Frequently Asked Questions

Founded in 1973 and now under the leadership of Jill Ballew and Tracy Nash, The Workroom Collective is a premier to-the-trade workroom based in Waverly, Iowa. We specialize in the hand-fabrication of high-quality window treatments and soft furnishings, combining traditional artisanal techniques with modern systems to provide consistent, heirloom-level quality at scale.

No. The Workroom Collective is strictly Trade Exclusive. We partner exclusively with interior designers, and window covering professionals.

We identify as "purists" in drapery construction. While many workrooms have moved to machine-turned pleats, we still hand-turn every pleat to ensure a high-end, tailored look. We operate an assembly-line model in a 15,000-square-foot facility, which allows us to maintain artisanal quality while daily producing widths of drapery at a national scale.

Our current core offerings include:

• Custom Drapery: Pleated (Pinch, Euro, Goblet, etc.), Ripplefold, Rod Pocket, and Grommet styles.
• Roman Shades: Classic, Waterfall, and Relaxed styles.
• Motorization: Expert integration of Somfy and Lutron systems.

Note: In Q1 2026, we will be expanding our services to include top treatments, cornices, pillows, cushions, and bedding.

Our high-end standards include:

• 4" double bottom hems.
• 1 ½" double side hems.
• Linings hand-hemmed and hung 1" shorter than face fabric.
• Interlinings serged and falling 2" above face fabric.
• Weighted corners and joins for perfect drape.

Yes. We are equipped to handle Somfy (RTS) and Lutron powered shades. We can provide the motors and program them in-house, or we can ship your shades "motor-ready" if you prefer to install your own motors on-site.

To get started, simply complete our Partner Application (https://theworkroomcollective.com/partner-application). Once approved, you will receive our full suite of Design Guides and pricing tables.

COM stands for Customer’s Own Material. You source the decorative fabric from your preferred vendors (like Carol, Kravet, or RM Coco) and have it shipped directly to our workroom. We handle the labor and provide high-quality linings.

No. To maintain our high standards of quality and consistency, we supply all linings. We use 100% cotton linings sourced at volume discounts, allowing us to offer them to you at a minimal cost. We offer various groups, including standard privacy sateen, thermal, and full blackout.

You can request a quote by emailing a completed Workroom Collective Work Order to orders@theworkroomcollective.com. Our team typically provides quotes, including required yardage calculations, within 24 hours.

Our standard production lead time is 3 to 4 weeks from the date we receive the fabric, work order, and payment. While we advertise a 6-to-8-week window to be safe during peak seasons, we pride ourselves on our efficiency.

Transparency is key to our process. Upon receipt, every fabric is inspected for flaws. We create a Google Drive folder for your project and upload photos of the fabric, the shipping label, and any noted defects immediately. Production only begins once you have confirmed the material is correct.

Yes. We have 2,000 square feet of dedicated space to house client fabric inventory. This is ideal for high-volume partners who keep "house" SKUs on hand for quick-turn projects.

Drapes are meticulously fan-folded, encased in plastic tubing, and packed in specialized rectangular boxes to ensure they arrive ready to hang with minimal dressing required.

We estimate shipping and handling to be approximately 10% of the total order cost. This is invoiced upfront so there are no surprises after your project ships. We utilize UniShippers to secure highly competitive rates, which we pass on to our partners.

Yes. To protect the integrity of specialized materials, we do not ship items containing blackout lining if the transit route temperatures are below zero degrees Fahrenheit, as extreme cold can cause the lining to crack.

Absolutely. As the preferred workroom for America’s Window Covering Buying Network, we offer:

• An exclusive 10% discount on all labor and lining rates.
• A one-time credit on your first order to reimburse your $180 annual membership fee.

No. We are here to support your business whether you are placing your first drapery order or managing a high-volume commercial project.