So I was sitting in my local Restoration Hardware in Fashion Island last week.  I really do love that store, they have really great stuff.  I’m sitting in that new “aero” looking chair with the leather and stainless steel.  Might be aluminum with the rivets showing.  Really cool Howard Hughes looking chair.  I really do love it.

So, I’m sitting there and next to me sitting on the matching couch to the chair is this really nice couple.  They are speaking to one of the Sales Associates about buying some drapes for their large windows.  Now look, if you are looking for ready-made drapes that are pretty good quality.  And, you need them NOW, than by all means go visit your local Restoration Hardware and see what they have.

Now here is where things got a little bit off track.  So, this Couple has extra long and extra wide windows that they need drapery for.  So they are going to buy eight ready-made drapery panels from Restoration Hardware and have them sewn together.  My ears have perked-up a bit.  They do the calculations to figure out exactly how much coverage they need and determine the 8 panels will handle it.  Sew 4 together for each side.  I’m thinking this is pretty creative.  They were not crazy about the rod-pocket pleat option or the fact that their local seamstress was going to charge them $300 to sew them all together but they were committed to the idea.

I’m still admiring the leather and aluminum chairs.

The next thing I know they are up at the register checking out.  I hear the Sales Associate give them their total.  It came to almost $2,000 for their Cotton / Linen Blend Drapes.  Youser!  Now on top of the $2,000 they are going to pay their seamstress to sew the panels together to make two large panels – keep in mind, these are still rod-pockets!  They are spending $2,300 for ready-made drapes.

Of course I bit my tongue.  Would not be polite to me to say something while I am sitting in Restoration.  After all, I really do love their stuff.  But let me get this off my chest.  If you are going to buy ready-made drapery panels and sew them together to make larger panels, please call us.  Tell us what you need and what your budget is.  I will almost guarantee that the difference in price will be negligible and the quality will be much better.  I promise.  In the long-run you will be much, much happier.

Now, if you are looking for a really cool leather-aluminum chair, I can’t help you their, go to Restoration Hardware for sure.