Hi,

I moved from west Michigan last year, so I do have an idea of prices there. I had 10 ft. ceilings in my house so I can speak to longer-length treatment prices.

If the vendor is doing everything for you , including ordering the fabric, rods and rings/clips to hang, plus install, then the $1400 is probably a fair price. You could possibly save money by purchasing the rods and accessories yourself. Designer fabric can be purchased online, too, at discounted prices.

I have a very reasonably priced, and talented, drapery lady in Holland Michigan, if that is near you. I have received very competitive fabric quotes from www.source4interiors.com. ( example: $82 per yd. fabric for $43.90/yd).

At my Michigan house, I used my existing rod & rings, bought the fabric myself ( 16.99 a yd) and had 4 panels made ( 108 long, 7 pleats each) for about $800 total, including fabric cost.

Hope this is helpful

I'm having a valance made right now which, I was told, is very labor intensive because of cuff, piping, etc. and I was surprised at the cost. But they told me for drapes, the charge is $70 per panel plus whatever the cost of fabric is. That doesn't include hardware or hanging. This is a fabric/drapery store in Tennessee. To me your estimate does seem a little high.

I can sympathize with you. I'm working on this very thing right now. I about fainted as I began getting estimates for a custom treatment for a slider and 2 large windows to the left of it in my family room. I wanted two simple but pretty panels that met in the middle. Refusing to pay for custom, here is what I did:

First, I bought 2 Soft Gold Supreme Pinch Pleated patio panels from JC Penney. I didn't buy the thermal lined and I bought them during one of their great sales so I paid under $200 for both panels.

Next, because I needed a rod that equals 187 inches and only wanted one center support (JC Penney custom decorating wouldn't guarantee the work if I didn't use a total of 3 center supports, and custom rods from decorators were coming in around $700 or more), I ended up having a friend who welds make me a 1 5/8 inch aluminum (very strong, but way lighter than iron) tube with some simple finials we designed. He also made me a total of 3 brackets - I think I may only need to use 2 of them. It is having a beautiful powdercoat finish put on it. It won't look like aluminum when finished. I had many finishes to choose from. The total cost of the rod should come in around $200 give or take a bit. I haven't gotten the finished product so I'm not sure the exact amount.

Finally, I found metal rings at Lowes for $9.99 for a package of 10 and I needed 3 packs. The color isn't an exact match to the rod, but I took the rings with me when I chose the finish for the rod and it will be good enough.

Total cost of hardware and draperies should come in around $450 or less. I hope to pick up the rod and brackets from the finshing place in the next 2 days and get the draperies hung over the weekend.

Here is a link that might be useful: The panels I bought

I just ordered a large "semi-custom" valance from Fashion Window Treatments on line and was really happy with the result. They send nice-sized fabric samples. They make custom panels, bedding, shower curtains....I plan on being a repeat customer. A lot cheaper than Calico Corners, which was my other option. I ordered drapery hardware from JC Penney.

seagrass

Here is a link that might be useful: less expensive alternative

Your estimates are way too high.

We bought our drapes through our decorator. The cost with installation totalled $2200. This included 2 long windows by the fireplace for which we used one panel each (similar to what you are describing) and our sliding glass doors in the breakfast nook. We decided on a stripe of fabric in a different color to be added horizontally which typically adds to the cost in labor and in material. Ours are pinch pleated and lined also. My prices also included whatever the deocrator tacked on for himself. I live in New Jersey which is the East Coast. Things are a little pricier here.

I would get more estimates and would not spend more that $600 with installation, if you are supplying the fabic.

How many pleats will you have in each panel? I have found that the per panel pricing is a panel of about 5-6 pleats which is pretty skimpy.

I had two panels made for my LR - 1 1/2 widths - about 18-20" stacked on each side. These are decorative panels and while they'll pull across, they aren't wide enough to cover the window.

Fabric was $30/yd. My price was about $900 for the two panels. This included fabric, lining, rod/rings and installation of everything. My panels were 84" long so you're going to have an extra yard or two of fabric plus the extra cost to handle the length etc.

I'd say $1000 for both panels installed with all hardware would be a decent price. Custom panels are never cheap. You'd be better off looking at panels made at JCPenney or Restoration Hardware if you don't want to pay custom prices.

However, the quality and fabric selection is obviously not the same as what you get with custom, so you're paying for that too.

I'd want to know whatever details you're adding to say if it's a fair price or not. Pinch Pleats, French Pleats, Gromets, etc., any trim? What is the lining?

I just ordered the under wear for my windows (ok that's our term for blinds and roman shades). They're ranging around $500 per window (total ten grand ouch!) then the drapes themselves? They mentioned that panels in silk would range around $800 to a thousand per window. Add the rods....it goes up rather quickly.

I'm making my own drapes (I have all of the equiptment and purchased the fabric several years ago). So the actual cost for the entire house (about 30 windows) is closer to $1500 for all, but add in the sewing machine and serger and t goes up to six thousand or so. So, you could make your own :) But it will cost more most likely if you want to do them right!

I'd say between $1000 and $2000 for what you sound like you're discussing isn't unreasonable. If you are working with a pro who does drapes/curtains/shades alone, verses an average seemstress. Either can make them, but they'll be more with a specialty maker.

