Made-to-measure curtains: compare quotes and prices

Separate supply, sewing and work on site

The job can include advice, fabric supply, making, measuring, track fitting and hanging. Not every provider automatically offers these as one package. Owned fabric can also be used by agreement; the workshop assesses suitability, quantity and the desired finish.

Shortening or repairing finished curtains differs from new manufacture. Cleaning alone belongs to curtain cleaning. Upholstery, rug or awning fabrics are not automatically curtain materials; identify the actual item rather than just the textile.

Describe the effect you want

Sheers, decorative fabrics and darkening curtains serve different goals. State daylight, privacy, appearance or darkening as the intended result. Two layers can combine daytime and evening functions but need suitable space.

A dark colour alone does not guarantee darkness. Fabric transmission, side gaps and hanging arrangements work together. For acoustics, humid rooms or particular commercial uses, suitable product properties need professional clarification; a fabric name alone does not promise a specific effect.

Distinguish window and finished curtain sizes

Known approximate width and height in centimetres help with an initial request. Explain whether they describe an opening, a track or a finished curtain. