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Curtains & Draperies

Services
  • Curtain Toppers & Balances
  • Board Mounted Treatments
  • Curtain Panels & Draperies
  • Bedding & Pillows
  • Fabric-by-the-yard
  • Free Design Consultation
  • Installation Services

Send Us Your Measurements for a Free Estimate
Not sure how to get your measurements? Follow the steps below:

  • Decide what kind of curtains you want: floor-length formal drapes, informal tab-tops or café curtains.
Window Measurement Diagram
  • Decide where the curtain rod will go. You'll probably want it about 6 inches above the window frame, but you might want it higher or lower or - for a dramatic look on a tall, deep window - inside the frame.
  • Decide how much coverage you want. Curtains usually extend about 6 inches above the window frame, 2 to 3 inches on each side, and 2 to 3 inches on the bottom. Consider how much light you want to block - probably a lot if the window faces east and you like to sleep in - and how much privacy you want the curtains to provide.
  • Use a tape measure to measure from the curtain rod to the desired bottom point, and from side to side. Multiply the side-to-side measurement by 2 to allow for generously full curtains.
Send us your measurement and get a free professional estimate.
Choosing the right fabric for your window fashions can be difficult. Let the experts at Laurie's Flooring & Window Fashions help you with your selection on your next project.

Choose the Right Fabric

Drapery fabrics must suit decor as well as have the right properties for the window treatment's styling, such as draping, ruffling and pleating. Following are some guidelines for choosing among the most popular drapery fabrics:

  • Go with cotton for strength, easy care and a vast range of patterns, weights and weaves. On the downside, this fabric wrinkles easily and can shrink or stretch; it's also weakened by exposure to sunlight.
  • Choose linen for its strength, but be aware that it's not elastic and wrinkles easily. It's also expensive, stiff and shrink-prone unless treated.
  • Avoid silk unless you're aware that the trade-off for using this shiny, luxurious fabric is sun damage (threads rot), water spotting and expense.
    Consider rayon if you need a fabric that drapes well, but note that it will require careful handling because it creases easily and tends to shrink and stretch unless treated to resist those problems.
  • Look at acrylic blends, which can provide an appealing woolly texture. Acrylic tends to pill, but this may not be a problem in window treatments because there will be little abrasion in daily use.
  • Opt for polyester blends (often used with cotton) for an affordable, crease-resistant choice. It's strong and resists stretching, and it's usually easy to clean - but pure polyesters tend to pill.
  • Make an economical choice with acetate, which has a silky look and drapes well. It's weak, though, and easily damaged by the sun, so don't think of it as investment dressing for windows.
  • Bypass fiberglass cloths if you're sewing the drapes yourself; they tend to fill hands with splinters. This fabric is strong but brittle, so try to minimize handling of ready-made fiberglass window treatments.
  • Choose nylon, often used in sheers, for its durability, washability and reasonable price.

Choose the Right Hardware

Rods and finials are offered in a huge variety of styles including wood, metal, glass, iron, and ceramic. The only downside is that it may take you longer to decide on the rods than on some of the other elements for your room!

Here are some tips on choosing window treatment hardware.

  • Determine if you want the window hardware to stand out or be "invisible". Rods and finials might be more prominent in a formal room while a contemporary room calls for clean lines and an uncluttered look.
  • Consider the function of a window treatment as you choose the hardware. Draperies that close will require easy sliding rings or a draw cord system. Stationery decorative panels can be gathered onto a rod or hung from tab tops or ties.
  • Layer your window treatments for the most flexibility. For example, place blinds next to the glass for privacy and light control, then add decorative curtain panels for color and style.
  • Use two rods or a double rod to accommodate a layer of sheers and over drapes, or drapes and a valance.
  • Look for rods, finials, and hardware in styles and colors that will enhance the look of your decor and the window treatments.
  • Contemporary homes will find that chrome rods, glass finials, metals, iron, and cable systems will fit well with that look.
  • Newer wire systems are perfect for very wide windows and for contemporary rooms where furnishings and accessories may be minimal and straight lined.
Determining what kind of hardware to use with your window fashions isn't always easy. Let the experts at Laurie's Flooring & Window Fashions help you with your selection on your next project.
  • Match the hardware to the style of your draperies and your room. Choose sturdy larger diameter rods for heavy draperies. Sheer panels and lighter silks will look more appropriate on thinner lighter rods.
  • Carved dark wood, gilt touches and traditional shapes work well in formal, traditional, or period rooms.
  • Scale is another important consideration. Reserve heavy cornices and finials for larger rooms with high ceilings. Keep the scale lighter for smaller spaces with low ceilings.
  • Iron, black wrought iron, and rustic metals might be used in country interiors, rustic rooms, and some themed rooms in Tuscan, Spanish, and other rustic styles.
  • Country styles can be accented with pine, iron, and simple wood rods.
  • Add height to a room by installing drapery hardware well above the window frame, or even up along the ceiling line. The longer fabric panels will add a tall line to the rooms.