Come to think of it, my DS"s roman shade is coming in around $800....it's much more work and she's a specialist (more than panels would be).

Personally I think custom is the way to go if you can afford it. But it is fair to say that there are some lovely pieces out there that can be had for much less if budget is an issue.

Are you planning to close the drapes ocassionally for privacy? If not, you don't need a rod that extends the whole length of the window, just wide enough to hold each panel w/finials, *individually*. If you're really wanting wood, why not use closet dowling? It comes in various diameters, but I think the largest might be 2". You can find it at Home Depot, Lowe's, Menard's, and maybe a lumber yard. I like the fact that it can be stained or painted to match your decor. It can also be covered with wallpaper or a band of fabric made and sheered on. The 3" metal rods also look very nice with panels sheered on, but more panels are needed to give fullness. You'll save on the rods and finials though.

To save money on a longer-than-average guest room bedroom window, I recently hung pre-made panels(black chenille/JC Penney),then added a plaid valance(Waverly)to the bottom for more length. I re-covered the buttons on the panels also. It really makes for a custom look.

First, thank you all for your wonderfully helpful advise. Each panel will be lined, 120" tall, and have goblet pleats (similar to french pleat but open at the top). The fabric is cotton and costs approx $20 - $30/yd. The hardware is Graber 2 1/2 inch fluted poles, rings, and finials. I'm also getting a pair of tassel tiebacks. She's charging me $650 for the fabric, $530 for hardware, and $145 for the tassels (plus tax). The drapery woman quoting $1400 recommends getting 1 1/2 panel width for more fullness since I'm not doing interlining. I'm no expert, but since the fabric is cotton, I would think I could get adequate "fullness" with just 1 panel width per window. I'm at a loss...

How wide is the space you are covering? One width of fabric pleats down to about 18" width and at 10' tall they may look a bit like a pencil if they aren't wider. My friend used the company above that Seagrass used and her drapes are absolutely gorgeous. She said she saved tons of money installing herself and having them make them without her using a decorator. Give them a call ..I looked up their number 866-444-6818

The single paneled drapes I have on narrow 27" windows measure about approx. 70" (if I measured currectly) finished with 10 pleats. I do think the price you received is still too high especially if they will not be lined.

120" = approx 3.5 yds. For 1 1/2 width you would need about 12 yds total(or pretty clost to that). 12x30= $360.
Unless I'm missing something. Even if you need 2 more yds it does not amount to $650.

Here is a picture for a reference point to help you. They are very full and probably could be a little less full. I know most of you have seen these a thousand times already.

I agree with Igloo. There is nothing like custom drapes, if you can afford them.

Someone here mentioned being pleased with 'Half Priced drapes'...maybe patrica? I looked at their sight and loved the 'Italian cotton silk panels. Granted they are limited in colors, but in the photo they looked better than any I've seen anywhere else online. I am very tempted to try them...upstairs first on a small job.

Just got proposal for 2 high windows with 2 directly
below in family room on fireplace wall. I also went
with 2 panels to sweep across each set of windows
floor to ceiling. $2300! Just really don't feel
it is worth the money. I was thinking $1000
Imagine if I wanted four panels?
Also for honeycomb shades $225 per window
Jersey Shore if anyone can refer someone!

When I first moved out on my own years ago, Mom treated me by paying for custom curtains. They were lovely -- I only know they were expensive and at that point I wouldn't have been able to afford anything of quality.

In my current house I just have blinds.

For my future home, I found some lovely, and apparently well-made curtains at Bed Bath and Beyond. They won't be custom, of course -- but to save some money I will go with these for certain rooms.

hi ladies, I am custom drapery designer. I work alone, from measuring to making them to installing.
If fabric is ordered from many of the companies of the trade, our cost, which is half price, can be from $24 yd to $85 and some up. Double that (which is crazy to me). I always give my clients my cost to save them some money but most don't. Of course they do consider the time it takes to order, log it in, measure and inspect, etc. then the actual labor. installation includes tools, gas, mileage on vehicles. There are the same mileage cost on initial visit, measuring, etc. Then include the cost of the proper machinery it takes to construct, which usually more than a cheap Walmart sewing machine. just paid for another $5000 machine. Add all the tools needed for manufacturing.
To be honest, if i have a friend or a client that wants some panels, I first tell them to check ready made because the fabric alone cost so much. One client I had spent $1000 on just main fabric for 3 double windows, my cost. Would have been $2000 at full cost.
I installed, but when I used an installer for another job, he charged additional $250 for 3 windows in a restaurant for me.
So, i think it is high but 1. sounds like they are charging full fabric price, save by ordering your own, 2. the hardware sounds crazy high unless they are paying an installer, in that price, save and hang them yourself, not hard, find a stud. ( literal, not a cute friend! ) then ask the cost of the rest. Good luck. If I were closer I would love to help. I'm actually in the houzz database.

Hi! I used halfpricedraperies and they are wonderful! They are heavy, lined, and look better than my old custom made ones. I bought 120 in long and hemmed them myself since I needed to shorten them a bit. And so much cheaper! I did “splurge” on pottery barn rods and hardware but based on your prices it sounds more like a “steal” :). Here is a Christmas photo - a bit dark but you can see the drapes.

Very old thread.

Old thread indeed, pricing mentioned here makes me feel OK with what I just spent in 2022.