A drapery workroom typically charges $600-$3,500 to make a lined pair of custom panels, with an average project near $1,400 before unusual installation or premium fabric. The drapery workroom price depends on window width, finished length, fabric and lining, pleat style, and whether the quote includes measuring, hardware, and installation.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two custom panels | $600 | $1,400 | $3,500 | Fabric, standard lining, fabrication |
| Workroom labor | $250 | $550 | $1,100 | Per pair; complexity changes rate |
| Fabric | $200 | $650 | $1,800 | About 8-14 yards at varied quality |
| Hardware and installation | $100 | $350 | $900 | May be quoted separately |
Assumptions: Two panels for one 60- to 84-inch-wide window, 84- to 96-inch finished length, standard access, and U.S. midrange labor.
What custom drapery workrooms charge per window
For a standard window with two lined panels, expect roughly $600-$3,500 total; many midrange projects fall between $900 and $2,000. The lower end usually assumes readily available fabric, a simple pleat, and no complicated installation. Premium or designer fabric, blackout lining, pattern matching, and extra fullness can raise the quote substantially.
Workrooms may price fabrication by panel, fabric width, or finished project rather than offer one flat rate. Labor alone often runs $125-$350 per panel, while more involved shaping or hand finishing can reach $400-$550 per panel. Confirm whether a listed workroom price includes fabric, lining, measuring, and installation.
How fabric, labor, lining, and hardware shape the quote
A written estimate is easier to compare when it separates materials and services. The ranges below apply to one two-panel window and are not a guaranteed national tariff; some shops charge a minimum order or combine several items into one fabrication fee.
| Quote component | Typical price | Common unit | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face fabric | $25-$150 | Per yard | Fiber, brand, width, pattern |
| Workroom labor | $250-$1,100 | Per pair | Pleats, fullness, finishing |
| Lining or interlining | $8-$45 | Per yard | Basic, thermal, blackout |
| Track, rod, rings | $75-$500 | Per window | Length, material, motorization |
| Measuring and installation | $100-$500 | Per visit or window | Travel, height, access |
Fabric quantities commonly run 8-14 yards for a pair, but wide fabric, long curtains, or a large repeat can require more. Labor estimates sometimes use ; a local rate may be $50-$100 per hour, though many workrooms quote by the job. Ask for fabric yardage and the labor basis, not only a combined total.
Which panel widths and pleat styles push the price higher
Fullness is a major price driver. A workroom may plan about 1.5-2.5 times the rod width in fabric, depending on the desired look and heading. A 72-inch rod at 2 times fullness needs about 144 inches of finished panel width before hems and returns; more width generally means more fabric and sewing.
Fabric width and pattern repeat also matter. A repeat of 18 inches or more can increase yardage because motifs must align across panels, while a narrow 54-inch fabric may require additional widths for a broad window. Pinch pleats, wave headings, and lined or interlined construction often cost more than a simple rod-pocket finish. Specify rod width, finished length, fullness, and pattern matching before comparing quotes.
How long custom drapery fabrication takes
After fabric arrives and measurements are approved, straightforward workroom production commonly takes 3-8 weeks. Special-order cloth, elaborate pattern matching, holiday demand, or revisions can extend the schedule to 8-12 weeks or longer. Measuring and installation may require separate appointments, and a rush request can add roughly 15%-30% where the shop can accommodate it.
Labor hours vary with panel count and finishing. A pair of basic lined panels might take 4-8 hours of cutting and sewing; complex pleats, trims, or hand work can take 8-16 hours. Get the production window and any rush charge in writing before placing a fabric order.
When do pattern matching and installation add fees?
Common extras include fabric sample fees, shipping, trim, extra-wide construction, old treatment removal, and a minimum workroom charge. Delivery may cost $25-$150 locally, while removal and disposal can add $50-$250 per window. Measuring visits may be free with an order or cost $50-$200, particularly outside the normal service area.
Installation typically runs $75-$250 per window for accessible standard-height mounting. High ceilings, masonry, difficult ladder access, or motorized tracks can raise labor to $250-$600 or more. Pattern matching may add 10%-25% to fabric requirements, particularly with large repeats or multiple windows. Check which add-ons are included and whether the installer supplies brackets and anchors.
Custom workroom panels versus ready-made curtains
Ready-made panels often cost $50-$300 per pair, with better-quality lined options around $200-$700. They can be a lower-cost choice when standard lengths and widths fit, but fabric selection, fullness, and lining are limited. Custom workroom panels commonly cost several times more because they are cut to size and sewn to the selected specifications.
Some workrooms will fabricate customer-supplied fabric, but the sewing fee does not necessarily make the project cheaper. A typical make-only charge may be $250-$900 per pair, plus lining, trims, and any fabric inspection or handling fee. Buyers should confirm the required yardage and whether the shop accepts outside material before ordering. Compare the complete installed price, not the fabrication fee alone.
Ways to lower a custom drapery workroom quote
Control the largest variable first: fabric. Midrange fabric at $30-$70 per yard can deliver a tailored result without the $100-$250-per-yard cost of premium designer cloth. Choosing a smaller pattern repeat, standard lining, and a common pleat can reduce yardage and labor without changing the window dimensions.
Combining several windows in one order may reduce measuring, travel, or setup charges, although each opening still needs accurate measurements. Keep existing rods if they are sturdy and correctly placed, and compare at least two itemized estimates using the same finished length, fullness, lining, and fabric specification. Avoid paying for blackout or thermal layers where they are not needed. Changing one specification at a time makes the savings and appearance trade-off easier to judge.