I am working currently on staging 5 model home units that the client has requested drapery treatments. They can be simple panels but not sheers. The problem is that most of the windows measure 108" and one is 120". The only place I can find to buy ready mades are at JC Penney, even on sale they are expensive.
If you know of any quick online sources or have any creative solutions I would appreciate your help. I am currently looking fast for a seamstress to possible sew some simple panels.
Hi Terri,
I run into this problem often. Even my own home. What I have done in the past is go to a fabric store, have them cut the fabric to the length I need. I use the no sew approach. Fabric glue and an iron. Works like a charm. The glue will not come out in the wash either. The last home I staged did not have much of a budget for curtains. I was able to purchase the fabric and do simple panels for 4 windows for under $30.00. Clearanceof course. This only took about a half hour. The store cut the length, I glued a large hem on top to fit the hardware and small hem on bottom.
You can also check Bed Bath and Beyond online. When I buy online, I always go to the clearance section first.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Belinda and Vivian: Thank you for your help. I have learned a lot about draperies in the last week. I ordered from JC Penney's because they were having a sale. I am going to go to Ikea but I need decent quality because the owner is picky and these condos are expensive 1200 sq ft 889K-1.3M. I am just stuck, but at least I built in some cushion (just wish the cushion was in me pocket for all the hard work).
What I learned today when I visited a seamstress was, that she charges about $18 a panel plus I would have to buy material. With all that said when I figured it out Penneys was the best bet because of the white sale.
Oh well... the lessons you learn make you a better business person in the future. Thank you both for coming to my rescue.
Hi Terri..
My suggestion would be to team up with a local window treatment designer, that sews thier own window treatments. It could be a great promotion for thier own work, if you set it up right. This does take some planning and time, but I have found Window Treatment Designers that would be thrilled to be featured in model homes for an extended period of time, and give you the treatments at cost or less. You just need to coordinate with the builder that the involved Designers in the project get proper recognition for the work, and in turn the builder gets fabulous window treatments to showcase the home at a fraction of the price!
Charles Wood, Brite Ideas Interior Decorating & Redesign, Sacramento, CA
Charles: Thank you for the great idea. If I had time I would definately put that proposal out there. Out of panic I put out emails to all my friends, local staging partners and retailers that I know. I did get names of seamstresses that do draperies but the time retraint is the biggest issue. But, great idea for my next project. I am meeting with another builder on Monday to do his models. Wish me luck and thanks for the response.
Congratulations on this wonderful job you are working on! For decorating jobs and high end staging jobs, my partner and I have teamed up with a local window treatment designer and find it to be very beneficial. She gives us a slightly reduced rate in exchange for us using her often and we can control the costs somewhat by the material we choose. Please post after photos when you are finished with this job. Good Luck!
Teri ~ I thought of you this morning when I saw an e-mail from West Elm. They are having final days of 20% off curtain panels and I noticed they have sizes that range from 45 inches in length to at least 108 inches in length. I didn't go further down to see if they went to 120 inches. So that is another option for you to check out.
Hi Terri. I've seen extended length curtains and panels at Bed Bath and Beyond.
Terri I take regular length panels that I get on sale and at Target and I add fabric to the lower edge in a contrasting color. It makes them long enough and it gives them a designer look.
Kym Hough
Tracy: You are absolutely right. I am going to team up with someone for all future projects. Out of curiosity, how many clients willing purchased drapes for staging? Is it worth it to offer?
Kathy: You are so sweet. I ended up ordering from JCPenney's and got them on sale because the timeline was a crunch.
Anita: I checked Bed, Bath & Beyond but the price was much more expensive than Penney's.
Kym: I wish I were that handy when it comes to sewing (or simple stitch witchery). If it were not such a big job and time crunch I probably would have had the patience but in this case I couldn't even think about it. Thanks for thinking of me though.
What a great idea Vivian! I would have never thought of using a table cloth.
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