Say ‘No’ to Store-Bought Draperies and Curtains

/in , /by

There are so many things you can do to improve your home without professional help to save money. You can paint the interior of your home on your own, you can sew your own throw pillow covers, create art for the walls, and more. But draperies? That’s a different story. We’re going to break it down here why you should never buy the store-bought kind, and why you should hire a professional to install them.

1. Drapery Quality

When shopping in a chain store for a ready-made set of draperies, you will find that the quality is just not there, when compared to that of a window treatment company’s materials. They are sometimes sewed wrong, have pulls in the fabric, are puckered and hang funny–you name it! Even the touch and feel of the materials isn’t always up to par.

Jabot Window Coverings and Interiors Vancouver

2. Custom Sizing

Height

Not all windows, doors, and ceiling heights are created equal.

Most curtain manufacturers that sell at big box stores–and even fancy boutiques–only sell two sizes: 84-inch panels, which are too short for a room with 8-foot ceilings, or 96-inch panels, which are far too long. Buying ready-made, store-bought draperies means you most likely have to hem them to the correct height. Or add on material, which we do not recommend!

custom draperies length

Width

Most store-bought curtain panels are between 45-54 inches wide. If you have a large window in the middle of your living room (that’s larger than say 36 inches wide), two panels will not cut it. You’re looking at three or four panels, depending on the size of your window, but who’s to be sure?

The width of your draperies should actually be about 2.5 to 3 times the width of your window to create the proper look of fullness when hung. On top of that, do you know how wide you should be hanging your hardware? If you want that room to pop, you’re going to want to hang your draperies wide, but only an Interior Designer or drapery expert will know what’s best.

3. Drapery lining

Drapery lining is the key to making your window treatment look and feel high quality. If you are buying some off-the-rack curtains, they will not come with lining, and you may be highly disappointed when you hang them.

If you’re hanging curtains in a bedroom, you likely want them to be blackout curtains, and most curtains without lining will not block out the light in order for you to get that restful sleep you are hoping for. If you’ve taken a close look at the ready-made curtains in stores that actually have drapery lining, you’ll notice that it is cheap, thin cotton lining. Custom lined drapery has the liner sewn directly into the panel and definitely has a quality weight to it.

Do we have you convinced?

Of course, here at Jabot Interiors, we are drapery snobs, and want to save you from all of the mass-produced low-quality curtains out there! We want you to have the best of the best when it comes to custom drapery, and have people be impressed when they walk into your home.

We hope you think of us when you’re planning custom draperies for your home. You can view our work, and contact us when you’re ready to start on your next home improvement project.

custom draperies

Custom Draperies for a Custom Home

/in /by

One of our clients recently had a home custom done by Sophie Burke Design.

They called on us to assist with making their client’s custom draperies to complement their custom home.

white linen custom draperies

This client requested clean, simple lines and mentioned that they loved natural linens.

That’s why we did beautiful soft white linen drapes with ripple fold pleats, lending itself to a modern look with neat lines.

white linen custom draperies

white linen custom draperies

If you’re interested in creating a custom look for your home, feel free to take a look at some of our work and contact us to let us know what you’re looking for. We’d be happy to talk to you about custom window treatments.

Hunter Douglas Applause Shades

Ricci-Lee’s Window Treatment of the Week: Duette Honeycomb Shades

/in /by

hunter douglas duette honeycomb shadesDid you know that up to 50% of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows? That’s why Hunter Douglas designed Duette honeycomb shades, with a unique cellular shape that traps air in distinct pockets to help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The unique honeycomb design is praised for its efficiency, but its shape and overall aesthetic are beautiful and stylish.

The original single- and double-honeycomb Duette shades come in multiple cell sizes, a horizontal or Vertiglide vertical orientation, and a range of light-control options from sheer to opaque.

