Window treatments are an essential part of any room. Not only do they provide aesthetics and ambiance, they also function to keep rooms comfortable. Window treatments also keep your furniture and electronics safe from harmful UV rays. Whether you can't find drapes to fit your windows or you just can find anything you like, custom drapes provide you with the ability to get exactly what you want and need.

So how should you go about choosing your custom drapes? Here are three tips:

1. Select a Fabric

Perhaps the most important aspect of choosing your drapes is picking the right fabric. There are many fabrics that make great window treatments. Some good fabrics include linen, faux silk, and velvet. All of these fabrics are affordable, come in a variety of styles, and hang beautifully. If you want a fabric that does double-duty, consider fabrics like velvet or suede. Both of these fabrics are thick and will provide protection from the sun, as well as insulation.

2. Color Choice

Another thing you'll need to do is pick a color. You can find fabric in nearly every color imaginable, so this shouldn't be hard. However, you will need to keep in mind how much sunlight enters the room. If the drapes will be hanging in a room that gets a lot of sun exposure, it's probably best to stick to neutral colors. Bright colors might be pretty, but they will fade rather quickly. So if the room will get a lot of sunlight, stick to neutral colors such as white, black, gray, or brown. Remember, you can liven up a neutral color by opting for a fabric with a bold pattern.

3. Length

Finally, you'll need to determine the length of your drapes. Determining length can seem a little complicated, but it doesn't have to be. If you want curtains that only cover the window, measure the window and add 1–2 inches on all sides to ensure even coverage. If you want curtains that are longer, measure where you want the curtain to start and end. Again, add 1–2 inches on all sides to ensure that the curtain easily covers the window. For curtains that hang and bunch on the floor, add 3–4 extra inches to the length to allow the drapes to hit the floor.

As you can see, choosing custom drapes can be quite easy. All you need is an eye for style and a measuring tape. Once you have chosen exactly what you want, take your specifications to a professional and have them made.