Rod Pocket Curtains and Drapes

1 What makes your Draperies unique?

Only a handful of workrooms in the country can manufacture custom handcrafted Draperies, and we’re the only brand that offers workroom direct pricing - a truly custom product at a reasonable price point. Our staff of skilled craftsmen have been making Drapes for some of the world's top interior designers for decades. The time and effort that goes into each Drapery is something that larger workrooms simply can’t do.

2 Are Draperies easy to use?

Some styles of Drapery are more functional than others. The easiest to operate include Ripple Fold, Tailored Pleat, Pinch Pleat and Cubicle Drapery. Ripple Fold and Cubicle drapery glide on a Track System (included) making them incredibly functional. Both Tailored and Pinch Pleat Drapery are made with 4" buckram which is a stiffener used in each pleat that gives the drape "memory" so that it will open and close in a similar fashion each time. Grommet, Inverted Pleat, Rod Pocket and Goblet Drapery while functional are more decorative and are not ideal for operating on a daily basis. Consider how often you will need to open and close your Drapery before making your selection.

Tip: When dealing with areas that require very long drapes (say over 120") and will be opened and closed frequently, you need to consider how best to operate them. Often times because of this longer length it may be best to consider a Track (where you can pull a string to draw drapes) as this may be the optimal way to open and close them easily. Remember cornices are available (to cover a basic Custom Track).

3 Are Draperies good for blocking out light?

The answer is yes - they can be great! The level of light blockage and privacy you get from a Drapery is mostly the result of the material you select and the lining(s) you choose. Generally speaking, the heavier the material, the less light will come through. By adding a blackout lining, you will block the majority of light.

4 Will light seep through the top of my Drapery?

Yes it can, due to the pleats and ripples light seepage will occur from the top of the Drapery. You can add a cornice for a full blackout effect.

5 Will Draperies clear my windows when they are open?

In order to clear the windows we will need to calculate the stack of the draperies. Contact design@theshadestore.com or call 800.754.1455 for assistance.

6 How can I order decorative panels?

To order nonfunctioning panels, we recommend ordering between one and two widths of material per side. Please contact design@theshadestore.com or 800.54.1455 for assistance with specific width recommendations.

7 Will Draperies provide insulation for my home?

They certainly can. It all depends on whether or not you select a lining. Assuming you choose privacy, blackout or privacy + interlining, your drapes will certainly provide an additional layer of insulation.

8 What are the benefits of interlining?

Interlining gives the Drapes a heft that you simply don't get any other way. Most designers prefer an interlining as it improves the look of the drape. Silks for instance make beautiful Drapery and they look even better with interlining.

Tip: When ordering "non-functioning" or stationary Drapes, consider interlining as you can often get away with purchasing a drapery that has less coverage (which will save you money). Interlining will give it some extra thickness/substance.

9 How do you clean Drapery?

Always clean with a low suction, hand held vacuum or dust with a soft, clean cloth or feather duster. For dirt/stain removal, we recommend contacting a local window treatment cleaning specialist who can treat your shade ON-SITE typically without even taking it down. Keep in mind that there are many carpet cleaning services that offer this expertise. If helpful, our Customer Care team is happy to do a local search in an effort to assist you. If unable to locate a window treatment cleaning specialist, consider bringing in a drapery panel or material swatch and discussing with your local dry cleaner.

REMEMBER: Never immerse your treatment in liquid of any type. It's best to try a cleaning solution/product on a swatch first. Contact help@theshadestore.com or call 800.754.1455 if you need further assistance.