These are the tips how to order Custom Draperies Made Simple. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us e-mail: or call: 708-8608034.
A. First, determine where the hardware is or will be installed.
We recommend 4" above the window trim, and 4" beyond the edge of the side trim. This makes the window appear larger, allows more glass to be exposed, and gives more privacy at the sides.
B. Determine Panel Width.
Pleated Panels Width. The finished width of a panel will be different depending on whether the panel is pleated or unpleated (rod-pocket, grommet, or flat panel). Pleated panels have "fullness" built-in whereas a rod-pocket or flat panel does not. Pleated panels, however, have less "coverage" than a rod-pocket or flat panel.
2 1/2x fullness is the most commonly used fullness for custom draperies. See the chart bellow to determine the number of widths you would need for the panel.
Rod Pocket, Grommet, Flat Panel Width. If the panels are used as side panels only, determine how much rod width you need to cover with each panel, and order one width or two width panels. Refer to the chart for information on rod coverage.
| Drapery Fullness Chart - Using 54" Fabrics | |||
| Pleated Draperies | |||
| Fullness | Pleat to Finished Width | ||
| 2 1/2x | 17" | 38" | 59" |
| Flat Panel, Groomet, Rod Pocket | |||
| Fullness | |||
| 2 1/2x | 48" | 96" | 144" |
| Total No. Widths | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Calculating Widths. To determine number of widths, use the following formula: finished width of drapery (including overlap and returns, standard overlap is 2”, standard returns on pleated drapery is 4”) x desired fullness (2 1/2x) = flat width of fabric needed (54”). Take flat width and divide by fabric width. This will equal number of widths needed.
C. Determine Panel Lengths.
If you are using rings with pin hooks on the panels, measure from the top of the rod to the finished point. Deduct the size of the ring. The result is the finished length of your panel.
Puddled Draperies. If you want the bottom of the drapery to rest on the floor, there are two options:
-To create a “break” at the hem, add 2” to 3”.
-For a “puddle” effect, add 8” to 18”, depending upon the amount of puddle desired (see picture below - 8" puddled drapery).
For Rod Pocket style, you will need to add an allowance for rod take up. Add 1” for a 1-3/8” wood pole. Add 1-1/4”for a 2” or 2-1/4” wood pole.