Curtain Exchange adds the finishing touches

The first thing you need to know about the Curtain Exchange is that it’s not a consignment or used drapery store. Owner Jane Waddell says the word “exchange” refers to a marketplace, à la the stock exchange.

For the last three years, the 9-year-old shop has been located on Huff Road on Atlanta’s westside, where Waddell and a staff of designers have been helping customers create their own window treatments.

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H.M. Cauley/Special

The loft area is stocked with a selection of pre-made treatments.

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H.M. Cauley/Special

Window treatments in an array of colors and fabrics line the walls of the Curtain Exchange. Customers can touch and compare and even take drapes home to see how they’ll look.

The Curtain Exchange
1082 Huff Road, Atlanta
Info: 404-352-8849; www.thecurtainexchange.com
Hours: 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday-Saturday

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With the exception of a few gently used draperies from local show houses, the shop specializes in custom window treatments. Customers can combine fabrics, colors and trims to create their own look in every room of the house. They’re also welcome to take drapes home and hang them for a few days to get a feel for how they’ll look.

“Curtains are the one bold statement that can make a difference in a room,” said Waddell. “So taking them home is the best way to find out if it works for you or not. If it doesn’t, we have designers on staff to help you solve your special window issues.”

What you’ll find

The warehouse-like space is lined with walls packed with 10-foot drapery samples. Other tall display walls are arranged throughout the one big room. Shoppers will find a range of colors, fabrics and styles to touch and compare. Look for taffetas, cottons, silk brocades from Italy, linens from Belgium and hand-printed linen from England. Buyers can also purchase extra fabric to coordinate bed linens, tablecloths and pillows.

Prices start at $679 a pair.

The loft overlooking the main showroom is stocked with a selection of pre-made treatments, many of which were picked up from decorator show houses. The mix changes but may include covered valances, swags and curtains in various lengths and sizes.

Shades, shutters and blinds are also in stock. An entire room is devoted to hardware options, including metal and wood. There’s also a selection of fabrics for custom bedding, including European shams, duvets and dust ruffles.

Best sellers

Drapes in neutral shades have the most appeal right now. Lined sheers are all the rage, as are curtains lined with flannel to add to a room’s energy efficiency.

Trends

Curtains with two different fabrics and colors in horizontal stripes are the hot look. Another is panels overlaid with a crewel pattern. More buyers are opting for attractive hardware and eliminating the swags and covered valances that hide the poles.

“Generally, curtains are not as fussy as they used to be,” said Waddell. “They’re simple and elegant, with lots of details, such as bands of velvet on the top.”