How to make ready-made curtains look (more) like custom

Curtains, or window treatments, which encompasses shades and hard treatments like blinds and shutters as well, are the finishing touch that makes a room feel complete. 

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There are many compelling reasons to add them.  I’ve written about curtains before , but if you know me, you know I am a curtain snob.  There is nothing like custom curtains to create a feeling of luxury in a space.  I know, I know, they are pricey and with good reason, but if you can wrangle them into your budget they are so worth it. 

If you are just starting out, or money is tight and you need to use ready made window treatments, no judgement!

My first living room curtains (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth) consisted of un-hemmed lining fabric artfully arranged into swoops and puffs - you’ll just have to take my word for it that it was quite chic at the time - and installed with rubber bands and thumbtacks. I’ve learned a few things since then.

Do’s and Don’ts for Ready Made Curtains

Try to avoid tailored treatments

Tailored flat or pleated valances, fabric Roman shades – these kinds of treatments should always be board mounted to look good, and ready made curtain valances are never board mounted. 

By board mounted we mean the valance or shade is attached to a fabric cover board which is attached to the wall with L brackets.  Fabric should wrap around the sides back to the wall so there is not a gap. 

If you are a DIY maven, you can, in a pinch, staple your ready made valance (using the offending rod pocket) to a fabric covered piece of strapping and mount it with L brackets to give it the structure a tailored style requires.

Below are 2 illustrations.

The first is a ready-made tailored box pleated valance with a rod pocket for mounting. A rod pocket, even if a miracle occurs and the valance happens to be EXACTLY the right width for the window, never lies flat - there are always telltale puckers because it does not hold the fabric tight enough for a tailored style.

This one is also mounted on the casing, which I never recommend. This results in the valance being disproportionately long for the window and looking like overgrown bangs in need of a trim.

The image on the right is a custom box pleated tailored valance. It is mounted at the ceiling giving the illusion of a taller, more nicely proportioned window, and the ends, where it returns to the wall, are also pleated and gracefully tapered.

Choose curtain panels. 

Curtain panels are the easiest way to approximate the look of custom. 

Lined, and interlined panels with weights in the hem have a rich feel to them and are sometimes available ready made, but are on the higher end of the cost spectrum and may be just as expensive as custom depending on fabric and style. 

Please choose panels long enough to span the distance from above the window casing (as high as the crown molding unless there are unusually high ceilings – THIS post has more on how high is too high) to the floor. 

You are better off with too long than too short. PLEASE, NO FLOODWATER drapes!  Ideally they should either just touch the floor, or break on the floor – much the same way a classic trouser leg should break on the top of a shoe. 

You can always have them hemmed.  Nearly every dry cleaner offers this service very inexpensively. 

Panels for a single, 3’ to 3 ½’ wide window should be at minimum a 48” flat width for each side.  Wider windows or narrower panels, will require more panels per side to not look anorexic. 

There are many different header styles (that’s drapery-speak for the top of the the curtain panel); French pleats, goblet pleats, bell pleats, flat, tab, grommet (this last one would never be my choice and I have yet to see a custom curtain made with grommets – so if you are looking for a custom look for less, maybe avoid these).

Except for tab curtains, all of these should be attached to rings on the decorative rod with a drapery hook inserted into the back of the fabric panel, and the other end of the hook inserted into the eyelet on the ring.  Most high end custom drapes are mounted from rings rather than a rod pocket (a pocket of fabric that slides onto the rod) so again, if your goal is a custom look-alike, avoid mounting as rod pocket panels. 

Choose the right size rod

Retail metal rods are always telescoping extension rods so that they can span a variety of window sizes.  This creates the unfortunate result that the diameter of the rod is smaller on one end than the other. 

This causes several problems.  The rod will never look perfectly straight, and, if you are actually opening and closing the curtains, they will get caught on the transition. 

The trick to overcoming this is to buy a rod large enough that you can use it fully collapsed.  For example, say you have a window that is 3’ wide, rather than the 24” -48” rod, buy a rod that extends from 48” to 86” and use it collapsed to the 48” width so that all but the very end is the same diameter. 

