Initial Phone Consultation

Do I need fixed curtain treatments or will my windows benefit from operational treatments?

Fixed window treatments are typically used for decorative effect and to enhance the aesthetic presentation of other window treatments they are used with in combination. They may also be utilised for windows where there is no requirement for the treatement to be operational (ile. opened and closed). 

Your budgetry constraints can also determine whether fixed window treatements should be utilized; provided this application does not impact the overall integrity of the solution requirements as a whole.

Of your extensive range of 'header types' which ones should I be considering?

Selection of curtain header types will depend on a number of factors such as: 

• The look you want to achieve. 

• The decor or style of the room the window you wish to dress is located. 

• The overall style of your home (i.e. contemporary, traditional, modern, beach, cottage, office, etc)

• Whether the curtains are to be used as part of a composite window treatment solution, or in combination with other window treatment solutions used within the room or througout the house. 

• The suitability and practical functionality of the intended window solution. (i.e. A sliding door requires a curtain header type on a track as opposed to a curtain on a fixed rod). 

• Your budgetary constraints. The varying complexity of the manufacturing process for different header styles; the accessories required for different header styles, and the associated installation costs will have a direct impact on price. (i.e. A Rod-Pocket sheer is more cost effective than a sheer and track solution if the sheer does is not required to be operational.)

As discussed above, the selection of curtain header style will be affected by a number of factors. Depending on the solution requirement, the customer is often afford a degree of pricing flexibility that does not impact, or require the sacrificing of quality, in the solution selected

Is there a difference in the way that fabrics hang and are they an important consideration in the window treatments I am considering?

Yes there is indeed a difference in the way different fabrics hang when used as a component of your window treatments. 

Your choice of fabric composition will need to take into account a number of considerations which is most easily explored by dividing fabrics into three fundmental types. 

• Polyester

• Natural fibre fabrics such as cotton, silk, wool and linen

• Blended fabrics. 

Polyester:

Polyester is a man-made fiber, a product of the petroleum industry. Polyester drapery fabric is fade resistant, does not absorb water readily and, depending on the weight, may drape well. It is less expensive than most man-made fiber fabrics and can be dyed to any color. Polyester fabric can be made to look and feel like silk, rayon or cotton, but it will retain its own properties. Polyester is wrinkle resistant, but should it wrinkle, removing the crease may be difficult. Because it is a man-made fiber, it is also prone to pilling and static. Generally a curtain made from 100% polyester is prone to flairing and static buildup.  Polyester fabrics tend to be cheaper than natural fibre fabrics which offers advantages if budget constraints are an issue in the selection of a window treatment. 

Natural Fibre Fabrics

Generally natural fibres such as cotton, silk, linen and wool 'breathe' which is something that synthetic polyester fabrics do not. They are not affected to the same degree by the effects of staic build-up and tend to hold their shape better than synthetic fabrics. Natural fabrics, however, are more prone to creasing and are less stain-reistant. They also tend to be less durable than synthetic fabrics, which is an important consideration when considering window treatments in high traffic areas, or which will operated frequently thoughout their lifetime. Natural fibre fabrics are typically more expensive than their synthetic counterparts, an important consideration given a substantive percentage of the total cost of a curtain window treatment, attributed to the fabric selected and used.

Polyester Blends

Polyester is often blended with other fibers for qualities that will make the fabric more suitable for specific applications. Cotton is added for softness, absorbency and breathability. In drapery fabric, the addition of cotton enhances what drapers refer to as the “memory” of the fabric. Pleats will stay in place better, for example, if the fabric contains some natural fibers. Polyester is most often blended with cotton but may be blended with rayon, silk, nylon or elastine.

Blended fabrics offer a good compromise when it comes to the selection of fabrics for curtain window treatments, allowing for treatment solutions that are both durable, while at the same time holding their shape and allowing the purchase of a treatment that is less expensive and easier to maintain than wholly natural fibre solutions.

What do you mean by 'fullness' and what does it mean to my window treatment solution?

Fullness is an important factor in the presentation of a window curtain treatment. Fullness is a term used to describe the amount of fabric in excess of that which is required to cover the window when the curtains are closed. As the fabric component of any curtain treatment can be one of the largest contributors of cost in the overall pricing of a curtain, the amount of fullness quoted can be a key and substantive differentiator of cost when comparing quotes between two curtain suppliers. 