Here are some of the benefits of Hunter Douglas Honeycomb Duette Shades (and why we love them here at Jabot):

  • hunter douglas duette shadesThere are probably the most versatile window covering on the market as they can be used on those hard-to-cover angled or arched windows, as well as a vertical application and skylights.
  • They offer lifting systems like top-down / bottom-up which lets you cover the bottom portion of your window for privacy, while keeping your view open at the top. Open from the top, from the bottom, or find somewhere in-between–for the perfect balance of privacy and light.
  • When they are lifted, the shade’s stack is really small so you don’t have that bulk in your window.
  • They absorb sound, helping reduce outside noise. They’ll even improve your room’s acoustics. (The degree of sound control will depend on the fabric you choose, so if this is an important feature to you, be sure to discuss this with us!)
  • They’re energy efficient, help keeping cold out in the winter and heat out in the summer, as mentioned above.
  • They offer 75% UV protection from harmful UV rays that prevent fading to your furniture, flooring, and artwork.
  • They come with a cordless lift system, which means no cord hanging in the window, which is completely child friendly.

hunter douglas duette honeycomb shadesOne of Ricci Lee’s favourite things about these Duette honeycomb shades are the Duolite option that “lets you use two fabrics in one blind, one that filters light for privacy and sun control during the day, and one that gives you that room darkening for sleeping at night.”

How perfect are these shades? One more bonus, including all of the above benefits, is that they have a lifetime guarantee. Hunter Douglas products are of the highest quality, but just in case, you have the insurance of the their lifetime limited guarantee.

If you ever have any questions about Duette shades, please give us call! 

 

Window Treatment of the Week: Vignettes

/in /by

This week, we’re featuring Vignette Roman Shades as our window Treatment of the Week. We hope you caught our first instalment from Charlene on Pirouettes last week!

Vignettes: Modern Roman Shades

Vignette Modern Roman Shades feature consistent folds and no exposed rear cords, keeping windows uncluttered. You can choose from different fold styles and sizes, and a horizontal or vertical orientation.

vignette window treatment

Here are some of the benefits of the Hunter Douglas Vignette Roman Shades:

  • They reduce outside noise

Improve your room’s acoustics while reducing the intensity of outside sound. It starts at the windows. Simple. The degree of sound control will depend on the fabric you choose, so if this is an important feature to you, be sure to discuss it with your sales expert.

  • Keep cool in the summer, warm in the winter

The most energy-efficient version of the classic Vignette design is the Architella – these shades trap air, creating an extra layer of insulation to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

  • Privacy with a view

The Top-Down/Bottom-Up feature offers a more versatile approach to light control. Open from the top, from the bottom, or find somewhere in-between–for the perfect balance of privacy and light.

You can choose from 3 Different Operating Systems:

  • The PowerView wireless operating system gives you the power to control and schedule your Hunter Douglas window treatments from your smartphone, tablet, or a remote control.
  • The LiteRise operating system makes raising and lowering blinds and shades easier than ever. Simply push up to raise and pull down to lower. Your blinds and shades stay right where you put them.
  • The UltraGlide system features a unique retractable cord mechanism to raise and lower the window shade or shading. A constant cord length means there are never any long, dangling cords to detract from the appearance of the shade. Ideal for child and pet safety.

 

All photos from hunterdouglas.ca.

Hunter Douglas Pirouettes

Charlene’s Window Treatment of the Week: Pirouettes

/in /by

We’re excited to introduce a new series on our blog!

Every week or so, we are going to feature a new product, and let you know what we love about it! For the first instalment, Charlene Ingram, Owner and Design Consultant at Jabot Interiors, has chosen Pirouettes as her window treatment to feature.
Hunter Douglas Pirouettes

Here is a little bit of info on the great Pirouette shadings we offer from Hunter Douglas:

Window Treatment of the Week: Pirouettes

  • Pirouettes are great for windows with lots of sun exposure, helping to keep out ultra-violet rays but still keep some of your view
  • They have a bold and strong appearance on your windows, with a beautiful quietness to them
  • They are extremely modern with great style
  • Pirouettes will soften your rooms with the subtle elegance of fabric and colour choices
  • With only one layer of sheer behind the fabric folds the view is clean and clear when open

Hunter Douglas Pirouettes

“I love how the folds of the fabric can be manipulated to the size you prefer for privacy and light control,” says Charlene, who knows her fair share about this beautiful shading product.
Jabot Interiors specializes in Hunter Douglas blinds which has earned a great reputation for its innovative product line, quality, service and product guarantee.

