Explore Custom Drapes in Calgary and Cochrane

Soft window coverings, known as drapes or drapery, add style and personality to your space. Often referred to as the jewelry of the room, drapery should be considered once all other elements such as paint, furniture, and flooring are complete or confirmed. Whether you’re looking for something elegant and luxurious, soft and understated, or fun and playful, custom drapery in Calgary and Cochrane offers a myriad of options. From the texture of the fabric to the right color undertone, hardware, and pleat style, every detail matters. But first, let’s delve into the differences between curtains and drapery, which is a common question among clients.

Drapery vs. Curtains

Curtains are generally lightweight unlined fabric panels with a simple tab top or maybe a grommet style header. You could think of café lace curtains or curtains purchased from the home décor section of department stores. They come in various standard lengths and are hung from simple rods. They can add color, fun patterns and provide some privacy and light control. While they are often purchased at stores or online, they can be purchased through a window covering specialist using custom fabrics and professional hardware.

Drapery is generally lined and sewn in various pleated styles. They provide elegance and texture to a room while providing light control and insulation. You can interline them to protect the fabric (a requirement for silk drapery) or to also provide sound insulation. You can choose from stationary drapery panels that frame your window or functioning drapery that traverse across the window.

Stationary panels do not move over the glass however they are meant to look like they do. They are often in contrasting colors or patterns and can be in many different pleat styles adding design and dimension. Functioning drapery on the other hand will stack at the sides when the glass is clear so the pleat design needs to be considered for movement and stacking. Functioning drapery can provide excellent insulation value as well as the ultimate in light control with proper room darkening to light filtering liners to help regulate the light in your room.

Fabric and Pleat Styles in Custom Drapery

When designing your drapery with a professional window coverings specialist in Calgary or Cochrane, the fabric you choose must flow with the pleat style. The fabric choices are almost unlimited – textures, natural fabrics, solids, patterns, stripes, motifs, and sheen must be considered to bring the proper embellishment to your room.

Once the fabric is chosen you can choose the pleat style that best compliments your personality and the fabric. Perhaps you have a dramatic pattern that you can “pleat by design” – you can choose the pleat that will showcase the design of the fabric and make a statement. Or maybe you are traditional and love ornate details – consider adding a contrasting piping or fringe to the edge and add a button on the pleat.

Are you more modern and minimalist? If so, then look at the ripplefold style of drapery for simple elegance. Pinch pleat, Goblet Pleat, Euro Pleat or Cartridge Pleat (among many others) will showcase your personal style, so it is important to accent this design element and choose accordingly.

Choosing the right fabric is crucial when designing your custom drapery, as it sets the tone and ambiance of your space. The fabric you select should not only complement the pleat style but also align with your lifestyle and the room’s functionality. Here are some considerations:

Texture and Material: The texture of the fabric can significantly impact the look and feel of the drapery. Natural fabrics like linen and silk offer a luxurious look, while synthetic materials like polyester are more durable and easy to maintain.
Color and Patterns: The color and pattern of the fabric should harmonize with the room’s decor. Solid colors are timeless, while bold patterns can make a statement.
Lifestyle Considerations: If you have pets or young children, opting for stain-resistant and easy-to-clean fabrics can be a wise choice.
Environmental Factors: Lighter fabrics allow more natural light and are suitable for a bright and airy look, while heavier fabrics provide better insulation and light control.

Once the fabric is chosen, selecting a pleat style that reflects your personality and complements the fabric is crucial. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of a Pinch Pleat or the modern simplicity of Ripplefold, the pleat style can significantly impact the drapery’s overall aesthetics.

Pinch Pleat

A pinch pleat is one of the more traditional styles of drapery that remains a classic. It is very rigid and formal providing a very tailored and structured appearance. You can choose from the formal triple-pleat to double pleat which plays with the fullness of the drapery.

EuroPleat

The Europleat is a variation of the Pinch pleat and the difference is that it is tucked at the bottom of the pleat instead of the top. This subtle change lends to a more casual appearance while still providing structure. Both of these styles, the Pinch pleat and Euro pleat stack nicely when using functioning drapes.

Ripplefold

This is actually one of the older tyles of drapery however it has made a huge comeback in the last decade. It is sewn with snaps at the top and this allows the fabric to flow in a ribbon or ripple fashion. It provides a very modern, minimal look and you can choose your fullness from 120%, 100%, 80% to 60%. The fabric plays a very important part in this treatment as it can be modern with a classic linen or very formal with a dramatic damask. It also stacks neatly for a fluid framing of your windows.

Goblet Pleat

This pleat is one that can add a lot of drama to a room and is easily adorned with a contrasting fabric in the “goblet” or add a button to the pinch at the bottom. It is more formal and is one that would lend itself to stationary panels only due to its goblet which takes up stacking room.

Inverted Pleat

This is a very tailored pleat that provides a flat header while allowing folds to flow underneath, giving a luxurious formality. You can easily play with the design of the fabric and showcase the pattern. This pleat is another that should not be used for functioning drapery – only stationary panels.

