How to Measure for Custom Drapes

Measuring for custom drapes is relatively easy. There are only few things you need to know to ensure the width and height of the drapes is a proper fit for your windows. Never measure an existing drape because you will not get an accurate measurement this way.

Using a retractable metal tape measure, measure across the front of your existing rod from tip to tip. Do not include in your measurements the finials and end pieces. FactoryDirectDrapes.com automatically adds the fullness and the extra material for the brackets at the ends of the rods where the drape returns back to the wall and for the overlap in the middle. This will be your width. For the height, place your tape measure on the top center of the rod down to where you want it to hang. Generally measure a minimum of 4” past the bottom of the window casing to provide sufficient for coverage for privacy and to reduce incoming light. To create a casual feel to a room, drapes should hang down to 1” above the floor or carpeting.

If a drapery rod has not yet been installed, the width measurement should be taken from the inside of the window casing, from one side to the other side of the window. Add 6 inches to the width measurement. This allows your drapes to extend 3 inches on both side of your window casing. Write the total width measurement. For the height, the measurement should be taken from the top inside of the window casing to the bottom inside casing. Add 8 inches to the height of the measurement then round off. This allows your draperies to extend 4 feet above and 4 feet below your window casing. If you have lower ceilings, you can add height to your room by hanging the drapery more than 4 inches above the casing or from the ceiling and barely touch the floor or pool to the floor. This adds the illusion of height.

Need to know more? Visit us at FactoryDirectDrapes.com and click on How to Measure You can also visit our Video Resource Center and watch the short instructional video “How to Measure.” We also have our experts available on the phone M-F 8am-5pm PST to assist you and answer questions on how to measure for drapes. Call us today at 1-866-713-7273.

Insulate your homes this Winter

Insulate your home for winter warmth with FactoryDirectDrapes.com’s Insulated Drapes. Our stylish, well-made custom Insulated Drapes help reduce the winter’s cold coming through the window and also help reduce light and outside noise for better sleeping. We have a number of styles to choose from in a wide array of fabrics and colors. Order insulated drapes from us today! We’re having a huge sale going on right now. It’s 50% off all drapes when you place your order today until Tuesday Jan. 9th.

Discount code is: 50off0112
Good through Jan 9th, 2011

To order insulated drapes at www.factorydirectdrapes.coom, simply click on SHOP NOW, select lined drapes, click on the fabric you want, enter the finished height and width then select Blackout Lining. Enter the discount code exactly as it appears in the Discount code field located on the Shopping cart then click on apply. If you forgot to enter your Discount Code during checkout or if you want to place your order by phone please call us toll-free at 1-866-713-7273. Make sure you mention this discount code.

Drapes for Shorter Windows

The majority of windows in homes are actually custom sizes. This is why ready-made drapes rarely fit your windows properly. Investing in custom drapes is very important because they are made to perfectly fit the exact size of your windows. One trick to make a shorter window appear larger is to use longer drapes. Install the rods and finials just below your ceiling and allow the panels to “puddle” or hang down extra long on the floor. This will create the illusion of height, making your entire space feel more open and inviting. No matter what shape and size your windows are, FactoryDirectDrapes.com can create custom drapes that will make your windows hide its flaws.

Benefits of custom drapes

The following are just a few reasons to choose custom drapes and curtains over store bought:

1. The lining can make the difference. Custom drapes are typically lined making them fuller and heavier whereas unlined store bought curtains are not lined. Of course, there are some store bought curtains that are lined but most of them are lined with thin low-thread count fabric. FactoryDirectDrapes.com standard lining is made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. The cotton makes it soft to the touch and the polyester allows it to block the sun in the best way possible making your drapes more durable and longer lasting.


2. Tailored to your specific requirements. Custom drape means you get exactly what you want. You get the exact style, the exact size, the exact color. They are made to fit your windows and doors avoiding the need to pin loosely fitting drapes. Store bought window treatments are designed for the masses and it is often difficult to find the exact style, color and size needed forcing you to settle with something that doesn’t necessarily match your specific needs. Some of the custom drapes FactoryDirectDrapes.com offers are pinch pleated, tab top, grommet and so much more. We carry a wide variety of fabrics in many shades, colors and textures giving you endless custom options that most store bought curtains don’t offer.


3. Wise investment. The average person keeps their custom drapery more than severs years whereas store bought one’s typically need to be replaced every two years. FactoryDirectDrapes.com custom lined drapes will last a lifetime and we stand by that fact with a "Lifetime Warranty" that guarantees your drape will be free from defects due to faulty workmanship or materials forever.


4. Value. Custom drapes pay for themselves over the years. It also increases your home value. Purchasing directly from our factory allows you to cut out the middle-man for enormous savings.

