To create a warm and comfortable home, you surely value the design of your windows and the light they bring. Does your home feature elegant arched windows, high clerestory windows, or grand floor-to-ceiling glass? Beautiful windows deserve beautiful window treatments. Unfortunately, ordinary off-the-shelf curtains simply can't match the unique shape or style of these special features. What you need are custom curtains.
So, how exactly do you choose the right custom curtains for these unique windows?
Custom Roman Shades for Arched Windows
Arched windows are tricky. If you guess the measurements, you will likely fail. Here is how to handle the installation properly, focusing on the specific details where most homeowners make mistakes.
Inside Mount: Watch Out for Window Handles
Mount the shade inside the frame where the arch begins for a clean look that keeps the arch open. But first, check the hardware on your windows. A lot of windows have crank handles at the bottom that get in the way of the shade. If you don't take these handles into account when you measure the depth, the shade will hit them every time you lower it. You can avoid this by extending the shade outward with "projection brackets" until it is clear of the hardware.
Outside Mount: Don't Block Your View
The best way to keep out all light is to mount the shade on the wall above the arch. Be careful not to put the rod right on top of the window trim. It is common for Roman shades to fold into a thick stack that is 8 to 12 inches high when they are raised. Your view will be blocked if you put the rod too low. The fabric stack will hang over the glass. Instead, put the rod at least 10 to 12 inches above the arch so the fabric stack doesn't block your view.
The "Palladian Shelf" Solution
It's hard to place brackets if your window frame is one solid piece with no gaps between the arch and the square. A Palladian Shelf, a horizontal wood molding that goes across the window where the arch starts, is the professional way to fix the problem. This makes a strong "ceiling" that you can screw your brackets into.
3 Quick Rules for Success
- Use the Narrowest Width: Arches aren't perfect squares. Measure top, middle, and bottom, then order using the smallest number.
- Ditch the Cloth Tape: Sewing tapes stretch. Use a steel tape measure. Even a 1/8-inch error will ruin an inside mount.
- Hit the Studs: For outside mounts, never rely on drywall anchors. Use heavy-duty toggle bolts or screw directly into studs.
Smart Motorized Shades for High & Hard-to-Reach Windows
High windows (often called clerestory windows) are fantastic for letting in natural light without sacrificing privacy. But they are a nightmare to adjust. Because they sit high up on the wall, you either have to leave them bare (and suffer from the heat) or drag out a ladder every time you want to close them.
The Solution: Go Motorized
Custom motorized shades are the only practical choice for these windows.
- Ditch the Ladder: Forget about dangerous ladders or awkward extension poles. With motorized shades, you can control the light from your couch using a remote or your smartphone.
- Top Pick: We recommend custom motorized roller shades for these high windows. They provide clean, modern coverage and complete light control—perfect for managing bright overhead sunlight without the hassle of climbing ladders.
Easy "No-Wire" Installation
Many homeowners avoid motorized shades because they think they need to hire an electrician to run wires up the wall.
- Battery Power: Joydeco's motorized shades are battery-operated. The motor is hidden inside the roller, providing a clean look without any external wires.
- Set and Forget: You simply mount them like a regular shade. Once installed, you can schedule them to open and close automatically with the sun, ensuring your home is energy-efficient even when you aren't there.
Custom Drapes for Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
A wall of glass looks amazing. It connects your indoor space with the outdoors. But standard panels are almost never long enough (they usually stop at 84 or 96 inches) and look too thin. Custom size curtains are the only way to get the right look for these big windows.
1. Choose the Right Length: "Kiss" or "Puddle"?
The "Kiss" Length (The Practical Choice) For high-traffic areas like living rooms or sliding doors, choose the "Kiss" length. Here, the fabric hovers less than 1/2 inch off the floor. This is the most practical option because it keeps the hem free of dust bunnies and allows you to vacuum easily without having to lift heavy fabric every time you clean.
The "Puddle" Length (The Dramatic Choice) For a more luxurious look in formal, low-traffic spaces (like dining rooms), go with the "Puddle" length. By adding an extra 1 to 3 inches of fabric, the drapes pool elegantly on the floor. While this adds a romantic, high-end touch, keep in mind it is higher maintenance—you will need to restyle the hem manually every time you vacuum.
2. Hardware: Skip the Adjustable Rods
Big windows need strong support. Standard "telescoping" rods (the kind that slide into each other) have a weak point in the middle. If you hang heavy, 10-foot drapes on them, they will sag in the center. To fix that, use Heavy-Duty Traverse Rods or Ceiling Tracks. These systems use internal runners instead of rings, allowing the curtains to glide smoothly across the entire span without getting stuck on a center support bracket.
