The Art OF Design
The Luxury of Custom Window Treatments
Worth It? Pro’s & Con’s Explained
When designing a home, one of the most impactful choices you will make is selecting the right window treatments. Often, clients wonder whether custom window treatments or ready-made options are the right choice for their needs. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each, highlighting key factors like cost, flexibility, installation ease, and functionality. Plus, we’ll share insights from one of our latest projects, The Shore House in Narragansett, RI, where custom window treatments played a vital role in the home’s transformation.
Project Spotlight: The Shore House
At The Shore House, our client’s beloved weekend getaway, we designed custom window treatments that capture the essence of their laid-back, coastal lifestyle. To maintain the breezy, sunlit vibe they adore, we chose café curtains for the living spaces—flooding the rooms with natural light while offering just the right amount of privacy. Adding a personal touch, we incorporated textured fabrics and playful pops of color that harmonized perfectly with their palette, infusing each room with vibrant energy and coastal charm.
Of course, we had to consider longevity and cleanability with little ones running around. In the kids’ bedroom, we opted for performance linen to ensure the space stays as beautiful as it is durable. It’s these thoughtful details that make their retreat feel as functional as it is effortlessly stylish—creating the perfect backdrop for unforgettable family weekends by the shore.



Custom Window Treatments vs. Ready-Made: A Comprehensive Comparison
Custom Window Treatments – Tailored Elegance
Custom window treatments are made to fit your space perfectly. They offer unlimited choices in fabric, color, style, and sizing, making them ideal for homeowners looking for a truly personalized design. For example, at The Shore House, we tailored every treatment to the unique dimensions and aesthetics of each room, ensuring the curtains not only fit perfectly but also enhanced the overall design.
Pros of Custom Window Treatments:
- Personalized Design: Custom treatments are made to match your home’s style and the specific requirements of your space.
- Perfect Fit: Exact measurements mean no awkward gaps or adjustments.
- High-Quality Materials: Custom options typically feature durable, luxurious fabrics and premium hardware.
- Advanced Functionality: Automation and tech integrations, such as motorized blinds or light control systems, can be included.
- Quiet Luxury: Custom treatments exude a refined, understated luxury. Their bespoke design and premium materials contribute to a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere, seamlessly blending into your home’s aesthetic.
Cons of Custom Window Treatments:
- Higher Cost: Custom options are generally more expensive, but they offer greater longevity and impact.
- Longer Lead Time: Custom orders take time to produce and install, unlike ready-made options that are available immediately.
- Special Care Needed: Many custom fabrics require dry cleaning or careful maintenance. However with Thibaut’s bleach cleanable fabric options, your options for family friendly fabrics are endless!
Ready-Made Window Treatments – Practical Convenience
Ready-made window treatments, while not as tailored, offer practical and stylish solutions for those on a tighter budget or timeline. With a wide variety of fabrics, colors, and styles, these treatments can still elevate a space—especially if you’re working with standard-sized windows or need a quick fix.
Pros of Ready-Made Window Treatments:
- Cost-Effective: Being mass-produced, these treatments come at a more affordable price.
- Quick Availability: You can purchase and install them immediately, making them great for last-minute updates.
- Variety of Styles: Many designs, fabrics, and colors are available, offering a quick way to refresh your space.
- Easy Maintenance: Many ready-made options can be machine-washed at home.
Cons of Ready-Made Window Treatments:
- Limited Sizing: If your windows are non-standard, you may struggle to find a perfect fit.
- Lower Durability: These treatments are often made from less durable materials, meaning they may need replacement sooner.
- Minimal Customization: Custom design elements, like specific trims or advanced functionalities, are typically not available.
- Generic Aesthetic: Ready-made window treatments often lack the refined, bespoke design that custom options provide. The mass-produced nature can result in a less sophisticated, cookie-cutter appearance that may not harmonize with the distinct style of your home. This lack of uniqueness can detract from the elevated, personalized ambiance that custom treatments offer.
So, Which Window Treatment is Right for You?
Choosing between custom and ready-made window treatments ultimately comes down to what matters most to you—personalization, budget, timeline, or functionality. If you’re looking for a perfect fit, high-quality materials, and an elevated design that reflects your style (and adds a touch of quiet luxury), custom treatments are the way to go. But if you need a quick refresh that’s budget-friendly and easy to maintain, ready-made options can still do wonders for your space.
At the end of the day, window treatments are more than just a decorative detail—they shape how your home feels and functions. Whether you go bespoke or off-the-shelf, the right choice will elevate your space and make it feel uniquely yours. And if you’re still on the fence? Just remember how beautifully custom treatments transformed Atlantic Cove. Sometimes, the magic is in the details.
Erika & Julie
October 18, 2024
Erika Twohig
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