Our family and numerous long time employees take great pride in furnishing our customers with custom drapes to fit any window and complement any decor. Our products proudly are all hand-made in America. Call FactoryDirectDrapes.com toll-free at 1-866-713-7273. Our experienced staff can guide you in selecting the styles and fabrics that are right for your home.

Choosing Drapes over Blinds

Despite the numerous window covering options on the market today, drapes continue to represent a large segment of what most consumers select for use in their home. There are several reasons why drapes are a desirable and smart choice: 1) Looks – Drapes have been used for centuries for their luxurious looks. Nothing is more beautiful than a large full set of curtains draped from a window with a hint of light peeking through. Drapes come in every kind of fabric, color and size imaginable. It can be created to your specifications so it fits your window perfectly and can be a focal point for a room’s décor. 2) Privacy – Drapes provide superior privacy because they enable you to literally close the world out. Mini blinds and vertical blinds all have multiple “open gaps” where people can see into your home or room if they are so inclined. When you close a drape there are no openings or gaps. They also make your room more comfortable and cozy. 3) Insulation – Drapes absolutely guarantee the very best insulation value equally for both winter cold and summer heat. Windows are the central point in a room where air escapes or enters. Most experts in residential insulation agree that drapes, particularly lined drapes, consistently deliver the best insulation of any window covering. Their rating value is as high as 50% plus with blinds only offering about 10% insulation. 4) “Cozy factor” – although this may sound like a joke it isn’t; blinds, verticals, and even those extremely expensive shutters all are considered to be hard coverings and as such seem to many people cold and office like in appearance. However, drapes are soft, warm, and inviting thereby making you and your guests feel comfortable. 5) Cleanability - drapes simply show dust and dirt a lot less than any other type of window covering. Blinds require frequent cleaning as they are magnets for dust. Unless you are in the mood to repetitively clean, always stick with drapes for your home. 6) Longest lasting – no other window covering lasts longer than a drape. A lined drape can last ten to fifteen years or longer! You can’t beat that with anything else. These are just a few of the reasons why buying drape makes sense and can actually save you money with utility costs, cleaning expense and time, and superior durability that prevents damage and replacement costs.

At FactoryDirectDrapes.com, you can purchase drapes, curtains and valances direct from the manufacturer. This saves you up to 80% off retail mark-up. You simply won’t find lower price drapes, curtains and valances online!

Ready-made versus custom drapes

Unlike ready made drapes, custom made drapes are created to your specifications so your treatments fit your window and style.

Look around your room and determine whether your style is more traditional or more modern. You would want to pick a drape style that would complement your room decor and color scheme. When you're in doubt, try to stay with a neutral color drape. This allows you to later change the furniture or even wall color and not have to replace the window treatment again. A neutral color drape blends in with almost anything. So, consider off white fabrics, whites, earth tones, etc.

Most designers advocate having draperies custom-made because with ready-made drapes you're not only limited in sizing, they are also not as full or rich-looking and may not be lined. At FactoryDirectDrapes.com you can choose any fabric and drapery styles for your custom-drapes.

Our free "Virtual Room Designer" lets you try different stunning drape and valance styles. It allows you to match the wall, flooring, and furniture colors in your home to drape fabrics so you can see exactly how it would look before you purchase it.

Custom drapes are a little more expensive than ready-mades. Buying direct from the factory or manufacturer like FactoryDirectDrapes.com will save you the costly 50-80% mark-up many retail stores and decorators add onto the product cost.

For more information on custom draperies or to use this free design tool go to http://www.factorydirectdrapes.com

We are planting trees!

We want every day to be Earth Day, and by planting a tree for every eco-friendly product ordered we hope to plant 10,000 trees over the next 10 years.

We are planting trees to help make a difference!

With the help of the Arbor Day Foundation, we support Green initiatives by planting a tree in American National Forests for every eco-friendly product order.

We maintain a long standing commitment to consumer safe products, recycling, and using environmentally friendly materials. We strive to protect the integrity of all organic, eco-friendly, and recycled production materials.

Factory Direct Drapes ™ has been committed to going green by:

• Replacing all lights with energy efficient lighting
• Compacting trash to reduce waste disposal frequency
• Recycling paper, cardboard, and our own product manufacturing waste
• Conserving water
  
  Using recycled water and products for manufacturing, and cleaning in addition to using recycled office products.

Benefits of Planting Trees

• Moderate the climate
• Improve air quality
• Conserve water
• Harboring wildlife
• Improve the quality of life'

Drapes - Eco-Friendly, Hand Made in America, Factory Direct

Design Tip: Scenic Windows

Do you have a windows with a great view? Or simply want to have more light in the room. We generally recommend that you add an extra 3 inches on each side of the window. This will have the drapes partially block the window on the sides even when the drapes are fully open.