Operation of Drapery

In Canada, we have two different ways of operating our functioning drapery, making it a convenient choice for homeowners in Calgary and Cochrane.

Travelling wand: with this simple system you are simply walking with your panels and opening and closing them with a wand or fling rod. With the new child safe regulations in Canada we can no longer use a cord system to traverse the drapery.

Motorization: most professional hardware systems can be automated by plugging in a specialized motor that is attached to the rod. This is the ultimate in ease of use and you no longer need to leave your dining room chair to close the drapery.

Ripple Pleat Drapery with Motorization

Euro Pleat Drapery with Motorization

Drapery Hardware

Once you have chosen your fabric and pleat style, next we can add the bling to your jewelry. From a 1 1/8” or 1 3/8” metal rod to a 2” wood pole, there are many design options to accentuate your drapery in Calgary and Cochrane. Your color of rod will come in to consideration as well as the finials.

Perhaps you want a simple endcap or a crystal finial to add sparkle. Or maybe you prefer something with some weight and bulk to it and prefer a square gothic finial. Depending on the window size and the function of the drapery you may require a specialty channel rod or a simple standard pole. Your window covering specialist will guide you in the right direction with this aspect.

The hardware you choose for your drapery is like the cherry on top—it completes the look. Here are some considerations:

Rod Material and Diameter: Whether you prefer the sleek look of a metal rod or the classic appearance of a wood pole, the material and diameter of the rod can significantly impact the drapery’s look.
Finials: The finials, or the decorative ends on the rod, are an opportunity to add a personal touch. From simple end caps to elaborate crystal finials, the choices are plentiful.
Color and Finish: The color and finish of the hardware should complement the fabric and the room’s decor. Whether you prefer a matte, glossy, or metallic finish, the right choice can enhance the elegance of your drapery.
Specialty Hardware: Depending on the window size and the drapery function, you may require specialty channel rods or standard poles. Your window covering specialist can guide you in selecting the right hardware for your needs.

Custom drapery and hardware can provide your room with the ultimate in design and elegance. You can select your own fabric, pleat style and hardware to accentuate your taste and showcase your personal style. You can add formality or a casual softness to the space or maybe even add some fun and whimsy.

Maintenance and Cleaning of Custom Drapery

Custom drapery is an investment that can last for years with proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips:

Regular Dusting: A light dusting or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment can help keep your drapery clean and free from dust.
Professional Cleaning: For a thorough cleaning, it’s advisable to seek professional drapery cleaning services to ensure the fabric’s integrity is maintained.
Spot Cleaning: If your drapery fabric is spot-cleanable, attending to spills and stains promptly with a mild detergent and water can help maintain its appearance.
Fabric Protection: Consider applying a fabric protector to help repel stains and extend the life of your drapery.

Maintaining your custom drapery ensures that they continue to enhance the beauty of your space while functioning optimally.

Custom Drapery FAQs

Q. Do you offer measurement services?

A. Yes certainly we offer in home consultations to discuss your drapery. We set up a time that works for you and preselect some fabrics to bring into your home for your viewing.

Q. Do you provide installation services for custom drapes, hardware, and shades?

A. Yes, our service is from start to finish. We have professional installers to trade only that will install your drapery and blinds.

Q. How much does it cost to make custom drapes?

A. Professional custom drapery is an investment. From fabric sourcing, workroom and installation the final details are all carefully considered and do carry a much higher price tag than off-the-shelf drapery.

Q. Are custom drapes worth the investment?

A. Custom Drapery is worth the investment if you plan to reside in your home for a few years or more. The monetary investment is something to seriously consider if it is in your budget before engaging fully into the time with a consultation as it does take lots of time and quoting. You can anticipate a minimum investment of $1,500 for a pair stationary panels with custom hardware.

Q. Can drapery be motorized for ease of use?

A. Drapery can be motorized on specialty hardware. It is best to discuss this at the initial consultation to ensure that the drapery design lends itself to motorization. You will require DC power on either end of the pole/rod.

Q. Can custom drapes be washed?

A. If your drapery requires cleaning it is best to give them a light vacuum with an upholstery brush or send them to be professionally cleaned at a dry cleaner. Many designer fabrics have to be handled gently especially if they are silk or linen content.

Q. How can I get professional assistance for designing my custom drapery?

A. Give Blind Infusion a call at 403-801-6434 to book a consultation.

Transform Your Space with Custom Drapery in Calgary and Cochrane

Custom drapery can provide your room with the ultimate in design and elegance. You can select your own fabric, pleat style, and hardware to accentuate your taste and showcase your personal style. Whether you desire formality, a casual softness, or some fun and whimsy, custom drapes in Calgary and Cochrane offer endless possibilities.

Contact Kirstin today to explore your options and book a consultation.

Discover the Elegance of Custom Drapery