costs for drape window treatments??? (vinyl, drapes, panel, ceiling)
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Hi everyone! I have a very high ceiling window in my living room and I want to put up faux drapes on each sides of the window to give it a look - still want to have the natural light coming into the room.
I'm wondering how much does it cost to have it professional done??
I'm thinking that maybe I can sew the drapes (thinking of velvet fabric) and have the professionals only put up the drapes for me - this way, I will save a lot of money (?)
Sorry, I didn't make it clear. I meant "faux" curtains.....like just putting up two single drapes on each side of my wide window so it will give a look (frame) to the window only. I still want to natural light coming in so I don't need the curtains to cover the entire window.
I also want to hang the drapes from the very top of wall (touch the ceiling) so in length wise it's going to be ALOT of fabrics. Thus i have a feeling that it's going to cost me alot of money and though that maybe I can make those two single drapes myself to save some money.
Do you sew often? Have you sewn draperies before? How did they turn out? Its easy to say, "I can do that!!!" Its another thing to do it.
Here's my story: I recently made an ottoman cover myself to save some money. I'm good at sewing, very innovated and creative, and can figure out most things on my own; but I'm not a fabricator and I never did a large ottoman cover with a double welt before. Also, because I don't do this professionally, I own a $500 sewing machine that has a limited number of presser feet available. That means I had no welt foot. I had to use a zipper foot and make due. Between work, school and life in general, it took me 18 months to complete, countless days ripping out seams that had failed, still more wavy seams that I decided to leave. Most people don't see the flaws, but I'm aware of each one and my eyes are always drawn to them. To boot, I over ordered on fabric by 2 yards at $50/yd. Would I do it again? Sure, but only because I learned so much from the first experience, the second will be much easier. The bulk of your experience will be gained by your first project.
I would use a professional to hang anything that is weighty, and 1.5 - 2 story velvet panels will be heavy. If you understand about locating studs, properly mounting hardware to studs and the best type of screws to support the weight, the you should be qualified to do it yourself.
There's no law that says if you have curtains -- "faux" or otherwise -- they must be closed. My suggestion would be to make each panel wide enough to meet in the middle with the other. That way you can choose to close the curtains if you want to.
Curtains are expensive -- I just bought six panels at $45 each -- but so is fabric. How high are your ceilings? If you can find a ready-made pair of panels in the length you need, save yourself some hassle.
Hanging curtain rods, btw, is a piece of cake. If you're using a heavy fabric, make sure the curtain rod can handle it. You'll need a drill for pilot holes, and a screwdriver. That's it. If you want the rod to extend outside the window frame (I personally hate that look, not to mention I hate holes in my plaster that aren't necessary when there's a perfectly good and more easily repairable wood frame to screw a curtain rod into), you'll need those screw insert thingies that stabilize the screw in the plaster and/or drywall.
If you're using a heavy fabric, make sure the curtain rod can handle it. You'll need a drill for pilot holes, and a screwdriver. That's it. If you want the rod to extend outside the window frame (I personally hate that look, not to mention I hate holes in my plaster that aren't necessary when there's a perfectly good and more easily repairable wood frame to screw a curtain rod into), you'll need those screw insert thingies that stabilize the screw in the plaster and/or drywall.
Its not the rod that supports the drapery its the wall. And in as much, its best to support the mounts for the rods to a wall stud and not to dry wall alone. Some lighter drapes and light rods, when the window treatment is not often handled or moved, can be supported in drywall alone; but to avoid damage to walls (I'm speaking of sheet rock here--plaster is a different animal), you should really mount it to the stud.
Mounting in the window casing can, depending on the type of wood, cause the casing to split. And more and more, replacement windows are cased in vinyl and cannot or should not be drilled.
I sew all my drapes, because I just can't justify the cost of buying them. As for your faux idea, unless they are full enough to cover the window, they are not going to look good. This doesn't mean you must close them, but don't just put some skinny strips of cloth up there.
I made 8 sets of swags and jabots for my windows. It took me a couple of weeks to get them done, but I was a stay at home mom. I found a pattern and saved a small fortune.
Simple panels are easy, just take a look at one, especially if you're making them with rod pockets or with clip on or sew on rings.
Hanging rods is much easier if you have someone to help you. I usually had to hang mine by myself.
Most rods come with decent anchors for hanging, but if you're hanging heavier drapes I suggest you use stronger wall anchors or molly bolts. You can't depend on hitting studs when hanging drapes. Wall anchors, etc, are designed to be used on drywall. If you tell the person at the hardware store, or Home Depot or Lowes what you want to do, they'll steer you toward the right ones.
TheWayIseeThings - you are a brave soul. I've been looking at my sturdy though ratty looking ottoman for months, contemplating recovering it, but I just can't bring myself to actually try and do it.
TheWayIseeThings - you are a brave soul. I've been looking at my sturdy though ratty looking ottoman for months, contemplating recovering it, but I just can't bring myself to actually try and do it.
Thanks. I'm mostly happy with the outcome, even though I'm aware of the flaws. If I had it to do over, I would have used dressmakers skirt, or would have paid someone to make it for me.
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