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Your Guide to Ordering Custom Drapes Online


In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of ordering custom window treatments online or by phone. From measuring correctly to selecting the perfect fabric, we’ve got you covered. So, before you hit that “buy” button, read through our guide for a few helpful tips and suggestions.


Here at RichTex Fabrics and Furnishings we have worked hard to make your experience of shopping for drapes simple and easy, and our friendly and knowledgeable team is available to help you throughout the process. We love talking to our customers so please don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions: 1-251-625-2889.


What are the Benefits of Ordering Drapes Online?

There is a myriad of advantages to ordering drapes online or by phone, let’s take a look at them:


It’s Cost-Effective

Ordering drapes online is a cost-effective way to completely transform the look of your home’s decor. Ordering drapery online gives you the opportunity to compare prices to find the very best value on quality-made custom drapes and curtains. If you shop around, you’ll find that our custom drapery store offers better customer service, better workmanship, and lower prices on custom drapes than other online retailers. You may also find that our prices are even lower than your local drapery workroom. As a general rule, drapery shops located in the southeast, such as RichTex Fabrics and Furnishings, are significantly cheaper than similar drapery stores in the northeast or west coast. As an added bonus, we offer free shipping as well as a designer discount program, discounts on large drapery orders, and frequent drapery sales.


It’s Customizable

Ordering custom drapes gives you access to a wider range of options than if you purchase cheap ready-made curtains. We offer many customizable drapery options on our website but we also can make drapes to your exact specifications. Whether you need a custom width for a wide window or you want drapes made from a specific fabric, we can help! Request a price quote or customize your existing drapery order by giving us a call. Our wonderful team here at RichTex Fabrics & Furnishings offers excellent customer service by phone and we love working with our customers.

We also offer custom shades, custom pillows, and other custom home decor made to coordinate with your window treatments. Keep in mind that our workroom can make just about anything, so be sure to ask if you need something specific.


It’s Convenient

Shopping for drapes online allows you to easily compare prices, customize your order, and have your custom drapes delivered straight to your doorstep without leaving the comfort of your home. Our online drapery store has simplified the process for ordering custom drapes online and we also offer assistance by phone if you have any questions throughout the process. As a courtesy we offer free fabric swatches and lining swatches by mail so you can feel confident about your fabric choice before placing an order.

Ordering Drapes Online with RichTex Fabrics & Furnishings

If you aren’t sure where to begin, here is a summary of the different drapery programs we offer:

Our Pretty-Darn-Quick Drapes are very budget-friendly and can be shipped out the same day or the very next day. Every pair is pinch-pleated and fully lined in thermalsuede lining. These drapes are limited to a few select fabrics (white and off-white 100% cotton fabrics) and three popular lengths: 84 inches, 96 inches, and 108 inches. This is a great option if you need drapes urgently!

Our 7-Day Custom Drapes are also very inexpensive and very quick! Every pair of drapes is pinch-pleated and fully lined in thermalsuede lining. Select from several fabric options and length options. Available in two widths. Our 7-Day Drapes ship within 7 working days of your order date. This is a great economical choice if you need custom drapes quickly and on a budget.

Our Premium Drapes and On-the-Move Drapes are also pleated and lined and feature dozens of fabric options. Every pair of drapes features a 4-inch header, a 4-inch double bottom hem, blind-stitched hems, optional blackout lining, hand-tacked pleats, and different pleat style options. Available in two widths and several lengths and are ready to ship in approximately 14 working days from your order date. These handcrafted drapes are absolutely gorgeous and are an incredible value!

Custom Drapes are made to your exact specifications. Our Custom Drapes can be made to custom widths to fit just about any window, just contact us with your measurements. Select from a variety of drapery trim options, lining options, and thousands of fabric options. Keep in mind that we offer free fabric swatches, trim swatches, and lining swatches available by mail, so it’s easy to select the perfect combination. Custom Drapes are usually completed with 8 weeks of your order date.


Remember, we offer FREE SHIPPING on all drapery order shipping to the 48 contiguous states! And every pair of drapes is made with pride in the USA.


A Few Helpful Tips for Shopping for Drapes Online

Shopping for drapes can be fun! Here are a few helpful tips to keep the process easy:


Tip #1: Measure Your Window and Your Drapery Rod

Accurately measuring the specifications of your windows is essential when ordering drapes online. If you are unsure how to measure, please call our store at 1-251-625-2889. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is available to help you by phone if you have any questions.

To begin, measure the width of your window including the window trim or molding. Be sure to also measure the width of your drapery rod. If you don’t have a drapery rod yet, please go ahead and estimate the width of the rod. It’s more important to consider the width of your rod than your actual window width your drapes should be made wide enough to fit the full width of your rod with plenty of fullness.

If your drapes will be non-functional (you never intend to draw them closed and they are only for decorative purposes) the width of your window and rod isn’t as important but you’ll still want to select a width that provides enough fullness to compliment the size of the window.

When figuring the finished length of your drapes you’ll need to measure the height of your ceilings as well as the height of any crown molding in the room. You’ll need to consider how high you’d like to install your drapery rod as well as how you’d like the drapes to hang (above the floor, “kiss” the floor, break at the floor, or puddle on the floor). We recommend hanging your drapes higher as longer drapes add the appearance of height to a space and are more pleasing to the eye.

