Do you offer both functional and decorative drapery?

Yes—we provide both functional and decorative drapery depending on your needs and preferences. Functional drapery panels are made to open and close, offering privacy, insulation, and light control. These are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or any area where you need flexible coverage. Decorative or stationary panels are intended to remain in place and serve a visual purpose—framing windows, softening lines, and adding dimension. Many clients choose a mix: working panels in bedrooms and decorative panels in formal spaces. We also offer custom valances, which can be paired with drapes or installed alone for a structured finish. During your consultation, we’ll assess your space, discuss how you use each room, and recommend the right treatment combination. Whether your focus is functionality, appearance, or both, we craft window treatments tailored to your lifestyle and fitted specifically for your home.

Can you help with measuring and selecting the right hardware?

Absolutely. We understand that measuring and hardware selection can feel overwhelming—that’s why we guide you every step of the way. While we primarily work in-studio, we provide detailed instructions for taking measurements if you’re comfortable doing so. Additionally, we can recommend trusted local professionals for in-home measuring and installation. For hardware, we’ll help you choose rods, brackets, rings, and finials that complement your drapery style and overall interior look. Whether you prefer something sleek and minimal or more traditional, we’ll help align hardware finishes with your existing decor. We’ll also advise on proper mounting height, width, and fullness to ensure your window treatments look balanced and polished. If you’re coordinating a larger renovation, we’re happy to collaborate on specifications to make the process smooth and accurate.

What types of fabrics are best for draperies?

Fabric selection is essential to both the beauty and functionality of your drapery. At Long Wharf Upholstery & Fabrics, we recommend high-quality materials that offer the right drape, texture, and longevity. Popular choices include linen, linen blends, cottons, and cotton-silk blends—all known for their graceful fall and soft appearance. Sheer fabrics work beautifully in sunrooms or coastal spaces where you want to diffuse light without blocking views. For bedrooms or media rooms, we suggest heavier materials or blackout lining to create privacy and darkness. Interlining is also available for insulation and added fullness. We’ll guide you based on your goals, whether you’re prioritizing softness, durability, cleanability, or visual impact. With our curated fabric collection, you can touch and compare samples before making a decision. If you’re matching existing upholstery or cushions, we’ll also help coordinate tone and texture for a cohesive result.

What is a valance, and when should I use one?

A valance is a decorative window topper that hangs across the upper portion of a window. It can be used alone or paired with full-length drapes to add architectural detail, conceal hardware, or introduce a tailored finish to a space. Valances are especially popular in kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms, and areas where full drapery may not be practical. At Long Wharf, we create valances in various styles—from structured box pleats and soft scallops to gathered or relaxed forms. Valances can add color, texture, or a touch of formality to a room and work beautifully in both modern and traditional interiors. If you have low ceilings or small windows, a well-proportioned valance can make the window appear taller and more finished. We’ll help you choose the right style, size, and fabric based on your space and preferences.

Can you match the drapes to my upholstery?

Yes, and we do it often. Coordinating your window treatments with your upholstery creates a seamless, cohesive look that elevates any room. At Long Wharf Upholstery & Fabrics, we help you choose drapery fabrics that echo or complement the tones, textures, and patterns used in your furniture. This doesn’t mean everything has to match exactly—sometimes the best results come from layering complementary materials for added depth and balance. If we’ve reupholstered your sofa or created custom cushions for you, we’ll use those elements to guide fabric selection for your drapes or valances. We also offer trims, tiebacks, and piping details that can subtly connect pieces throughout your space. The result is a refined and balanced room where every element feels intentional and cohesive.