Wood rods can be trimmed to the desired length.

Tack curtain returns to the wall.

When we create custom draperies, there is always a return.  This is what we call the distance from the center of the rod, as it rests in the brackets, back to the wall. 

The outside ends of the draperies are installed so that the return wraps back to the wall.  A drapery hook at the end of the panel is hooked onto a small L tack in the wall to hold the return in place and cover the gap so the drapery looks finished when viewed from the side as well as the front.

Don’t let the sleek look of aluminium shutters fool you; compared to some of their counterpart’s aluminium can be extremely cost-effective.  Meaning store owners can now get expensive-looking shopfronts all at much lower prices.
Image is everything, especially to your customers.  And your shopfront can either welcome people in with open arms or have them turning away and heading for your nearest competitor.
This is where an aluminium shopfront provides you with the advantage, the cutting edge.
Aluminium is very sleek, shiny, and offers a reflective look that adds a great finishing touch and is proven to attract more customers.

Another aluminium shopfront benefit is that aluminium is extremely strong, providing close to the same strength as steel.  However, it is much, much lighter – 25% lighter, to be exact!

Due to the material’s strength, aluminium shopfronts help keep premises safe and secure, providing you with peace of mind that your shop is continuously protected.  However, due to their lightweight nature, they’re also easy to operate and manoeuvre, making the roller shutters flexible and easy for owners and employees to use.
Due to their durability, shop owners can also save money in the long run.

How?

Because shop owners with aluminium shopfront doors do experience less damage, hence fewer repairs, and maintenance costs.

This is supported further because aluminium is also non-corrosive.  Lasting you a considerable length of time, no longer do you have to worry about the expense of replacing your storefront on a regular basis.

For shopfitters, aluminium is also easy and pretty straightforward to install. Due to the lightweight material, aluminium is easy to handle and move into the perfect position.

This means having your shopfront fitted out doesn’t have to take a long time, disrupting your business and stopping you from trading.

For those eco-friendly among us (we hope this applies to everyone), it’s good to know that aluminium is 100% recyclable, making it extremely eco-friendly.

Also, just because it’s been recycled doesn’t mean you should underestimate its strength.  Aluminium will still provide the same high level of strength again and again – so you can keep the benefit of strength while also keeping your carbon footprint low.

Aluminium is also versatile enough to be customised to suit a variety of shopfronts in Leeds.   This means you can have your aluminium shopfront moulded to fit whatever shape and space you’re working with.
This benefit can lead to some amazing designs, helping to support your business’s image and brand.  Going through the fabrication process, your shopfront can have the modern look and appeal without any unsightly joints!

Aluminium storefronts can also help with energy savings, as their overall thermal performance is second to none – especially when coupled with high-quality glass.  Helping to lower heating bills (it’s reported that heat loss and heat gain is reduced by 60% with aluminium frames) so you can invest your money in other business areas.

Find out more here!

Quickfire benefits of aluminium shopfronts

As well as those mentioned above, aluminium shopfronts:

• Can withstand even the most adverse of weather conditions.
• Last, approximately 20 years if well maintained.
• Can be resprayed overtime to any colour of your liking.

Don’t warp, swell, or crack like PVC or wood!
Flexible in design, with professional manufacturers and installers on hand, Crucial Engineering work with a range of retail units, commercial entrances, and shopping centres.

Our team of aluminium experts will visit your site, take all measurements, and cut and manufacture everything to size and specifications.
For us, aluminium is the perfect option if you’re looking for a standout, robust, feature material.

Click here to find out more or call the Crucial Engineering team on 930 420.

Read related post: Make now the time to upgrade your shop front

Why opt for a colourful shop front?

It enhances your brand’s presence

Think about what you want your shop to look like to your customers.  Do they recognise your branding?  Will they know it’s you?  How can you reinforce your message?  How will you stand out, stay in your customer’s minds, and keep them coming back for more? 

It tidies up your storefront

If your storefront has some scuffs and marks appearing, a fresh lick of paint (so to speak) can work wonders, helping to hide any imperfections.  It also instantly provides your business with a fresh new look and appeal. 