3. Fabric & Insulation: Don't Skimp
Large glass walls are the biggest source of heat loss in a home.
- Get Thermal Lining: Always add a Thermal Blackout Lining. It acts as an insulation barrier, keeping heat in during winter and out during summer. It also adds necessary weight, helping tall drapes hang straight instead of flaring out at the bottom.
- The "2x Fullness" Rule: The biggest mistake DIYers make is buying too little fabric. If your curtain is the exact width of your window, it will look like a flat sheet when closed. The curtain width should be 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window. If your window is 100 inches wide, you need 200–250 inches of fabric to create those deep, rich folds.
Measuring for Custom Window Treatments
Most people hesitate to buy custom curtains because they fear measuring mistakes. It feels like a hard math test. But measuring for custom size curtains or shades is simple if you follow a few steps.
Inside vs. Outside Mount
Where you want the shade to sit changes how you measure.
- Inside Mount: The shade sits inside the window frame. Key Step: Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest number so the shade doesn't get stuck.
- Outside Mount: The shade mounts on the wall above the frame. Pro Tip: Add 4 to 6 inches to your measurement on all sides. This extra fabric covers the gaps and gives you total privacy.
Tips for Accuracy
- Use a Metal Tape: Never use a cloth sewing tape or a school ruler. Cloth stretches and gives you wrong numbers.
- Watch for Handles: Before you measure, look for window cranks, handles, or alarm sensors that might block the shade.
- Be Exact: Provide the exact measurement of your window opening. Do not do the math yourself. Joydeco will automatically make the necessary tiny deductions to ensure the shade fits perfectly.
Special Window Types Measuring Recap
- Arched Windows: Always measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. Use the narrowest measurement to ensure your shade fits without binding.
- High Windows: Measure width and height as usual, but check that you have adequate wall space above the window for mounting the headrail.
- Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: Measure the full height from ceiling to floor, then decide: subtract 1/2 inch for "Kiss" length (practical), or add 1–3 inches for "Puddle" length (dramatic).
Order Custom Curtains Online
Years ago, buying custom curtains meant hiring a pricey designer and waiting months. Things have changed. Now you can easily order custom curtains online. You get the quality of a designer product without the high cost.
The Easy Process
Ordering is simple when you pick the right brand. You are in charge:
- Measure: Use the tips above to get your numbers.
- Customize: Pick your fabric, your top style, and your lining (sheer, privacy, or blackout).
- See It First: Use online tools to see how the color looks in your room before you buy.
Why Choose Joydeco?
At Joydeco, we have spent over 30 years making high-quality products affordable. We believe a custom fit shouldn't cost a fortune.
- We Know Fabric: We balance style with strength. Our curtains hang well and last long.
- Real Customization: We don't sell "close enough" sizes. We make the exact size you need.
- Quality Within Reach: When you choose Joydeco, you get premium quality delivered to your door. You don't have to sacrifice style to save money.
Conclusion
Don't settle for "good enough" window treatments that leave gaps, let in light, or look messy. Your windows are a big part of your home, and they deserve a perfect fit. When you choose the right style for each window shape—from arches to tall glass walls—your whole house looks finished and polished.
Ready to fix your windows? Check out Joydeco today for high-quality, affordable custom solutions. See how much better your home looks with a tailored fit.
5 FAQs about Custom Curtains
Q1: How much does it cost to get custom curtains installed?
The work alone could cost $100 to $300 per window if you hire a pro. You can avoid this cost with Joydeco. We design our custom shades and curtains for the modern DIY homeowner. The instructions are easy to follow, and we send you all the hardware you need. You only pay for the curtains, not for professional installation.
Q2: What design options are available for custom curtains?
You can customize almost every detail. First, decide what kind of header you want: choose grommets for a modern look, or pinch pleats for a traditional style. Second, pick your lining. Skip the lining for a light, airy feel, or use blackout linings for privacy. For better sleep and lower energy costs, choose thermal blackout linings.
Q3: Are custom made curtains worth it?
Yes. They may cost a little more up front than store-bought curtains, but they look better and last longer. Custom curtains solve common problems like side gaps that let light in or hems that are too short. They elevate your home decor and make any room look polished and complete.
Q4: What is the current trend for curtains?
At the moment, people love "livable luxury" and natural elements. Homeowners are avoiding busy patterns and instead picking natural materials like linen and cotton in soft colors like beige, sage green, and soft gray. Motorized shades and floor-to-ceiling drapes are also trending because they make rooms look bigger and are easy to use.
Q5: Should curtains be lighter or darker than your walls?
It is up to you. If you pick curtains that are the same color or lighter than the walls, the room will feel big, open, and fresh. If you pick darker curtains, the window will stand out and become a focal point. Both are excellent design choices.