All photos from HunterDouglas.ca

How to Ensure “Curb Appeal” When Choosing Your Drapes

/in /by

What looks good from the inside may not look good on the inside.

Some people may be so focused on what their window coverings look like from inside the house, that they do not even consider what they might look like to passers by. Unfortunately, these seemingly simple choices you make when you move into a home, may come back to haunt you when it comes time to sell the place.

Here’s an example of a set of window coverings that doesn’t look so appealing from outside. It looks bunchy, like they are the wrong size, and it just doesn’t appear to be a clean set of lines from the outside.

negative curb appeal

One of the most important things to think about when selling a home is the curb appeal.

The first impression matters so much, which is why real estate agents always encourage you to tidy up your yard and mow the law when getting ready to show your home to buyers.

So when you are making changes to your home interior, or are just moving in and making purchases like window coverings, take the time to make the right choices, or get some help from an expert.

Now here are some examples of beautiful window treatments that are simple, but look nice and clean from the outside looking in.

interior window treatments for curb appea

interior window coverings for curb appeal

positive-curb-appeal

Want to ensure your windows have great curb appeal? Come talk to us! We’d be happy to help.

Jabot Window Coverings and Interiors Vancouver

A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Window Treatments for your Home

/in /by

There are so many decisions to make when choosing window treatments… where do you begin?

All of the choices can be overwhelming (like are you wanting functional window treatments or decorative ones?), which is why we’re here to help.

Colour

Whatever window treatments you choose, they need to match the room, but you have two options to consider: do you want your curtains to blend in with the room, or do you want them to be the main focal point? If you’re blending to match the room, you can just choose a colour a few shades darker than the walls. You also have to consider where the sun shines in, and if you are using unlined curtains, it will change the look of the room. Sun will also eventually fade the fabric, too. If your room gets a lot of light, a bright colour might not be the best idea.

Jabot Window Coverings and Interiors Vancouver

Fabric

Your fabric should match the theme, or mood of the room. For a casual space, you can choose billowy linen curtains, or a for a more formal space, you can opt for velvet, or heavy silk. More practical options are rayon, cotton, or a wool blend, that can all work with most types of decor. But Linen, silk, faux silk, and velvet tend to hang the best.

Length

Floor-length, and even touching the floor, is usually the way to go, or hovering half an inch above the floor will look clean and tailored. Don’t go too short; it will look awkward. You can also opt for a longer curtain, that breaks at the floor–this is a more traditional look. They can be anywhere from one to six inches extra in length to drape on the floor.

Jabot Window Coverings and Interiors Vancouver

Width

Width is just as important as length! There are a few exceptions, like if you don’t plan to close the curtains, but generally they should have a combined width that is 2 to 2½ times the width of the window. If you want the curtains to block out the sun, a few extra inches on either side of the window frame will help block out the light.

Lining

If you’re looking to block out the light and create some privacy, lined curtains are what you’re after. They’ll also shield your curtains from fading from the sun, and protect against drafts. There is also something called interlining, too, which is an extra layer of fabric sewn in between the lining and fabric that faces the room. This is an option if you want the light completely blocked out, and the maximum amount of insulation as possible. If you’re doing custom curtains, interlining is an option, but if you’re opting for ready-made curtain panels, it may not be an available option.

Jabot Window Coverings and Interiors Vancouver

Tiebacks

Do you want to pull the curtains aside for more light, for a beautiful view, or for a more formal look? Then yes, opt for tiebacks. A simple option is tying the curtain in the centre of the window with matching fabric or a ribbon, or pulling them aside with a fabric tieback that matches the curtain. Ropes and tassels can offer a fancier look.

There are so many things to consider, which is why you should trust a professional. Contact us to book an appointment, or drop into our shop in West Vancouver.

