Custom drapes are insanely expensive. Mine were at the lower end at $10,000! Yikes!! Yes! $10,000 is low for them.
Today I’m answering the top 10 most frequently asked questions about my drapes. Or drapery panels. Someone on social media actually yelled at me for not using the “right” terminology, but since I don’t work for the comment section, I’m going to call them drapes, curtains or whatever I want.
All kidding aside, I’m giving you the real, DIYer-perspective breakdown. No gatekeeping—just the facts.
1. Where are My Custom Drapes from?
The short answer? They are 100% custom. I know everyone is seeing influencers buy semi-custom drapes from sites like Two Pages Curtains—and they’re great—but mine are different. I chose the fabric, the trim, and the measurements, then sent it all to a “workroom” (a small business of artisans) to be made.
2. What is the fabric?
The fabric is from a small design house called Elliston House. The pattern is “Vera Vine“ and the background color is blue. It’s 100% linen and honestly some of the prettiest fabric I have ever seen.
3. Where did you get the trim?
I found my trim on Etsy! I loved a designer trim that was $100 a yard, but not $1,000-worth of love. My Etsy find was only $18 a yard, and I think I spent about $300–$500 total.
The little silk rosettes are from Samuel and Sons. They are an element of whimsy that I adore very much. They are about $300 ish retail. I am not sure since I purchased them as a trade source.
4. Are they lined?
Yes! You almost always want your custom drapes lined, unless you are going for that very casual vibe.
Mine are light-filtering, not blackout. Because 100% linen is so lightweight, they wouldn’t “drape” correctly without lining. If you want that formal, structured look instead of a casual “French cafe” vibe, lining is essential.
5. Are they functional?
Yes, they are functional. Believe it or not, there is such a thing as “stationary” drapes. They don’t move…they hang there, look pretty. For me, psychologically, after spending all that money, I wanted them to do the job that they are supposed to do pend this much money,
However, I almost never move them because I want them to look “pretty and perfect” at all times.
6. How do you handle privacy?
Since I don’t like to touch my drapes (I don’t want to deal with fluffing them!), I have separate remote-controlled roller shades on every window. That’s what I actually use for privacy and light blocking every single day.
7. How wide are the panels?
My standard panels are 42 inches wide, and the big ones over the sofa are about 56 inches. It’s all about the “finished width” to make sure the window looks fully dressed.
8. How much fabric did you need?
This is the mind-blowing part: I ordered a total of 50 yards of fabric. That covered the drapery panels and my relaxed Roman shades (which are just for looks, by the way!).
9. What was the total cost?
The total was $10,000. Here’s the math for you:
- Fabric: $7,000 ($140/yard)
- Trim: $500
- Labor: $2,500 (This included some rework to add more pleats because the first round looked a bit “anemic”).
10. Can you get this look from a “generic” website?
I’m sorry, but the answer is no. Those sites appeal to the masses with inoffensive colors and patterns. The fabric is usually polyester and it’s solid because pattern matching causes waste.
When you want 100% linen, rich dyes, and a one-of-a-kind pattern, you have to go custom.
The Verdict: Are they worth it? Absolutely. Without a shadow of a doubt. If you flip open any high-end magazine, custom drapes are the “non-negotiable” element of a luxury room. It’s a massive investment, but for the impact they make? 100% worth it.
Watch my custom drapes Q&A video to learn more about my fabric choices and why I invested more in this project.