It’s all about the finish

The finish to any coating can be vital and add the piece of resistance you’re looking for. 

For example, if you want a super shiny styling, we’d recommend you opt for a high gloss coating.  If you want to reduce the overall reflection, then a satin finish or a semi-gloss would work great.  For an industrial finish, a matte option will work best, and if you do opt for a semi-gloss, you can expect a very sleek, glossy appearance, making storefronts look uber-modern. 

Ultimately, you need to understand what you want to achieve with your aluminium shop front design. 

With a range of different shop front colours to choose from, what is your overarching aim? 

Powder coating offers great visual appeal

But it is also environmentally friendly.  Renowned for being long-lasting, powder coating your shop front helps keep it protected for many years. 

Powder coating works when it is applied to shutters as a dry powder and then baked onto the shutters using heat to bond it to the surface. 

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from YD Powder Coating.

This process provides an extra layer of protection, preventing rust and corrosion from occurring. 

Compared to paint sprays, powder coating uses no volatile organic compounds, and there is less waste, as it can last much longer than standard paint. 

All organisations providing a powder coating service must abide by several health and safety, and environmental guidelines – putting your mind at ease that you are getting the highest quality product and service. 

Powder coating is reliable, safe, and, as we’ve mentioned, long-lasting.  Saving you money and time – the two things we know every business wants more of! 

Whether you’re looking to powder coat your shop front, bi-fold doors, roller shutters, and more, our team will always be happy to help. 

Choosing the right colour for you

Shopfronts today can be anything but ordinary.  Used to target and attract customers, luring them in and generating more business. 

Things to consider when choosing the right colour for your shop front: 

• What colours are you currently using, and will they match?
• What message or vibe do you want to convey to your customers and potential customers?  This can impact your choice of overall finish, too, so it’s important to note.
• Plan your look and think ahead.  Do you have any rebrands planned?  Are you going to change your company colours soon?  What are your plans for the future?
• As the saying goes, `only the best is good enough, ` and it’s true.  Your brand and your image are everything, and you most certainly don’t want the look of your shop front, letting you down.  Make sure to check out reviews related to the company you plan to use and ensure quality and excellence come as standard.

The team at Crucial Engineering are professionals in the design, manufacture, and installation of aluminium shop fronts. 

Our process is all environmentally friendly too – check us out and call us on 930 420 for further information. 

Benefits of aluminium for your shop front

Aluminium is naturally strong. A durable material that can be moulded and shaped into any style and to any specification you require. 

Due to its strength, aluminium frames can support a range of glazing options, such as single, double, and even triple and reinforced glazing. A benefit of this is that as a business, you can opt for large glazed areas, curtain walling, solar systems, and large signage placement. 

All of this does not mean, however, that aluminium is heavy — quite the contrary. Aluminium is lightweight, making it easy to transport and much simpler to install. It is also due to the lightweight feature that it has grown in popularity in modern-day construction. 

Aluminium shop front systems can also be designed to work alongside a wide range of automatic doors too. From high traffic swing doors to custom-designed sliding entrance doors, as well as standard push doors.  At Crucial Engineering, we can help provide a solution to suit all. 

Aluminium windows and doors can come in a variety of different shades and colours too, so can match with your corporate branding perfectly, if needed. Powder coating allows you to customise your aluminium shop front to any colour you desire. Helping you to create visually appealing entrance ways that are weather-resistant, durable, and ultimately require very little maintenance. 

As well as a variety of colours and working alongside a range of automatic doors, shop fronts also utilise curtain walling systems providing an additional level of protection for the outside of a building. 

Curtain walling allows light to flow into internal spaces while maintaining the perfect balance of form and functionality (check out our article on `What is Curtain Walling` to find out more). 

High security, excellent energy efficiency

Aluminium shop fronts are renowned, and also growing in popularity, due to the high levels of security they can offer, as well as the excellent energy efficiencies they can provide, hence also cost savings. 

Most businesses will store valuable tools, equipment, merchandise, and even petty cash within their business premises, so keeping your commercial property as secure is vital. 

