Choosing new curtains is a big decision for any homemaker. There are so many options to consider, including the length, fabric, and style of your new drapes. Deciding whether you will buy ready-made or made-to-measure curtains is also important. The former come in set sizes, pre-cut and stitched, and ready straight out of the pack. The latter are made to your exact specifications.
While ready-made curtains are often cheaper, most experienced interior designers opt for bespoke curtains. Let’s take a look at the reasons why.
Curtains That Match Your Window Size and Shape
Window size and shape can differ depending on the age, style, or location of a building. Some houses and flats have large, south-facing windows to catch the sun throughout the day. Others have lots of small windows designed to bring light into every room.
Due to these differences, ready-made curtains might not always be your desired size. U.K. curtain sizes are expressed in width first, then drop — the length from top to bottom. Popular widths are 112 cm (44 inches), 167 cm (66 inches), and 228 cm (90 inches). When you measure your curtain rail or pole, make sure you choose a width that’s double that measurement. If not, your curtains will look stretched and won’t close properly.
Popular drop (top to bottom) lengths include 137 cm (54 inches), 183 cm (72 inches), and 228 cm (90 inches). You can purchase these lengths ready-made if you don’t mind having an approximate fit. However, settling for “almost correct” dimensions can leave you with curtains that are too long, too short, or gathered or bunched in places.
Made-to-Measure Curtains Help You Create the Right Style
Window size and shape are just some of the important considerations when shopping for curtains. You also need to consider the curtain length in relation to the windowsill and floor. There are four main styles here:
- Apron curtains hang slightly under the windowsill and are ideal for high-traffic areas where it’s still important to block out light or achieve privacy.
- Sill curtains: These sit just above the windowsill and may let a little light through when closed but won’t need as much cleaning or maintenance.
- Floor-length curtains: These end about 1 cm above the floor, so they create a dramatic effect without gathering dust from the floor.
- Puddle curtains: These are deliberately cut too long to create a pool or puddle of fabric on the floor. They’re not ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and small children, as they can gather dust and hair. However, they look striking.
It’s difficult to achieve a particular style and length using only ready-made curtains. Bespoke options can be made to fit every window perfectly at the exact length or width you require. You can combine your chosen style with any fabric to complete your perfect interior design look.
Made-to-Measure Offers Higher Quality
A supplier of made-to-measure curtain choices is more likely to offer a high-quality end product than one that only supplies ready-made curtains. Top retailers know that their customers are making a significant investment and have high standards. You should expect flawless stitching, lining, and fabric quality. It’s also common for made-to-measure curtain experts to offer a greater variety of colours, textures, and weights to suit discerning buyers.
High-quality curtains really bring a room together and can be the finishing touch to an overall style scheme. You can use them to create either complementary or contrasting colour themes. Perfectly crafted curtains make every room more pleasant to be in, helping you create a warmer and more welcoming space.
Of course, an entire home of made-to-order curtains can be expensive. However, it’s worth considering the fact that it could increase the value of your home. The return on investment could be more substantial than you first realised.
Choose the Right Curtain Supplier to Meet Your Needs
Look for suppliers that offer made-to-measure curtains in a range of colours, lengths, and styles. An online retailer should be easy to contact if you have questions. They should also ideally offer great value delivery options and provide simple ways to order and pay. Ask if you can order a fabric sample before committing and check if the curtains come with any sort of guarantee.
With the right supplier, you can be sure you’re investing in gorgeous curtains that will last many years.
POSTED BY 