Roman Delight: Custom Roman Shades

/in /by

Trying to choose shades for your home? Here are some popular options for custom Roman shades.

 

Here we have some Top Down Bottom Up Custom Roman shades, for those who like a lot of natural light on the inside, but enjoy a little privacy from whatever’s on the outside.

Top Down Bottom Up Custom Roman Shades

top down bottom up custom roman shades

 

Below, we have some regular Roman Shades with front dowels. They’re a simple custom product that can be made to suit your taste and style in any fabric. You can choose from blackout or light filtering.

Regular Roman shades are one of our most popular custom products today that can be tastefully put into any home style.

Regular Roman Shades

regular custom roman shades

Still need help choosing? Give us a call–we’d be happy to help!

Jabot Window Coverings and Interiors Vancouver

How to keep the cost of custom draperies down

/in /by

Custom draperies are one of the most expensive decorative pieces in a well decorated home, but with a little tinkering, you can bring the cost down to an affordable level. That does not necessarily mean choosing the cheapest products available, as cheap does not equate to high quality. Here we have provided some suggestions that will help in keeping the cost of custom draperies down.

Fabrics

Fabrics are where you spend the most when buying custom drapes. You have to choose the fabric carefully, because if you choose a low cost fabric, it might not last long. On the other hand, if you choose a high end fabric, it might cross your budget for the custom drapery. It is advisable to choose something at a better price point, keeping in mind your budget. You also have to consider whether to buy a printed fabric or not, as prints typically cost more. Solid coloured fabrics are a more cost-effective option.

Hardware

The next thing you need to consider is the hardware. If you opt for decorative hardware, it will cost you more than tracks. Decorative hardware starts at about $200 for an 8 ft. rod, where track starts at $45. So it is better to choose a track if you are low on budget, but if you have some money to spare, you can opt for a low-end decorative hardware.

Jabot Window Coverings and Interiors Vancouver

Drapery linings

When you choose custom draperies, you have to think about which linings to use, as they will add to the cost as well. The thing about Drapery linings, is that it adds to the cost of labour, as well as the cost of the lining itself, so an unlined sheer or drape will be more cost-effective than a regular or black-out lined drape.

Pleat style

Another department where you can cut costs is the pleats. There are many different heading styles when making a custom drape – pinch pleat, Flemish pleat, ripple fold, head and casing. All of these headings have a different cost associated with the sewing, so be aware of their prices and make an informed decision keeping the budget in mind.

At Jabot Interiors, we can help choose the most cost effective custom draperies in Vancouver. Why not drop by at our store in West Vancouver? We can help you find the best custom draperies that fits your budget.

Hunter Douglas Applause Shades

The benefits of non-hardwired motorized shades

/in /by

Motorized shades have been around for a while now, but they were thought to be a luxury for elite homes due to the high cost involved, and were easily overlooked. Now, with the advancement of technology, many homeowners are finding motorized shades to be an affordable piece of technology, which can increase their home comfort level manyfold. Instead of the incessant tugging on the blinds to get them into the perfect position, motorizing can help get them into the correct position in one fluid motion. Few other window covering options can give you convenience, beauty, and security at the same time.

Motorized shades comes with various options. You can schedule the shades to open or close at a particular time of the day, or according to the intensity of the sunlight. You can also program it to perform your regular window routine while you’re away on vacation to increase your home security.

solera

Here are a number of benefits for choosing a motorized shade for your windows:

  • Motorized shades are great for retrofitting into a home that isn’t a new build and doesn’t have power running to the windows.
  • There is no electrician required for installation. You can do it yourself if you are handy with tools, or we can do it for you.
  • They can be integrated into your home automation systems such as “control 4”
  • Motorized shades can be operated from your smartphone. You can configure your phone to send out a signal to multiple blinds at once and open or close them simultaneously.
  • Motorized shades do not sport cords, and thus, gives it a clean look. Cords can also be hazardous in houses with small children.
  • They are great for high windows or skylights that are hard to reach. Sometimes the blinds on  high windows can be extremely heavy and are very difficult to operate by hand. With battery operated motorized blinds, you can easily bring the shades up and down at the push of a button.

