A drapery work order is a document used by customers to order standard or custom draperies. Draperies, being pieces of decorative cloth hung from windows and other objects, can be designed to match the look and atmosphere of a person’s room or home.

What to Include in the Work Order

Being a more customizable, high-end type of fabric, it’s important that the maker of the curtains have a complete understanding of what the client is looking to have done. Instead of relying on phone calls, emails, or other types of communication, work orders standardize the process – ensuring customers give the exact specifications the drapery company is looking for. It is recommended that the company offers a catalog to customers either through the mail or online. This gives the customer a means of requesting exactly the type of fabric they are looking for through the use of identifying codes. To cover all bases, the work order should include:

• Company Info: Logo, address, phone number, website address (typically in the top-right corner)
• Customer Info: Name, address, phone number, email, date of order
• Drapery Type: Pinch pleat, ripple fold, tailored pleat, grommet, etc.
• Lining: If any; include the color, material, and other features
• Rod Info: Width and type
• Catalog Number: If applicable, this can remove the need to specify the drapery type, lining, and other features
• Length: Both the finished length and width
• Shipping Address: Only request if different than the customer’s contact information
• Payment Information: Address for sending checks, accepted cards, etc.

Draperies vs. Curtains

Although commonly referred to as “drapes,” (its verb form) the term “draperies” is used to describe a type of window covering that is found in homes as well as places with high-end vibes. While some may group curtains and draperies as one and the same, they have several distinctive features and uses, as described by the following: Draperies

• Made of heavier types of fabric
• Can be used to block light/cold air from entering a room
• Require cleaning by a professional (dry cleaning)
• Longer than standard curtains

Curtains

• Less formal (can be found essentially anywhere)
• Shorter (hang about the length of the window)
• Mainly for decorative purposes
• Cheaper