Have your ideas and measurements ready when you contact us and our team will help you select the perfect drapery dimensions to fit your window or rod.


Tip #2: Consider Your Fabric Options

Fabric type should never be left as an afterthought. There are many different fabric options available ranging from natural fabrics such as cottons and linens, to synthetic fabrics such as polyester. Natural fiber drapes are a very popular choice because they usually feature a nice “hand” and drape well, but cotton or linen drapes can be prone to wrinkle. As an alternative, polyester and polyester-blend fabrics often have the look of linen and are less prone to wrinkle. Another option is velvet drapes which provide a luxurious look and are available in a variety beautiful colors.

When selecting a fabric design, remember that solid-colored drapes are the most popular. Color matters when selecting drapes so consider the color pallet of your room. Be sure to contact us to request free fabric samples by mail. White or neutral drapes are timeless and offer classic elegance. If you want to add a little color but not too much, drapes in blue fabrics or softer hues found in nature are a very popular choice. Or make a design statement with your custom drapes by selecting a fabric featuring a large-scale design. There are many print options available. Popular choices include floral designs, tropical and botanical prints, watercolor or painterly prints, modern abstract designs, French toile or oriental toile designs, ikat fabrics, and chinoiserie prints. The fabric color options and fabric pattern options for custom drapes are endless, so be sure to request free fabric swatches until you’re sure you’ve selected the perfect fabric.

Drapery lining is a very important feature of your drapes. You may want to select blackout lining for drapes that will be installed in bedrooms, nurseries, home libraries, and media rooms. Blackout lining is also energy-saving when used on south-facing and west-facing windows in sunny or warmer climates. This feature makes blackout lining a great choice for beach homes and condos with many large windows.

Thermalsuede lining offers some light blocking ability but allows in plenty of natural light. This lining is a good option for living rooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, playrooms, and any room that benefits from natural light.

Take into account both the functional needs of the room and your design preferences when picking out a fabric type and lining.


Tip #3: Consider Your Drapery Customization Options


There are many customization options to consider when ordering custom drapes such as lining options and pleat styles.

Consider the function of your drapes, if you are shopping for light-filtering drapes, privacy drapes, room-darkening drapes, insulating drapes, energy-saving drapes, or blackout drapes. Drapery lining options, such as blackout lining, interlining, or thermalsuede lining offer different functions so be sure to select a lining that will complement your face fabric choice and work for your needs.

The header style or pleat style of the drapes is not an option to overlook. The most popular pleat style is a 3-Finger Pinch Pleat. This pinch-pleat style is truly a classic and has never gone out of style. Most custom drapes are made in the pinch pleat style. Another popular option is the 3-Finger Euro Pleat. The euro pleat style is a more modern pleat style and is becoming more popular every year. You may also want to consider two-finger pleat options which are also growing in popularity.


We also offer other custom window treatments including custom drapes made with trim, custom roman shades, and custom valences, so be sure to ask!


Tip #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

With all of the options available ordering custom drapes may feel overwhelming, and we’re here to help! We love working with our customers by phone so please don’t hesitate to contact us by email or give us a call: 1-251-625-2889.


Tip #5: Don’t Forget Your Drapery Hardware

We offer drapery hardware to compliment your custom drapes, and we can help you select the perfect hardware for your needs. We offer a selection of in-stock drapery hardware as well as quick-shipping drapery hardware.

If you need functional drapes for a very wide window, we can help! In this case, we usually recommend that you use a zip rod. A zip rod will allow your drapes to be opened and closed with ease and without interference from brackets. Zip rods both functional and beautiful, and are fully customizable with different finish and finial options. Contact us with your window dimensions and we’ll work up a quote for you.

If you are ordering very wide drapes or very heavy drapes, consider hiring a professional drapery installer. If you are in our local area (the Alabama Gulf Coast area) contact us for a list of local installers.


Tip #6: Take Advantage of Free Shipping

We offer free and fast shipping on all drapery orders shipping to the 48 contiguous states, so you can rest easy knowing that your drapes will arrive in a timely manner once they are shipped. Your drapes will arrive neatly packaged and ready to hang right out of the box.


Tip #7: Don’t Wait to Order!

Our workroom is one of the quickest around but custom drapes do take time to make. Fortunately, we offer many different timeframes for processing depending on the kind of drapes you order and how soon you need them.

If you need drapes immediately, we offer a selection of in-stock / read-made drapes that are made from premium cotton fabrics with pleats and lining. We call this collection of drapes Pretty-Darn-Quick Drapes and they usually ship the same day or the very next day.

If you need drapes in time for a deadline such as a party or a move-in date, be sure to order in time to receive your drapes. The sooner you order, the sooner your drapes will arrive, so don’t wait!


Begin Your Design Journey With Us Today!

Begin shopping for your custom drapes today! Keep in mind that we can make just about any kind of decor, from custom window treatments such as drapes, curtains, shades, and valences to custom bedding such as coverlets and bed skirts. Our prices are competitive and our turn-around time is the quickest around. Best of all, we make the process easy and fun. Are you ready to transform the look of your home? We can’t wait to help you! Give us a call: 1-251-625-2889.





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