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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.

How long should drapes or curtains be?

The majority of windows in homes are actually custom sizes. That is why ready-made drapes rarely fit your windows. Investing in custom drape is very important because each drape can be made into the width and height of your windows. To determine how long your drapes should be, consider the look you want to create in the room.

In order to provide sufficient privacy and to reduce incoming light, drapes should hang 6”-8” past the bottom of the window casing. To create a casual feel to a room, drapes should hang down to 1” above the floor or carpeting. Long drapes can totally transform a room. Too-short of a drape can seem off, like high-water pants. Make sure the drapery rod is mounted at least 4” – 6” on top of the window Measure the height of the drapes from the top center of the rod to where you want it to hang then round off.

Floor to ceiling drapes are drapes that hang from the ceiling and barely touch the floor or pool to the floor. This adds the illusion of height especially on a low ceiling room. If you prefer your drapes to puddle, add 6” of additional fabric to your length. Puddle drapes can look romantic and elegant but is high maintenance. Generally we only recommend puddling for decorative drapes. If your drapes are going to be opened and closed regularly, puddling is not recommended as the bottoms of the drapes will get dirty very quickly or even ruined.You may not also want your drapes to puddle if you have pets like cats or dogs who will most likely lie or roll on top the pooled fabric.

Visit factorydirectdrapes.com and click on How to Measure for step by step directions on measuring for width and height of your drapes. You can also visit our Video Resource Center for a video on “How to Measure for Drapery” Our customer service representatives are also available M-F 8am – 5pm PST to answer any questions.

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.

Why Lining is important?

Drapery lining is one of the most important things to consider when ordering a custom drape other than color, fabric type and style. Lining is the backing fabric used in the construction of a custom drape. Adding the correct lining to your custom drapes is a good investment. It adds more fullness and body to the drape and also protects the main fabric from the harmful UV rays from the sunlight making it last longer than unlined drapes.

FactoryDirectDrapes.com recommends to always add lining to your custom drapes. Without a lining, even high quality fabrics will fade and deteriorate very quickly. At FactoryDirectDrapes.com, all of our fabrics can have two types of linings attached to it: Standard or Blackout/Insulated lining. Our 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 the best way possible protecting your drapes and furniture from the damaging UV rays. Since a standard lining is made from a light fabric, it allows some natural light to enter the room while still giving you the privacy you want.

Our Blackout / insulated drapery lining blocks out 100% of the sunlight from penetrating through the drape. The room darkening effect is similar to what you find at most hotels and motels. It also reduces or dampens outside noise that gets in the room and provides superior insulation against unwanted heat or cold. Experts in insulation values rate insulated linings as reducing hot and cold air by up to 50 %! If you live in an area with particularly cold or warm climates, you have more reason to add blackout/insulated lining on your next custom drape purchase and save on your utility costs. Our blackout/insulated lining is made from the highest quality material available in the market today. It will not crack, peel or bubble. This lining is ideal for ideal for bedrooms, media rooms, schools, hospitals, nurseries and nursing homes. You have the option to purchase it as inherently fire retardant as an extra measure of protection for your family and home.

If you take all of these things into consideration, adding a lining to your custom drapes will cost you less in the long run than buying an unlined drape.

Importance of buying American made products

Some of you may have been aware of the ABC World News series “Made in America” with Diane Sawyer. As part of the series, a family from Dallas, TX took on the challenge to empty their rooms and furnish it with American-made goods. The results are beautiful, well-made products from companies that’s been creating jobs right here in America. For the holidays, the series pointed out that if that if every American spent an extra $64 a year on buying American-made goods on holiday gifts and goodies, it could create 200,000 new jobs in the U.S. Given the high unemployment rate in the country, the desire to support American jobs through our purchases has perhaps never been higher.

What does buying American mean to FactoryDirectDrapes.com? We are incredibly proud to say we manufacture products in the USA and “Keep Americans Working” Since 1954, FactoryDirectDrapes.com has specialized in custom drapes, curtains and valances. These drapes are well known for high quality craftsmanship and long lasting durability. Our long time employees take pride in furnishing customers with outstanding well made products. Our drapes are built to last 10 to 15 years and we offer an unprecedented Lifetime Warranty on all workmanship, sewing and seams. Visit us at FactoryDirectDrapes.com and choose from a wide variety of custom drapes, curtains and valances that are proudly Hand Made in America.

