will not mean sacrificing any functionality.
Style of Drapery
Next, we will assist you in personally selecting from the multitude of drapery styles that we can produce. We will guide you toward a style that will express your decorating vision and meet the functional requirements of the room.
Color and Fabric Selection
Many elements will influence the appropriate fabric selection. First, the selected fabric must have the right properties for the window treatment’s styling such as draping or pleating. The location must also be considered, certain fabrics are more resistant to fading and therefore a better choice for windows that receive a lot of direct sunlight. Will it be used in a high traffic area? If so, fabrics that resist stains or wash easily would be a wise choice. The fabric type also affects the look created by the drapes. For example, silk can create a rich and luxurious atmosphere while denim says fun and casual. We will use our expertise to assist you in selecting the right fabric for your unique project.
Estimate
A detailed estimate will be prepared for your review. Once accepted, a 50% deposit will be collected and work will commence on your project.
Timeline
A timeline will be prepared for larger projects, outlining the steps involved and the estimated completion date.
Creation
Our expert staff will design, cut, sew and finish your custom project with quality materials, old world craftsmanship and the utmost attention to detail.
Delivery/Installation
Our full-service promise includes personally caring for your project from beginning to end. Our experienced and courteous installers will accurately install your custom project with the care and attention it deserves.
Pricing Structure
Choice of Fabric
Many elements will affect the price of your project. Most obvious, perhaps, is the selection of fabric. Special order fabrics, such as custom European imports can create an incomparable piece of unmatched and memorable quality. However, beautiful fabrics can also be found to suit a multitude of budgets.
Level of Detail
Certain drapery styles require complex and time-consuming sewing techniques and therefore would be a more expensive choice when compared to some of their simpler counterparts. For example, tab top drapery can be produced fairly simply and quickly, whereas the Austrian style of drapery requires an experienced and patient hand!
Accessories
Your beautiful drapery can be further embellished with trimmings such as braid, ribbon or tassels. Rods, finials and tie backs can also all be purchased through Old World Interiors, creating a planned and harmonious final product. Motorized systems are also available. The selection of any of these additional elements will naturally also have an affect on the cost of your final project.
Considerations for Fabric Selection
Fabric Care
Certain rooms, such as children’s rooms require a strong, easy care fabric such as cotton. Other rooms, such as formal dining rooms, benefit aesthetically from a rich elegant fabric like damask or velvet; however the cost of professional cleaning should be taken into consideration when selecting this type of fabric.
Light Protection
The occupants of the room (furniture and human) will influence your selection of drapery fabric. Rooms where you sleep or which contain expensive antiques may require blackout curtains for comfort and protection. Casual rooms in which you spend a lot of time, such as a family room, may benefit from a light fabric that breathes well such as cotton. North or south facing windows may also require different fabric selections. For example, silk can be considered a versatile and long wearing fabric. However, it is susceptible to sun damage and therefore is not recommended for locations which receive a lot of sunlight.
Budget
It is advisable to invest in the best-quality fabric that your budget will allow. A quality fabric will look better and last longer. Our experts are happy to provide recommendations on quality, long lasting fabrics that will add beauty to your home for years to come.
Drapery Trends
Fabrics
Modern sheers create a simple, chic effect and are available in a multitude of colours. Look for subtle embossed or printed patterns, or a delicate iridescence for whimsical sophistication. Classics like linen and silk remain popular options. Velvet also creates a luxurious drape with its beautiful draping qualities and its ability to catch the light. In addition to these timeless options, new “green” fabrics such as bamboo and hemp are also becoming popular for their natural qualities.
Colors
Recent color trends have seen a shift toward optimism and innovation while still maintaining a nurturing and comfortable quality. What’s next? A combination of these warm and saturated colors of nature combined unexpectedly, but amazingly beautifully, with the dark industrial colors of urban life.
Style
Light draperies that sit just off the ground, rather than heavy draperies that pool on the floor, create a clean, modern look. This lightness and breath-ability is further enhanced with decorative ceramic, glass or metal tie-backs and finials.