If you want the entire window to show when the drapes are open we recommend adding an extra 25% to the custom drapes. So if the window was 100 inch wide you should look at getting 125 inches of drape. Be sure to also have a bar that does out far enough to let the drapes get out of the way of the window.

7 Easy Steps to Choosing Custom Draperies

One of the most influential ways to enhance the interior appeal in your home lies with custom drapery. There are several factors which should be considered such as privacy, color options, the amount of natural lighting in the room, and the cost, just to name a few. Of course, buying directly from Factory Direct Drapes™ can save you tons of money and time.

Here are seven easy steps to help you when choosing custom draperies that are sure to please:

1. Choose a style of drapery that matches your taste. Do you like the classic and functional appeal of Pinch Pleated draperies or do you prefer the modern, clean look of Grommet draperies? Do you live in a city loft where a contemporary feel is desired or are you looking for a homier feel? There are many different styles, each with their own appeal and benefits.

2. Choose a fabric color and either a plain or patterned fabric. Do you want to blend with your décor or stand out? Use our Virtual Room Designer to help you decide. By using our Virtual Room Designer, you can experiment with different wall colors, flooring, furniture colors, and more. You can also order free fabric samples by mail.

3. Decide on whether or not you will need Insulated drapes. Insulating your draperies with lining increases the weight of your drapes making them hang better, in addition to preventing cold air from entering a room in the winter and keeping warm air out in the summer. Insulated lining can also be used to block light out of a bedroom, for those that like to sleep in, or in the city where there’s a lot of outside light from street lamps and traffic. Insulated draperies can also mute outside noises.

4. Decide on whether or not you would like to add a layer of Sheer draperies for privacy and light control. Sheers draperies are an excellent way to allow filtered light into your room while leaving your drapes open. By adding sheers under your drapes, light comes in and you still have privacy. Sheer draperies provide a classic, rich, and custom appearance.

5. Decide if you want to top off your draperies with a custom valance. There is absolutely nothing better to top off, finish or highlight your drapes as nicely as a beautiful valance. Pinch Pleated valances easily "blend in" above the drape; yet provide custom elegance and sophistication. Scarf valances are "free form" valances that create clean pleat lines and a graceful, flowing appearance.

6. Measure your windows. See our Drapery Measuring Instructions for a detailed explanation. If you have any questions feel free to call or email us. We are here to help.

7. Choose appropriate rods for your style of drapery. You may need a traverse or decorative rod system. You may also need tie-back or ring clips. Traverse rods work best with Pinch Pleated draperies, however Pinch Pleated draperies can also be hung on a decorative rod using ring clips, creating a contemporary look. If you are adding a layer of sheer draperies or a valance, keep in mind that you may need an additional or double stacked rod with the appropriate hardware. When in question don’t hesitate to contact us for advice.

Custom draperies will add a finished look to your room and also provides functional benefits such as insulation. Ordering custom draperies from Factory Direct Drapes™ is an easy, cost-efficient way to add value to your home and enhance your interior space.

Since, 1954, our family has taken great pride in furnishing our customers with outstanding well made products. When it comes to quality and value, we truly believe you cannot find any better drapes than the ones we literally “hand craft” here in America. Visit us at www.factorydirectdrapes.com. 

It's a Free Shipping weekend on FactoryDirectDrapes.com and FactoryBargainDrapes.com. 

Take advantage while it lasts.

Here are a couple of testimonials from satisfied customers . . . 

"I received the blackout drapes within 10 days of placing the order. Today I hung them and to say I was impressed is an understatement. They fit perfectly the length was exactly as ordered as was the width. The materials and workmanship are supurb and of high quality. These replaced a custom set designed by an expert and far outshine the old drapes. Thanks for a great product! We will use your services again." - James

"I received my drapes early this week and they are exactly what I had envisioned. I was very impressed with the quality of service that you provided. The product and shipping were also excellent. I will be sure to refer your company to all of my friends and family in the future. Thanks again for all of your patience." - Susan

"I ordered thru the internet to save money,but I expected to have to do a lot of work as a result, steaming, etc to get them to look professional. I was wrong. The sheers came beautifully folded, ready to hang, and they went up one, two, three. I'm very impressed. Thank you!" - Mary Ann

"Excellent transaction. I would shop here again. The selection of colors and styles and sizes was amazing. The prices were very reasonable and I am very pleased with my purchase." - Sarah

"Just wanted to let you know that the draperies are here; they are hung; and THEY LOOK FABULOUS!!" - Michael

"They had exactly what I was looking for!" - Janet

"I am amazed at the quality at the low price I paid. I expected something that would be kinda o.k. and would make do at that price. Kudos to your Company. Rest assured I will be telling all my friends about the value they can find by shopping with you. I am the first one to complain when I am dissappointed - after all I am a grouchy old man but....I pride myself in also passing on praise when it is deserved." - JT

We wish everyone a Happy Holidays!