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.

Increase your Home Value with Custom Drapes

Every homeowner should learn how to increase the value of his/her home so he/she can maximize any returns on investment when it comes to selling. There are so many ways one can do to increase the property value of their home and some can cost a lot of money. Installing new drapes are one of the affordable ways to add value to a house. Research shows that homes with quality window treatments sell better. Buyers are more often looking for homes that already have beautiful drapes. Drapes help reduce noise, improve insulation and make a house look more elegant inside and out increasing the home’s perceived value to the buyers. Check out FactoryDirectDrapes.com today to view the great selections that will add more value to your home.

Lined or unlined drapes, which are best for you?

One thing you need to consider when ordering a custom drape other than color, fabric type, style and size is whether you want them lined or unlined. Most consumers who buy ready-made drapes just don’t really know what they’re missing. The addition of a cloth lining to the back of a drape fabric creates six distinct advantages over an unlined drape.

1) Looks – Lining adds more fullness and body to the pleats and folds of the drape. The extra weight of the lining allows the drape to hang beautifully.
2) Insulation - A lined drape has superior insulation value against winter cold and summer heat. It can thereby help reduce your utility costs.
3) Sound reduction - Lined drapes dampen or reduce the amount of outside noise that gets in the room. It provides the quiet environment that is important for quality sleep.
4) Privacy - Lined drapes offer you complete privacy, because their lining is opaque. No one will be able to catch even a glimpse of you through lined drapes.
5) Longer lasting – Because the lining protects the drape fabric from the harmful effects of the sun, lined drapes can last 10 to 15 years longer than unlined drapes.
6) Light reduction – lined drapes greatly reduce the light pouring into your rooms. The term “blackout drapes” is another term often used interchangeably with lined drapes, because it blocks 100% of the sunlight from penetrating through the drape. This is particularly useful if you work at night and need to sleep during the day.

At FactoryDirectDrapes.com all our custom drape fabrics can have standard lining or blackout lining attached to it. We only use the best standard and blackout linings available in the market today.

Liquidation Deep Discount Fabrics from FactoryDirectDrapes.com

FactoryDirectDrapes.com is pleased to offer a Best Bargain Deep Discount Liquidation sale on fabrics! Enjoy major savings on drapes, curtains and valances on these discontinued patterns or overstock first quality fabrics at 80% off retail! This will be the lowest you will ever get a high quality custom drapes all made in the USA. If you see a fabric you like, order your custom drapes immediately because these fabrics are in VERY limited quantities and will only be available until they run out. This is the perfect time to order custom drapes for those of you who are decorating on a budget. There are many more selections to choose from in our store. If you are looking for a particular pattern or color, please call us toll free at 1-866-713-7273, and we will be happy to assist you in your fabric needs.

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

Getting Ready for Fall Decorating

Start getting ready for fall with these quick tips for transitioning your home from summer to fall!

1) Replace candles, table linens, centerpieces and other accessories with accents in warmer colors like burnt oranges, reds, golden yellows and greens.

2) Add a wreath to your home decor. Fall leaves accentuated with berries makes a perfect wreath to welcome the beautiful fall season.

3) For outdoor entertaining, greet your guests with plant arrangements using fall leaves, indian corns, mini pumpkins and gourds.

4) Decorate your mantle with a garland of fall leaves. Finish off with candles or small vases in fall colors.

5) Create fall floral arrangements for your entry way or dining table. Fall flowers can include late summer flowers such as sunflowers and carnations. You can also include berries and other earth-toned blooms and grasses.

6) Take down thin laces and sheers and replace them with rich, earthy, fall color curtains.

FactoryDirectDrapes.com offers a wide variety of custom drapes at competitive prices which makes it easy and affordable to create a fresh look and feel in your room. Try using heavier, dark colored fabrics in the fall and winter for a warm effect.

One of our favorite fall color fabric is the Window Pane Mango.


Check out our variety of fabrics in breathtaking yellow, gold and orange colors perfect for your fall decorating.

What kind of projects are your working for fall?

Annual 50% OFF Blowout on all Drapery, Curtains, Valances and Rods!

Now through January 19th get 50% on all Drapes, Curtains, Valances and Drapery Rods.

This is the biggest discount we've ever offered. Due to popularity we just have to extend it through Wednesday Jan 19th.

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