The Best 3 Tips For Sourcing Custom Window Treatments

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I recently had a friend reach out to my mom and I asking if we knew of any workrooms to get custom window treatments. Throughout our conversation, I realized that without hiring a designer or knowing a workroom, it can be a challenge to integrate attractive custom window treatments that fit your particular style and needs. Having come from the interior design community, I most frequently used workrooms to create custom drapery and fabric patterns, however there were a variety of tips and tricks that we utilized for clients that needed another option.

Seeing this, I wanted to put together three tips for sourcing custom window treatments without knowing a workroom for those that might want custom window treatments, but do not know which resources to turn to. While hiring an interior designer can be a huge help in this arena, not everyone is able to make that commitment, so having additional resources at your disposal can be extremely helpful.

Tip #1: DIY

The Best 3 Tips For Sourcing Custom Window Treatments

While this tip might not be for everyone, for those of you that love a good DIY project or don’t mind tackling a couple of alterations, going the DIY route is a great option. Within the DIY route, there are a couple of ways to proceed:

A. Make Totally From Scratch

To totally make window treatments from scratch, checking out quality tutorials and guides can be extremely helpful. I have found that if you are willing to take the chance, you pretty much can make them however you like and utilize a variety of materials. Some of my favorite places to find fabric have been Etsy (specifically the block prints from the UniqueCraftsFabric Shop) or the Jordan & Joy Company. For more considerations to keep in mind when finding and selecting fabric, check out our DIY Curtain post here.

A few of my favorite DIY tutorials are the following:

B. Embellish / Customize Existing Products

The second option that is available for the DIY route is to embellish an existing product. Ballard Designs, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Home Goods, TJ Maxx and several of the large home décor companies have wonderful basic drapes that you can customize to fit your needs. Do you want them pleated or a different kind of trim added? Buying the original product and then adding in pleats, trim or tassels to customize them how you would like can be a great way to provide interest without having to fully construct the curtain panels. Similarly, if you do not have many sewing capabilities, but know a friend who does, you might be able to convince them to help you out with these alterations since they are more minor adjustments or even find a no sew DIY tutorial to make your alterations.

Tip #2: Etsy

The second approach to buying custom window treatments is to use Etsy. While many people might think of Etsy as a great place to buy art, customized signs or fun bridal décor, Etsy is truly a virtual marketplace of thousands of talented artisans, which even can include workrooms. Within the platform, you can find shops that specialize in creating custom window treatments. Some of the shops will allow you to send them fabric that you already have, or some have fabric that you can select from. Either way, you are able to decide the style, sizing and coloring for your project.

Another tip to keep in mind when dealing with Etsy, is do not be afraid to message with the owners. With a variety of shops, I have really liked the listing shown, but it has not been the right size, quantity etc for my needs. After messaging with the owner, I was able to get a custom listing for the exact product I was looking for.

Similarly, with many of these groups, they have samples available for purchase so that you can try it in your space, however if they do not, don’t hesitate to reach out and see if they would be willing to send you one either for free or for a small fee. A small investment into a sample is worth everything, as you do not want to invest in a customized finished product only to find out it is the wrong color, texture or pattern.

While I have not used these shops personally, a few that I have found to be extremely reputable with a variety of product, fabric and style offerings are:

Tip #3: Pepper Home

If you are looking for a slightly more streamlined process than either the DIY or Etsy shop route, Pepper Home might be just what you are looking for. With many different offerings, Pepper Home specializes in custom window treatments, pillows, and wallpaper, all which are infused with playful color and whimsical patterns. Each curtain has fabric samples available and can be customized in their width, length, top construction (rod pocket, ring top, pinch pleat) and lining (privacy or blackout). As they are used to working with the interior design trade community, their products are beautiful and tailored to fit each of their clients.

Hardware & Installation

Once you have decided on the direction you would like to go with your window treatments, think through the drapery hardware and installation that you plan to use (for tips, check out our installation guide HERE!). Are you using hardware that you have on hand or investing in new pieces? If you are choosing a construction that varies from what you might already have in place (such as changing from a rod pocket to a pinch pleat), you might have to invest in new drapery rings. Remember if the drapery is the body of the window treatment, then the hardware is the jewelry. Utilizing hardware that enhances your window treatment designs is important for creating an entire vignette.

These are a few pieces that provide a great look with a variety of price points:

Final Thoughts

Whether you are looking to create your own or find a resource for sourcing custom window treatments, there is not a doubt that this investment can totally change the tone of your space. By thinking of your space as an entire vignette, you can pull together the pieces that make your room feel special and that will bring you joy every time you enter.

Happy sourcing!