July 12, 2004

By: Leslie Lovejoy
Website: http://www.1st-in-home-decor.com

Window Dressing: With Custom Treatments You Get Just What You Want

A goblet pleated valance with tassels and braided trim on a decorative rod. A swag and jabot over silk dupione draperies. An Austrian valance with tie-backs over sheers. An arched cornice with twisted rope trimming. Today, the world of window treatments has a language of its own and consumers need to be educated about the many different kinds of styles, fabrics and fabrications available. The team of custom decorators at Fabricland Interiors in North Plainfield and Nassaus Window Fashions in Paramus, agree that the hundreds of styles and the explosion of beautiful fabrics is a good thing for consumers because chances are you can get exactly what you want.

Never before have there been so many choices in colors and materials, cites Lois Croce, buyer/manager of the stores' custom decorating department. But custom-made draperies should not be a hasty decision. Whether you're making your own window treatments or having someone else make the drapes, the shopper must do her homework. Window treatments are usually a long-term purchase and a mistake can be very costly.

Fabricland and Nassaus offers a wide variety of ready-made draperies and window hardware, as well as fabrics-by-the yard for women who like to 'do it yourself'. But, if you want something very unique or absolutely fabulous, custom gives you exactly what you want. The stores' highly trained staff of window decorating experts work closely with you -- either at your home or in the stores -- to design and create just the kind of look you want.

Custom draperies have traditionally been considered expensive, but the diversity of styles and fabrics today makes it possible for a custom treatment at every budget, cites Ms. Croce. We carry drapery fabrics in our stores that start at $10.a yard, but we tell our customers that an average cost for a single custom window treatment is at least $250. with fabric and labor. Depending upon the choice of fabrics, layers and trims, a typical large living room window treatment could cost at least $2,500 and more.

According to the decorators at Fabricland and Nassaus, the most popular style is the 'Kingston' design -- a board-mounted bell swag that has a very elegant, luxurious look. Using a $15 per yard fabric, we can usually create a beautiful look for about $300.per window , said Croce.

Before making choices, it's important for shoppers to take time to become familiar with styles and designs. In Fabricland and Nassaus's custom decorating departments, there are scrapbooks, magazines and decorating books featuring hundreds of photos of rooms -- with different types of treatments. Both stores also house the Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Gallery of shades, blinds and shutters and have many products on display.

People usually have some idea of what they want, said Ms.Croce, however, it takes time to narrow down the color and style. Our Shop at Home team and custom decorators guide you and provide many directions to help you select. Once you have chosen a color, we can help you consider whether you want a formal or informal look in the room, or a certain style such as country look or contemporary. When you find the right color and fabric, the rest is easy.

The biggest news in fabrics for windows is silk. Silk always lends an air of luxury, said Croce. But these are not the silks you remember from your grandmother's 'don't-go-in-there' living room. There is such a range of colors and styles from big ballroom stripes and bold plaids to beautiful textured shantung, dupioni or taffeta silk. The good news is that the prices have come down. Good quality Chinese silk that used to be $70 a yard is now about $35.

Details such as trimmings and tassels add so much to the finished product and the use of color-coordinated beaded trim, feather, fringe, rope, braid and cording adds lots of style to a beautiful window fashion. More than 1,200 different trims are in stock at Fabricland and Nassaus.

If you've narrowed your fabric decision to a handful of selections, don't just take home a tiny free swatch, advises Croce. Buy a half yard and 'live with it for a while' in both daytime and evening light. If you end up buying the material, you can always have a pillow made out of it!

About The Author:

Leslie Lovejoy is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-home-decor.com.  Home decorating tips and ideas to showcase any room with style.