This Designer’s Secret Source for Drapery on the Cheap

Window treatments can be a serious — and sometimes unexpected or overlooked — expense when decorating a space. But they’re also essential to making a space feel complete and polished. Designers often opt for custom drapes for their projects, since window sizes and shapes can vary dramatically, but not all designers feel this way. We spoke with Louisville-based designer Amanda Jacobs to learn how she sources window treatments for clients, and she had a surprising answer. “I don’t always opt for custom drapery,” says Jacobs, “as it’s not always necessary for the design vision or within every client’s budget.” One of her favorite budget-friendly sources for ready-to-ship curtains? Half Price Drapes.

Yes, you heard that correctly — and no, they’re not kidding: Half Price Drapes really does have a great selection of, well, half-price drapes. And half-price shades, and half-price throw pillows, even half-price table runners. The brand does offer custom drapery as well, and for great prices. But if you’re in a hurry or on a tighter budget, their ready-to-ship styles won’t let you down. They offer curtain rods, rings, and finials, too (and if you’ve never done it before, trust us, drapes are easier to install than you think). This brand wasn’t on our radar before, but we’re so glad it is now. Jacobs swears by them.

So once you’ve determined what kind of window treatment you need for your space, head over to Half Price Drapes and browse its extensive catalog of colors, patterns, and fabrics. My favorite styles are the light-filtering linen options, but it has something for everyone — and for every space! They’ll have your windows looking straight out of a West Elm catalog, but with half the budget.

As mentioned above, I tend to like a light filtering curtain for my own spaces. I might layer one of the retailer’s chic sheer drapes with a blackout curtain for the best of both worlds, or opt for something in between, like one of their many linen models. Half Price Drapes even offers velvet and silk styles, which are perfect for more traditional-style homes for a classic, sleek, chic look. Don’t be afraid to get playful with a pattern, either; there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to styling drapes. They don’t even necessarily have to be for your windows — use them to disguise a closet, as an accent wall, or as room dividers. 

Half Price Drapes is more than just drapes, though; it offers pretty much every style of window treatment you could dream of. The Roman shades are particularly chic and have the widest range of fabric options, though I am personally loving tie-up shades these days. (And I’m not alone — I’ve seen designers like Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent using these everywhere lately!) I like this style best in a solid color or a simple pattern, like a stripe. For a really polished look, you can even get cushion covers to go with your curtains. You can match the colors exactly if you want, but I like the idea of choosing a complementary hue or slightly different shade of the same color.

“Regardless of whether the curtains are custom or premade, I focus on the details — proper sizing, elegant pleating, a weighted bottom, quality rods, and/or thoughtfully chosen curtain rings to elevate the overall look and bring a refined, polished feel,” Jacobs says. Find that and more in these Half Price Drapes picks.