Designing custom window treatments involves dozens of small decisions. Measurements, yardage, trim, hardware, stack back, operating systems, motorization, and fabric details can all affect how a finished treatment looks and functions.
We’ve created this guide to help you find the right MYL resources faster.
Use this page when you need help specifying, measuring, planning, or ordering custom window treatments. Bookmark it and check back often. We’ll continue to update it as new tools, charts, and guides are added.
You May Know Us For Draperies, But We Make Much More
Many designers first come to Merrill Y. Landis for custom draperies, sheers, or shades. But our workroom also fabricates a wide range of soft furnishings and specialty window treatment solutions.
Depending on the project, that may include valances, top treatments, Roman shades, bedding, cushions, pillows, cornices, specialty side panels, motorized treatments, hardware solutions, and more.
We also offer programs and support designed to make specifying and ordering easier, including side panel and sheer programs, hardware guidance, motorization support, and project planning resources.
For a fuller look at what our workroom can create, visit our Workroom Services page.
More Than a Custom Workroom
Merrill Y. Landis is known as a custom window treatment workroom, but many interior designers do not realize the full range of support available throughout the specification, ordering, and fabrication process.
In addition to manufacturing custom draperies, sheers, valances, top treatments, Roman shades, bedding, cushions, and other soft furnishings, we offer specialized programs and services designed to simplify project planning and ordering. From preconfigured side panel and sheer programs to hardware expertise, motorization support, and specialty window solutions, our team works alongside designers to help bring projects to life.
To learn more about how we support your projects, visit our Workroom Services page.
We’ve also created a variety of planning tools, reference guides, charts, and technical resources to help answer common questions about measuring, yardage, hardware, motorization, and more.
Measuring & Planning Resources
How do I measure a bay or bow window?
- Measurement instructions for bay and bow windows using wall, front span, depth, and recess points, including template methods to capture window angles accurately.
How do I account for stack back?
- Stack back chart used to determine how much wall space draperies require when fully open for proper clearance, function, and light control.
- Visual installation diagrams showing inside and outside measurement options, board placement, and bracket spacing to guide proper drapery board mounting.
What determines Roman Shade sizing?
- Safe zone sizing reference for Roman shades, including cordless Easy Spring and motorized systems, with fabric and lining considerations that affect maximum width and length limits.
How do I calculate drapery weight?
- Guidance for determining fabric and lining weight using ounces per square yard to support proper hardware selection and fabrication planning.
How do I figure drapery yardage and fullness?
- Reference for calculating yardage and fullness, including finished length, fullness ratios, fabric repeats, and rod deductions for custom drapery systems.
What are commonly used drapery formulas?
- Standard formulas for calculating fullness, cut lengths, repeats, ruffling, swag sizing, and yardage requirements for custom window treatments.
Fabric & Trim Resources
What are the trim options and how do I calculate yardage for trim?
- Overview of fringe, braid, ruffle, and fabric band trims, including usage types and calculation methods for custom window treatments.
- Chart for calculating custom made fabric banding and fabric ruffle.
- Chart to calculate trim quantities for shades, valances, swags, and jabots.
What are trim techniques for window treatments?
- Overview of professional trim application methods, including stitching, adhesives, and workroom techniques used for precise and durable finishing.
How do I plan for printed fabric placement?
- Guidance for pattern alignment, matching, and cutting methods based on fabric repeat and layout requirements in custom drapery construction.
What should I know when selecting fabric for draperies?
- Fabric selection considerations including pattern variation, weave behavior, blackout lining effects, and handling notes for specialty fabrics.
Hardware & Operating Systems
Which motor do I put on this shade or drape?
- Comparison of drapery and shade motorization systems to help select the appropriate motor based on application, weight limits, and control requirements.
Which Kirsch track system should I use?
- Guides to Kirsch hardware options for different drapery applications and design needs.
What operating system should I use for Roman Shades?
- Reference guide to Roman shade operating systems, including cordless, clutch, spring, and motorized options across Rollease Acmeda and Safe-T-Shade systems.
Do you have custom assembled kits for operating systems?
- Save time, money and effort with custom Roman Shade operating system kits from The Kit Store. All kits come assembled, mounted and ready to go. Simply attach your shade and lift system.
Which type of carrier should I choose for ripplefold draperies?
- Overview of ripplefold carrier options, comparing overlap master carriers for improved light blocking and a flat center appearance with butt master carriers for a continuous wave look and reduced center interruption.
Still Have a Question?
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, contact us with your question.
Our team is happy to help you find the right resource, think through a measurement issue, or point you toward the guide, chart, or service that fits your project.