Variety of styles: I remember going to a 'big-box' retailer near me, before I got into this business, in search of a topper for my living room window. At first the choices seemed abundant and I was excited. My excitement, however, quickly faded as my search got more specific. It turned out that although there were 20 different colors to choose from, my color wasn't available at all; there were only 5 styles of valances (actually they were mostly gathered anyway); there wasn't anything big enough for my window, so I would have had to buy multiples to even make it work. I was disappointed. Of course, with custom valances (or any window treatments) the styles are only limited by our imagination: what we can envision in our mind, we can create in fabric.
Your choice of fabric: If styles come in a large variety, fabrics are even more abundant. And there are such gorgeous fabrics out there - it's amazing the creativity and originality of some of them. Unfortunately, ready-made treatments only come in a very limited number of fabric options. Also, it is very important to pick your fabrics in the space that you're treating, because your lighting and other furnishings cast different shadows and make your fabric look completely different in other environments (i.e. retail store). So even though a certain fabric may have looked promising in the store, it may change when you bring it home.
Budget: Of course, purchasing pre-fabricated window treatments are much lighter on the pocket book. And budget IS a big and important consideration. I can easily come up with 10 different reasons why money invested in custom window treatments is well worth it in the long run, but I won't . In the end, one has to be comfortable with the investment; if that comfort level doesn't exist, then custom work is not the right choice.
Perfect Fit: By the very nature of the word, 'custom' work is designed to fit just right. The window treatments are made specifically for your window's width, length, projection, and obstructions. Think to yourself - How important is it for me, my personality, my life-style?
Stree-free installation: This may seem like an insignificant point, but it's actually very important. I often say to my clients that we can choose the most perfect style, find the most perfect fabric, and fabricate the treatment flawlessly, but if it's not installed properly, it's all in vain. With custom work, you don't have to worry about what kind of brackets to get, how far the treatment will project, what happens if you can't find the stud, and many many other challenges that will come up.
Ability to coordinate with the room: Window treatments are part of the overall window décor. That fabric that you fell in love with, can be used in other areas of the room - for example bedding, pillows, benches, and upholstery. Using the same fabrics on different elements in the room is what makes the room look pulled together (one of the biggest challenges people usually have when decorating).
Timing: Custom window treatments take time to make. The leadtimes range from about 3 weeks for blinds and shades, to 6-8 weeks for curtains and valances. There is definitely a certain sense of immediate gratification when you can just go into the store and pick something up. If you need your window treatments immediately, ready-made is most likely the way for you.
Challenging windows: These include two-story windows, sliding glass doors and odd-shape windows. Some of these simply can only be treated if done custom because they are just not available in the ready-made market.
So you see, there is no winner or looser here. What's right for you depends on your personality, your goals for the room, your budget, type of window, and timing.
Window treatments are a great way to brighten up the home and make it feel a lot cosier. However, due to the fact that there is a large amount available for you to choose from, actually selecting the right window treatments for your home can be a particularly difficult task.
No matter whether you are choosing to give your window a completely redecorate, or whether you just want to spruce it up a little, the right window treatment is essential to get the look that you are after. So just how do you select the right window treatment for your home?
Choosing the Right Window Treatment
There are a number of things which you need to do before you can choose the right window treatment for your home. The first is knowing what type of window treatment you actually need.
In order to know exactly what type of window treatment you need, you first have to take notice of the style of your window. Is it simple and modern, elegant and contemporary? The look of the window and the setting of the room will really make a difference as to which window treatment you should use.
You may even want to choose a window treatment which goes well with the actual architecture of the window. Whatever you want, you need to ensure that you take into account everything about the current look of the window and the look that you are aiming for.
Another important factor to take into account, is which room is the window treatment being used in? Factors such as how much moisture will be in the room and how much privacy you want will make a difference to the treatment that you select. For example, if you are planning on placing the window treatment in the bathroom, it will need to be able to stand up to high levels of moisture. So wood may not be the best option. The room will also make a difference as to how formal the window treatment will be.
Once you have figured out exactly what it is that you want, you then have to work out a budget. Your budget will then determine whether you can afford to purchase made to measure window treatments or whether you have to stick with ready made ones. A way to save money if you are on a budget is by purchasing a ready made window treatment, and then cutting it down to size yourself.
Overall window treatments can add a little extra character to any room, but you really do need to consider a number of factors before you rush out and purchase one.
Both Vita Vygovska & Adam Peters are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Vita Vygovska has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, Health and Motorola Cell Phone. Vita Vygovska, Owner of V2K Window Décor and More, a full-service custom window treatment company, will transform your ordinary window to extraordinary with professionalism from beginning to end. To set an appointment or receive your free Special Report:. Vita Vygovska's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Adam Peters has sinced written about articles on various topics from Bathroom Home Improvement, Exhaust and Home Management. Adam Peters is the editor of different articles with reference to treatments for . You can find more information and. Adam Peters's top article generates over 823000 views. to your Favourites.