A Family-Owned Brand You Can Trust

 

When it comes to window treatments in Fort Lauderdale, you have plenty of options. But the choice between big-box stores and local specialists can make all the difference in your home's comfort, style, and long-term value.

Tall roller curtains in living room.

At Drapes & Shades Custom Window Designs, we've built our reputation on delivering what the corporate chains simply can't offer: A pledge to a hassle-free experience, meticulous craftsmanship, and the accountability that comes from being part of your community. 

Since 2014, we've been successfully serving the South Florida region. What started in a two-car garage has grown into warehouse space, then a showroom, and in 2023 expanded to our current 4,000-square-foot Fort Lauderdale facility. We serve Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas from Palm Beach down to Miami, with a team of 18 skilled professionals, building our reputation on satisfied customers and creating happy homes. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a 4.9 Google rating.

Meet Oscar and Elda Morales: We Are Locals and We Care

Every great business has a story, and the heart of DS Custom Window Designs beats with the passion and experience of husband-and-wife team Oscar and Elda Morales. Long before Elda came to Fort Lauderdale, Elda was running one of the top window treatment stores in Maracaibo, Venezuela. She and her sister Beatrice started small, making quilted bedding from their home, then grew into a full factory with contracts for major hotel chains.

Owners of Drapes and Shades Oscar and Elda

When Elda married Oscar and moved to the United States, she brought that same dedication to craftsmanship with her. After taking a well-deserved break, she discovered that South Florida had the same high demand for quality custom window treatments she'd served in Venezuela. The difference was finding someone who cared enough to do it right, and she was determined to bridge that gap.

That's when Oscar's corporate and sales background merged with Elda's design expertise to create something special. They started small in a two-car garage with a sewing machine and began making decorative pillows, taking them to a fabric distributor in Hallandale. Word spread quickly, especially among local designers who recognized quality work when they saw it.

Today, Oscar manages operations and is personally on-site at least once for every installation to ensure clients get exactly what they expect. If there's any issue, he resolves it the same day or the next because your time is valuable, and you shouldn't have to wait to get what you paid for.

Elda brings her eye for great design and people-centered approach to every consultation. Even the most demanding clients walk away happy because she understands that your home is your sanctuary, and every detail matters.

Recommended Reading: 10 Years of Great Window Treatments: Oscar & Elda’s Journey

What Sets DS Custom Window Designs Apart from Big Box Competitors

The service we provide is something entirely different: a personalized window design service that's tailored to your specific needs, style preferences, and budget. Here's what makes us different:

  • Unlike retailers who outsource production, we handle everything right here in our Fort Lauderdale workshop. Our skilled team delivers top-quality window coverings, with most projects completed in just 2–3 weeks.

  • While other companies might expect you to handle measurements and design decisions on your own, we make it easy with free on-site consultations across South Florida. Our team helps you choose the right style, takes precise measurements, and handles every detail to ensure the perfect fit.

  • Every project is precisely measured and installed to exact specifications, ensuring ideal height and flawless appearance. Every wrinkle is steamed out before we consider the job complete, and each drape comes with its own “birth certificate” detailing the exact specifications and materials used.

  • As Fort Lauderdale locals, we understand South Florida's unique climate challenges and design preferences. We're not a faceless corporation, we're your neighbors, and our reputation depends on your satisfaction.

  • We stay ahead of industry trends with motorized window treatments that integrate seamlessly with smart home systems. With 40% of our sales now featuring motorization, we combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology for the ultimate in convenience and sophistication.

    Recommended Reading: The Benefits Of Professional Installation Of Window Treatments

 

What Our Fort Lauderdale Clients Can Expect

When you choose DS Custom Window Designs, you're not just purchasing a window treatment; you're investing in a hassle-free experience designed around your needs.

  • Elda, our lead consultant, brings an eye for great design and a people-centered personality to every project. She works one-on-one with you to understand your vision, assess your space, and recommend the perfect materials, styles, and colors for your home or office.

  • Our experienced installation team ensures your new window treatments are perfectly fitted and functioning smoothly. We stand behind our work because we know that proper installation is crucial to both performance and longevity.

  • What is your style? Luxurious, minimalist or purely functional? We work with a wide variety of materials, fabrics, and styles to create something beautiful in a home you can be proud of, all within your budget. 

  • We proudly serve our diverse Fort Lauderdale community with full Spanish-language support. Se Habla Español as our commitment to serving all our neighbors comfortably throughout South Florida.

    Recommended Reading: Luxury Fort Lauderdale Window Treatments: Elevate Your Home's Style and Functionality.

 

Real Value for Fort Lauderdale Homes

In South Florida's intense subtropical climate, quality window treatments are a strategic investment that pays dividends in comfort, energy savings, and home value. The region's year-round sunshine makes effective window coverings essential for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures while protecting furnishings from harmful UV rays.

Man on scaffolding installing floor to ceiling luxury drapery

This protection translates into significant financial benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, premium window treatments like plantation shutters, awnings, cellular shades, and other high-quality coverings can significantly reduce cooling costs. Some options can lower solar heat gain by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows during hot summer months. 

The Department of Energy also recommends having windows installed by trained professionals, since even the most energy-efficient window must be properly installed to perform as intended. This makes professional installation a smart long-term investment in comfort and savings.

The benefits extend beyond utility savings to your home's overall value. Well-chosen window treatments elevate interior design while providing essential privacy and light control. Custom window treatments increase both property attraction and sales price for residential properties. At DS Custom Window Designs, we understand that Fort Lauderdale buyers seek homes equipped to handle our challenging climate efficiently. Our custom solutions create the polished, cohesive look that signals proper home maintenance throughout South Florida's competitive real estate market.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, we provide complimentary measurements for all our window treatment services.

  • Yes, we have financing options available to help make your window treatment project more affordable.

  • Warranty coverage varies by window treatment type and manufacturer. Depending on the specific product, warranties can range from 5 years to 10 years, with some offering limited lifetime coverage.

  • For curtains and drapes, we offer repair services for any brand or type. For blinds and shades, we only provide repair services for products that were originally supplied by us.

  • Since all our window treatments are custom-made to your specifications, we cannot accept returns once the project has been approved by the customer.

  • We can typically schedule your free consultation or showroom visit within the same week. For delivery, please allow 2 to 4 weeks depending on fabric availability, hardware requirements, project size, and our current production schedule.

  • For wall-mounted installations, small holes will be made to anchor the brackets. These holes are only visible if the window treatments are removed later. If that happens, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to patch and paint as needed. In the unlikely event that we cause any damage during installation, we will repair the wall at no cost; however, the customer is responsible for providing matching paint.

 
Zebra blinds in living room

Book Your Free Consultation

At Drapes & Shades Custom Window Designs, we know every home has its own story and every window deserves the right finishing touch. Our team is here to guide you toward the best choice for your style, comfort, and budget, so you feel proud of your space every day.

We’re locals, we care, and we’re ready to help you bring your vision to life. Book your free in-home consultation or visit our showroom in Lakeview Plaza to see our work up close. Let’s create something beautiful together and show you why so many South Florida homeowners trust DS Custom Window Designs to get it right the first time.

 
Karen Vick

Karen Vick is a web designer, digital marketer, and podcast host with over 20 years of experience helping businesses of all types achieve success online. As the founder of Island Design Studio (now DBA Guiding Brands), Karen has worked with start-ups and established enterprises in various industries, from real estate and photography to non-profits and e-commerce.

http://guidingbrands.com
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