The conventional rule of thumb and Australian industry standard as espoused by the Window Coverings Association of Australia (WCAA) is that there be at least two times fullness for a drape and 2.5 times fullness for a sheer curtain. 

Cost considerations are not the only reason for fullness being an important element in the design of a curtain window treatment solution. Fullness can have a direct and quite dramatic impact on the overall appearance and aesthetic of a curtain treatment once hung.  

Ideal Drape Makers strictly adhere to the recommended industry standard even though we are often pressured by customers who have received cheaper quotations utilising the same fabric but where fullness has been sacrificed as a means of reducing the price offered by the competitor. In thsse situations, it is our policy to advise the client on the importance of fullness in the overall appearance of our quality curtain treatments. We will not, and do not, use fullness reduction as a means of ensuring competitive quotation; as it is not in our interest or that of the customer's,  to trade-off fullness in exchange for a cheaper price. 

Window treatments that comprise of quality fabrics, materials and components, if not correctly manufactured to recommended industry standards, is a recipe for customer disappointment and disatisfaction when the installed treatments fail to deliver the 'wow' effect that Ideal Drape Makers prides it's self on creating as an accompanyment with each and every solution we provide. 

Do I need lining and what are the important considerations in relation to the quality of lining selected?

Ideal Drape Makers only utilises high quality linings from Charles Parsons in the manufacture of its window treatment products. 

A good lining is essential to protect your decorative drapery fabric from harsh UV rays which could damage even high quality textiles if used as backing to these textiles. High quality lining also provides superior thermal insulation - wheteher you want to stay warm in the winter, or cool in summer.

Charles Parsons linings have been extensively tested and specifically developed to meet Australian and New Zealand performance requirements. Unlike many inferior linings on the market, Charles Parsons linings range is dry-cleanable and washable, and are supported by a three year guarntee which stand as testament to the quality, reliability and performance of their product. 

Too often we hear stories of people who have purcahsed cheap window treatments, some with quality curtain or roman blind fabrics which they discover to there dismay, some time later, they cannot clean or which sag and loose shape because the incorrect lining was utilised.

The use of stiffened lining specifically designed for the manufacture of Roman blinds is essential and there have been many horror stories of people purchasing cheap Roman Blinds which, while looking great when first installed, soon sag and detract greatly from the appearance and aesthetic of the window treatment and also detract from the appearance and design vision of the room in which they are installed. 

As quality curtain and Roman Blind lining is over twice the price of the inferior and relatively inexpensive linings, it is understandable that many a customer has been disappointed after opting for a treatment solution that is presented at a substantially lower cost than window treatments purchased from reputable suppliers that have been in the business for many years. - Suppliers who have earned a reputation that is based on honesty and integrity. 

Whether you purchase your lined window treatments from Ideal Drape Makers or another reputable supplier, it is imperative that you insist on only high quality linings, thus ensuring your window treatments will stand up to the harsh UV conditions of this country; are able to be washed and/or dry-cleaned,  and will hold there shape and look good for many years. 

How much experience does Ideal Drape Makers have in installing window treatments? What assurances do I have that they will perform the installation with the utmost care?

Ideal Drape Makers is a second generation family of Window Treatment Specialists. Our installers regularly receive training and product updates from our supplier vendors. 

Installations are performed with all due care and diligence. It is the property owner's responsibility to advise of any hazards or obstructions either before or at the time of installation as Ideal Drape Makers will not be held responsible for damages arising from incidents such as the damaging of hidden wiring, water pipes, air conditioning conduits or other hazards, the existence of which, we are not made aware. 

Rest assured that our installers are amongst the most experienced in the industry and take neither short-cuts, or proceed with elements of the installation, if doubts exist as to the risk of material damage to your property. 

Please be advised that it is against health and safety regulations for our installers to work without appropriate protective footwear. They will, however, make every effort to ensure that their footwear is clean prior to entering your premises. 

Although our installers will sometimes remove pre-existing window treatments as as a courtesy. Pulling down or dismantling existing window treatments is normally subject to addition charges. Please ensure you either remove window treatments that are to be replaced prior to the arrival of our installers or ensure that arrangements for our installers to remove pre-existing window treatments is discussed with Ideal Drape Makers at the time of the Installation scheduling.