Factory Direct Drapes Holiday Discounts

How To Measure | Free Fabric Sample | Fabric Center | Drapery Style Center |Drapery Rods | Frequently Asked Questions | Newsletter Archive | Insulated Drapes |Virtual Room Designer |
Factory Drapes Blog | Tab Top Drapes | Grommet Top Drapes | Ruffled Pocket Top Drapes | Pocket Top Drapes | Clip Top Drapes | Tie Top Drapes | Sheer Drapes | Thermal Drapes | Blackout Drapes | Pinch Pleated Valances | Scarf Valances | Halo Valances | Lined Drapes | Discount and Liquidation Fabrics

Factory Bargain Drapes Holiday Discount

Cheap Drapes | Buy Drapes | Discount Drapes | Wholesale Drapes | Discount Curtains | Cheap Curtains | Buy Curtains | Curtains on Sale | Wholesale Curtains | Window Treatments Sale | Cheap Window Treatments | Buy Window Treatments | Wholesale Window Treatments | Discount Window Treatments | Tab Top Drapes | Grommet Top Drapes | Ruffled Pocket Top Drapes | Pocket Top Drapes | Clip Top Drapes | Tie Top Drapes | Sheer Drapes | Thermal Drapes | Blackout Drapes | Pinch Pleated Valances | Scarf Valances | Halo Valances | Lined Drapes | Discount and Liquidation Fabrics

Bringing the Indoors Out

One of today’s hot trends is to bring the indoor lifestyle - gathering with great friends and good food - outdoors to enjoy the beauty of nature. One of the favorite pastimes with our families is to enjoy the dusk night air and the calmness of the day winding down.

The easiest way to add the indoors outside is through draperies to screen in your porch. Sheers have the softness one desires to accomplish this look. They can give a gentle protection by diminishing the sunlight at dusk. Drawn together, they will give the added bonus of protection from unwanted insects. Sheers are very strong and easy to wash, the fabric dries quickly and retains its shape well, and they are very cost effective.

For timeless and elegant styles, superior quality, and premium, consistent customer service; choose a website where you can buy direct from the factory and save hundreds of dollars per window.

Why Draperies?

Draperies are the secret to a designer’s touch. By layering windows with draperies they offer several outstanding advantages that just wood blinds simply can’t provide. Draperies offer far superior insulation ranging from 50 to 80 percent compared to blinds which only offer about 10 percent insulation value. While some may think blinds look modern, they can make your home look “cold and office like” whereas draperies offer a warmer more inviting decorative appearance. Draperies offer superior privacy.

Finally, drapery can generally handle years of normal wear and tear in your home. This makes them very cost effective. Finding high quality window treatments may be difficult. There are specialized web sites, like Factory Direct Drapes where you can find many possibilities of texture, colors, and fiber content our fabrics can fit any style of home. For timeless, elegant styles and superior quality, choose a website where you can buy direct from the factory and save hundreds of dollars per window.

A New Look at Factory Direct Drapes

Factory Direct Drapes™ recently performed a major redesign and launch of their website www.factorydirectdrapes.com with a modern, cleaner, and more usable interface. The eye-catching new imagery and design of the new home page introduces visitors the latest trends in window treatments and the hottest new promotions available. Mary and Lisa’s new Video Tips section provides links to free educational videos on a variety of different topics ranging from Blackout and Insulated Drapery to visual step by step instructions on How to Measure for drapery.

The new design also makes contacting support even easier. Customers now have the ability to chat with us online, while they order, or just for general decorating advice. Factory Direct Drapes™ makes ordering custom drapery online a snap and provides the tools, assistance and advice to allow their customers to make more informed decisions when decorating or remodeling.

DECORATING TIP OF THE DAY

Does your 8 foot ceiling feel real low like it’s caving in on you? Try painting the ceiling a very ever-so-light robin’s egg blue. Then, hang drapery panels close to the ceiling… It feels as though the ceiling has lifted!! Like the blue sky has taken the ceiling a way.

DECORATING TIP OF THE DAY

Table runners are a cost effective way to splash color in a room, and can serve double duty by protecting the furniture from the accessories that are placed on them. Be sure to coordinate them with the drapes you have purchased with us for a designer look.

DECORATING TIP OF THE DAY

Needing accessories but not really wanting to spend money? Put your fruit in a nice colorful mixing bowl. What a splash of color with items you already have.