Combined with advanced glazing as well as high tech security systems, keep your commercial property safe with aluminium windows and doors from the experts at Crucial Engineering. 

When it comes to energy efficiency, let us explain further. 

Aluminium windows and doors are designed to retain heat due to their polyoxide thermal breaks. They also boast low U values, which help to boost your building’s overall thermal efficiency levels. 

Reduce your carbon footprint by opting for aluminium shop front system!

Aluminium is 100% recyclable making it very environmentally friendly. 

A sustainably sourced material, aluminium can be re-melted and reshaped numerous times without losing any of its quality or features. 

Features such as integral anti-trap bulb stile finger guards, or low ramp thresholds for an easy wheelchair, pushchair/pram access. 

The lifespan of aluminium also far exceeds that of UPVC, again helping to save you money in the long term. 

High performance as standard

All shop front doors and windows, if manufactured and installed by professionals (like the team at Crucial Engineering), will be tested to the highest security and industry standards. 

You can be sure of the highest quality matched with the best possible prices with Crucial Engineering. 

Find out more here!

Aluminium shopfronts are an excellent choice for business.

Create an exciting display area that you can be proud of with an aluminium shop front.  Designed, manufactured, and installed by a team you can trust. 

Our team works closely with you to ensure all specifications are met, and efficient service is provided. 

Helping to create a modern and environmentally friendly facade, let Crucial Engineering transform the front of your business today. 

Call  930 420 

Read the next blog: The importance of fenestration on commercial buildings

Differences to consider

The main difference between the two is where they are primarily used. 

For example, curtain wall systems are perfect for much larger buildings, such as multi-stories and high rise offices; whereas you will mainly find storefront systems on buildings that are only one or two stories high. 

It’s important to know some of the main differences between the two, so you can make the most informed decision about what is right for your commercial property. 

Due to where these facades are placed means that there is also a difference in their general structure. 

Storefronts, for example, are generally known to be the façade of a retail store positioned on the ground floor of a commercial property. Usually, boasting a large display window to showcase its products and services, the window frames themselves will usually be made from aluminium, steel or wood (this is because a smaller frame may be used, maximising the amount of window space a retail unit has), and will typically include glass to provide ultimate visibility. 

Curtain walls, however, are much thinner in their design with aluminium frames primarily being the material of choice. The in-fill is typically made up of metal panels, glass or light stone, depending on the commercial building and its overall look and design structure. 

This type of construction will not carry the buildings floor or roof loads as they are attached to the building structure, not a prominent part of it. 

Due to this fact, curtain walls can be much larger than storefronts. For example, a curtain wall frame can reach at least 13-feet high, while a storefront frame will be restricted to no more than 10 feet in height. 

Thickness is also a difference between the two, with curtain walls having a depth of anywhere between 2.5 inches and 8 inches, compared to a storefront which can’t exceed 2 inches (due to the weight load a storefront has to carry). 

Water infiltration is another vital difference to note between the two, and how both systems handle rain, etc. will help with your decision making. 

For storefronts, water will be directed to the sill flashing, usually through the vertical mullion, which is then discharged slowly out of the building. However, when extreme weather hits, problems such as overloading of the water flow systems can be common; hence the reason why storefronts are kept to ground level as well as have roof overhangs to protect them further from external elements. 

For curtain walls, every glass lite is wept away individually. Causing minimum disruption and no additional systems need to be put in place to protect the building. 

Taking everything into account cost is still one of the most significant factors in the decision-making process. It can’t be denied that storefronts are the cheaper option and are the perfect solution for elevations and entrances on commercial properties situated on the ground floor. 

However, aluminium curtain walls, for all pricier for both materials and production, are the superior product in terms of their functionality and design. 

Which one is best for you?

This is entirely up to you and the position of your retail property.  

However, at Crucial Engineering, our team of aluminium fabrication experts will be able to answer your questions as well as provide you with ideal solutions to suit your requirements. 

Make sure to call us today on  930 420 to find out more and see how we can help you. 

Are you interested in learning more about Curtain Wall Powder Coating? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!