Custom Window Treatments FAQs

What are some tips when purchasing custom curtains online?

At Dream Drapes we know that it can be a daunting, uneasy experience for many who have never ordered custom curtains online before. First, we suggest you always order from a U.S based company.  Some companies may have offices here in America, however, they make nothing here in the United States but instead manufacture your drapes overseas and then ship them to you where quality control and time delays are common problems. Dream Drapes makes all of our draperies, shades and valances right here in our Connecticut-based workroom so we have fantastic quality control measures in place. You will always get exactly what you ordered with us, we guarantee it!  Also, make sure to note if an online store responds to your calls and emails in a timely fashion. If not, you should expect to encounter future problems down the road for any update and status report regarding your draperies order.  Dream Drapes take great pride in making ourselves available to our customers anytime during our normal business hours, and we pride ourselves in 24 hours turnaround time for all emails and phone calls.

If you're shopping around for the best deal online, always make sure that you compare similar products from two companies online.  If another site offers what appears to be a similar product but with significantly reduced prices, be aware!  The "other guys" are probably not providing you with the same quality custom curtains that you will get from Dream Drapes.  For example, we line and interline all of our silk drapes and shades, which increases the life of your draperies investment as well as making them more full and luxurious.  Many online companies will only line their silk drapes or shades which significantly reduces the life of your custom window treatments and will make the end product much "skimpier" looking.  Just always keep in mind that you get what you pay for and that is very true when purchasing custom curtains online.

What can I expect when I order from Dream Drapes?

Ordering from us is a simple, hassle free process. You simply order the swatches you are interested in and choose which type of drapery or shade style is to your liking. We highly recommend ordering swatch samples prior to ordering your custom curtains so that you can touch, feel and see the fabric for yourself.  Many fabrics look significantly different online than in person. 

We’re a little different than most drapery sites as we’ll actually assign you your own Drapery Designer.  She will work with you closely, answering all of your questions both before, during and after your purchase and will help you determine the best width and length for your draperies based on some very simple measurements you provide.  Your drapery designer will update you throughout the process via email or phone so you will always know what design or finishing stage your custom window treatments are in at any given point.  Generally speaking, Dream Drapes quote 6 to 8 weeks for your order to be completed, but many of our customers are happy to see that we typically ship out orders in about 4 to 6 weeks.  We guarantee you will always receive exactly what you ordered. 

The US-based Dream Drapes workroom is a top notch drapery manufacturing company that provides only the highest quality drapes to many of the top design showrooms in the United States.  You just can't go wrong with the quality of our workmanship.

What is your return policy?

At Dream Drapes, we want you to feel 100% confident that when you order from us, your draperies or shades will be free of any manufacturing defects or errors in craftsmanship. If in the unlikely occurrence that you discover a defect, we will correct the error or offer a replacement at no charge to you. Because all of our draperies and shades are custom made to each of our customer’s exact specifications, we can not accept returns, exchanges or cancelations for reasons mentioned above once an order has been placed. We will do whatever it takes to make you a satisfied customer and we stand by our quality 100%!

What are your delivery times?

For in stock material, it typically takes about six to eight weeks for your draperies to be finished. If in the unfortunate event that your silk or linen selection is on back order, we will contact you immediately and provide you with an estimated time of delivery.

How will my draperies or shades be shipped and packaged?

Dream Drapes ships all products via UPS Ground with a required signature. We take special care when we package your draperies to ensure minimal wrinkling and extra protection during the delivery process. At the time of delivery, you will receive an email containing your tracking number(s) so you can check on the status of your package(s) at any time.  We highly recommend opening up the boxes and removing the window treatments at the time of arrival.   This will reduce the amount of wrinkling that will take place.  Inside each order is a care instruction card.  Please read and follow these instructions carefully.

What is interlining?

Interlining is a layer of flannel fabric that is placed between the lining and the face fabric (the fabric that shows on the outside of the drapes such as silk or linen).  Interlining improves the look and quality of drapery panels.

There are many beautiful fabrics that on their own would produce curtains that are thin and lifeless, but by adding a layer of interlining the ‘feel’ of the fabric changes dramatically and the curtains become thick and sumptuous. Because it adds 'body', it helps the drapes hang nicely. This is especially important when using thin to medium weight fabrics inlarger windows.

This extra layer however not only adds to the hand of the fabric but because of the increases in the thickness it therefore makes it more insulating. The heat loss, especially in cold weather, is greatly reduced. This can actually make a difference to your heating costs.  It is also an added layer of protection against the sun's harmful rays that can over time degrade the face fabric.

Using interlining makes your drapery panels look better, hang better, keeps you warm and makes your drapes last longer.

If you do not see an answer to a question that you may have regarding custom window treatments or ordering from DreamDrapes.com, please give us a call Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm Eastern Time at 888-871-3475.  We're here to help!