At Jabot Interiors, Vancouver, we carry Hunter Douglas window coverings and they offer a wide range of options for non-hardwired motorization such as roller shades, Duettes, Applause, Silhouettes, Luminettes, Pirouettes, Nantuckets and more. These shades can either be plugged in or have a “AA” or “C” battery pack, which get replaced every year or two depending on the usage. Contact us for more info. 

Drapery Do’s and Don’t’s

/in /by

Custom draperies are one of the best options for decorating your rooms. But there are a lot of things to consider before you invest a considerable amount of money on custom draperies. It is a good idea to really communicate with your decorator/designer so they know what you want and you know what to expect. Here, we discuss some thumb rules for choosing your custom drapery.

Do’s:

Measure
Custom drapes should fit perfectly to your window and for that, you need to make the drapes of correct length. Otherwise, it might look out of place and completely destroy the look of the room.

Choose your lining
It is important to choose a lining based on the type of fabric you have chosen. Some fabrics don’t look as nice with light filtering through so make sure you look at that before you make the drape. Silks and linens can break down in harsh sunlight so make sure you use the right protective lining so you get the longevity out of them. If you are doing a side panel that is half on the wall and half over the window then consider lining it in a room darkening fabric so that when you look at it the fabric looks consistent, half of it isn’t dark and the other half light where the light filters through.

custom drapes Vancouver

Custom drapes installed in a Vancouver home

Don’t’s:

Hanging the drapery rod too low
This is a very common mistake and will cause your room look smaller. If you hang the drapes to their recommended height, you will draw the eye up and make the room look as tall as possible.

Not enough ease
Your drapes should hang freely and not look like they are stretched to their limit. Drapes are supposed to hang relaxed. If you are just doing a side panel and not a fully closing drape then add in some extra width so you can stack it back a little and make it look like it does close.

Other things to keep in mind

How a fabric hangs
Some fabrics “billow” when you use them for draperies and some fabrics wrinkle so make the one you choose is the right one for your room. Linens usually wrinkle, so avoid them if you want wrinkle free drapes.

At Jabot Interiors, we can help you choose the right, and cost effective drapes, for your home in Greater Vancouver. Call us for any interior design related queries today.

Jabot Window Coverings and Interiors Vancouver

How to do blackout drapes the right way

/in /by

Blackout drapes are a nice way to block out light in your room. These drapes are especially useful if you need to catch some sleep during the daytime, or in northern regions where the sun remains up for more than 20 hours a day. Blackout curtains are also more efficient than regular blinds for home theatre systems.

If you can prepare blackout drapes in the right way, they can block up to 99% of the incident light. Blackout drapes are an energy efficient way to control light in your bedroom, and also can keep light and heat away from your living room during the summer. Thus, investing in a good pair of blackout drapes has several benefits.

When choosing a blackout drape, you have the freedom of choosing any fabric on the front as what really matters is the lining and the mounting of the drape. The most easy and efficient way to create a blackout drape is adding a blackout lining behind the drape. Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a blackout drape is that decorative hardware is a strict no-no. Decorative hardware cancels out the effect of blackout linings by letting in light through the gap between the wall and the rod. For blackout drapes, a rod or a track that is mounted directly on the ceiling is the best option, as the light gaps are reduced. You can also make a valance and mount your drape underneath that.

When closing the drapes, you must overlap them so that minimal light comes through the juncture where they meet in the middle. Also, you should tuck in your drapes back to the wall or stretch them from wall to wall so that there is no gap on the sides from where light can enter. You should take care to tuck in your drapes on the downside near the floor, to reduce light gaps there too.

At Jabot Interiors, we can help you create the perfect custom blackout drapery for your bedroom. We have a range of blackout linings that match with different fabrics and home décor. Why not drop by our showroom in West Vancouver and check out our awesome collection of blackout drapes.