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Half Price Drapes in California? I am not advertising for them but rather looking for feedback.

We moved into our current home about 6-7 months ago and have been remodeling or re-decorating ever since. I am down to the living room window treatments. It is one of those ridiculous two story rooms with two sets of 4 windows. The upper set has arches, the lower are flat topped. There is about 5 feet of blank wall between these and only about 7 inches of space between each window.

I have added pleated shades on the lower windows for light control but need some panels to each side to add some softness and sound muffling to the room. Ordinarily I might make these myself but these are very tall windows (at least 96 inches from the top of the lower windows to the floor and my design eye says this would be too short for the window treatment anyway) and the idea of trying to handle this much fabric and keep it straight when I cut it boggles the mind since I don't even begin to have a work table that could handle this.

So...has anyone used this company or have a suggestion for another web source? (I am having Roman shades made for my breakfast room by a local workroom and the cost has blown my husband's mind. This is a four window bay so it is intensive work for this much window.)_

I love decorating but this house is becoming a budget buster so I really can't afford to make any mistakes.

Half Price Drapes gets mixed consumer reviews, so it depends on your expectations. I had a client in Pleasanton who used them and she said they were Okay but not great quality. Just because the name says Half Price, doesn't mean they are. Your best bet is to do your homework before you buy, which is why you came here to the boards, right

Have you thought of using window scarves? They come in very long lengths and all you'd have to do is make rod pockets one one end....or do what DD did...add loops and mount decorative knobs on the wall from which to hang the scarves. Depending on the width of the scarf, two or three loops per scarf should do the trick. Easy peasy.

Babysitting grandsons so I have been away. Glad to hear the review on Half Price Drapes. It is always hard to find reputable reviews

Belstone thanks for the idea of window scarves--that is creative. I'll have to look for some of these to see what I can find.

This house is decorated far differently than I have done in a very long time since my furniture for the living room was sold with the last place. This time I am on the slightly contemporary side with oriental touches and a few of my traditional things from the past. It is comfortable but taking some getting used to. I have been searching for two new lamps and brought home a ceramic one in a red orange color and actually like it. I would have never used this color in the past but it picks up the color from a contemporary oil that has touches of orange and a 'sixties block print of orange with brown that I am using in the room. I have another week to take it back if I finally decide not to keep it but for now I am finding it refreshing. Maybe an old dog can learn new tricks.

Go home grandsons so I can go hunt for window scarves--just kidding, I don't see them nearly enough.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Gwenda,

Gwenda,

Search for a local person that does WT and not a big workroom. I found two different people that do beautiful work for me.

Both shops are in industrial plazas;lower overhead so lower prices. Lined panels are 45 each and the lining is around 2 doll*ars/yard. Pillows with zipper and trim are approx 20 each.

I agree with you that it is harder to make those longer panels.

Good Luck!

How do you find these lower price fabricators? I am having a horrible time finding any one of this nature. I know my workroom doesn't charge as much for panels but still it isn't cheap when you have champagne taste for fabric.

Now you are going to laugh at me after the above comment: I spent just under two dollars a yard for fabric for my 4 dining room windows which is great because these needed over thirty yards of fabric. Of course, at that price I am making them myself---work, work ,work. I am also upholstering the seats of the dining chairs myself after sending the host chairs off for upholstery. (I purchased a sheer fabric in a foggy gray to frame my windows and compliment the grayed aqua color of my walls. Host chairs are in a darker gray linen fabric and the side chairs will have a silver gray and cream zebra print. The plan is for a serene feel in this room that I can add bright bursts of color to compliment the season.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Gwenda,

quote:

Originally posted by Gwenda:
How do you find these lower price fabricators?

Gwenda,
It was word of mouth that I found these local people. Inquire at fabric shops (if you have any) and check for ads in local flyers. Check any community bulletin boards too.

You are right about the fabric prices and then factor in any large repeats. Eek!

Good Luck!

Thanks B's Rose.

We have a rather fine home decor fabric house (Childress) not too distant, but they only suggest their workroom. I will have to check the other fabric stores like JoAnn's for more recommendations.

I am in the greater Dallas area so I know there should be many other options. It is just that I am in a largely rural area (say poor cell phone service and a cable service that is rural in approach plus having no commercial base in our town--just residential) that is a bit of a drive to most any shopping. DH also has been under the weather since Turkey Day when he took a bad fall. He is just now beginning to drive again and I am only now comfortable in leaving him alone without fear of coming home to find him sprawled on the floor in a faint.

Dallas has an area in the northern part of the city that has lots of little and larger fabric outlets which is where I found my under $2 fabric. (Typical for this type place there is good among the dross if you hunt.)I need to make a trip back there again and ask about fabricators that they can recommend or suggest. I need to check in the Addison area too as I saw another possible source when I was over that direction for something else.

Sorry I am just yammering. I am just not finding my comfort zone in this area after 30 years in the San Antonio region. I think I am overly concerned with my decorating because I haven't found enough outlets for my energy and because of DH's condition. I think mentally I believe if I can control my home decor I can control my life. (Amateur psychologist babble)