Custom drapes are worth the investment, they should last a minimum of 10 years and in some cases still look great after 20 years. Dorothy Bennett, interor decorator and custom window treatment designer says, "A room's decor is not complete until the windows have been properly dressed."

In this segment of our series we explain how to buy and care for your draperies.

Top 10 Custom Drapery Tips:

1. When decorating, always complete one room at a time including the draperies and art work. Then, as your budget allows go to the next room until you're home is complete. You will be much happier having at least one room in the house complete than starting several rooms at once and not having any complete.
2. When on a budget, put up your privacy treatments such as blinds or shades and wait until you have the budget for your custom window treatments.
3. Plan on spending a minimum of $6,000.00 to complete your custom window treatments for a 2500 square foot home.
4. Seek referrals to find your custom drapery designer. Ask to see their work, whether in a customer's home or in their workshop.
5. Look for straight lines, straight seams free of wrinkles and puckers. If you see sloppy workmanship don't chance it, keep looking.
6. Don't be fooled into thinking your drapery fabric is heavy enough to go without lining. Always line your drapes, they will hang much nicer and last longer.
7. To spread your budget further, use a lesser fabric and more embellishments such as trim and tassels to achieve the WOW effect without breaking the bank.
8. Custom drapes will usually last five times longer than ready made and will look so much richer.
9. Your draperies are only as good as the installation. Hire a professional custom window treatment installer.
10. To care for your drapes dust occasionally with the vacuum. The only time you should need them cleaned is if there is a heavy smoker in the house, or if you use a wood burning fireplace often.Custom drapes are worth the investment, they should last a minimum of 10 years and in some cases still look great after 20 years.

Dorothy Bennett is a 45 year vetran of interior decorating and custom drapery design. She has designed window treatments all over the U.S. including RV's, planes and yachts. Dorothy is the interior decorating expert for Famtastic Living e-zine www.famtasticliving.com and can be contacted via e-mail: finaltouch@famtasticliving.com Robin Courtney is creator and publisher of Famtastic Living for Fantastic Families a great resource for families www.famtasticliving.com