We frequently see customers who just are overwhelmed with fabric choices. They just do not know where to begin and we must admit there are a lot of variables to think about.
Lets first address the nature of the project.
- What are you wanting to do in your home?
- Are you looking to recover seats in the dining room?
- Are you looking for drapery applications or maybe a combination of both?
- Are you looking to reupholster the chair you have had in your family for many years?
It really does make a difference if you and your decorator know what you are working toward.
You may also call us to come work on a drapery for a certain room and not even realize there are other opportunities to make other products to compliment..for example, a seat cushion in perhaps a bay window. When it comes to reupholstery, the weight or rubs on the material are usually recommended to be a higher amount..in other words, fabric for applications like this need to be heavy and sturdy. This fabric may or may not work in window coverings really depending on the style. It can be used for an upholstered cornice board very well and maybe even some gathered side panels(not pleated!!).
After really determining the nature of the project, then the fun part comes in terms of deciding what you want. For example, if you are interested in a fabric roman shade that raises and lowers in a window, then certain fabrics are going to better suited for this type of application. Or lets say you want something really elegant for a formal living room and you want silk. Silk is wonderful and works well with many styles. However, it does have an inherent nature of wrinkles..if you like crisp draperies, silk is not for you and maybe a cotton or polyester based fabric is. Believe it or not, the lining on the back side makes a big difference too and yes, there are choices. Sometimes we get customers who just need it like hotel dark, so we sell a blackout lining. When it comes to silk, we have a special inner and outer lining with weight that is called vogue and it helps give body to the silk.
Then comes the color. Many times when customers call, click or visit to set an appointment, they tell us they like a certain color. When we get to the home, we frequently find that maybe this is not the best alternative and make suggestions. Ask yourself this question..”what is your favorite color?” After you answer, then look around your home and see if you really utilize that color. Our guess is that some of you do and many of you do not..then you need to think about solids versus patterns and stripes. Do you like flowers or paisley, etc. etc.
Choosing the right decorating fabric is not easy and this is why the decorators at Sunshine drapery can help. This is our expertise and hence why we offer complimentary in home appointments because decorating and fabric choices are not easy, but getting help from Sunshine is.
Our decorators and support staff are often asked if there is a specific sequence when doing decorating. In other words – should they pick out furniture first and then order window coverings or vice versa?
The same applies to painting – where does this fall in the sequence of decorating?
Well, we are here to tell you that there is no one particular way that works as a starting point better than the others. If you want to get your furniture, then do so and then our interior decorator can work with your colors of furniture and help you get the right window treatments. (more…)
We get asked this question frequently and we wish there was a simple answer!
First, let us just say that for the price of reupholstering a piece of furniture, you as the consumer can most likely find a new piece at the same and possibly less money. (more…)
There are many reasons why custom draperies are important for a home..here is a list of some of the reasons:
- Draperies protect your floors, furniture, carpet, etc. from harmful uv rays which simply cause fading when exposed over a period of time. So many times we go into homes and hear people say they have lived in their home for anywhere from 1-3 years with no window coverings because they just did not get around to it. We then look around the home and see fading. Don’t wait..custom draperies are worth the price for not only the look but the protection that is needed to save you money in the long term and even the short term!
- Draperies act as a great insulator from the outside climate. Think about this..its no different than adding layers of clothing. The more we add, the more insulation. Full draperies across the window is one option or even a blind, shade, or shutter with simple side panels will add a layer of warmth in the winter and keep things cool in the summer.
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Draperies also prevent energy from inside your home from escaping through the windows. Windows allow energy to seep out. Some windows are better than others and we dare not try to get into this business. But, no matter what just like protection from the outside, draperies act as protection inside on letting heat escape in the winter time.
- Draperies provide privacy. We recently had a customer tell us that the home next to her had been vacant for a year or so and she had put in a new window facing the empty house. Well, someone bought the place and moved in and Sunshine Drapery had to get her some privacy fast. In her case, we put in a fabric made roman shade. This is just one example of many where draperies can help with privacy.
- Draperies reduce the glare on your television. Sunshine Drapery and Interior Design owner Bruce Bernstein a few years ago was helping his wifes Uncle and Aunt because they had moved into a new villa in Grover Missouri. Bruce swears that his uncle was the first man in St. Louis to have a flat screen television. His Uncle Rich had 8 windows and the sun just blinded the view of the television. Bruce had Sunshine Drapery put in cellular blackout shades so when it was time for Uncle Rich to watch golf on television, he lowered the shades.
- Draperies add a warmth and style to your window and your home. We often refer to them as furniture for the windows. There isn’t a lot more that can be said about this because it speaks for itself. Everyone has different tastes and styles. But, every time we add any type of drapery, it literally changes the whole outlook of the room forever.
- If your window has no trim, draperies provide a custom look. Not every home has trim work around the windows. Draperies make not having trim all go away.
Window treatments are a great way to add color and pattern to a kitchen. At Sunshine Drapery, we suggest using valances over the top of the window but with nothing coming down the side.
Remember – it’s a kitchen window, so anything that hangs on the side would get very messy.
The other thing to consider is light control. No one wants light blinding them while washing dishes or while eating a meal. So, we recommend some type of blind or shade that can be spot cleaned or wiped down.
Besides the window covering, we offer placemats and napkins – an all around experience!
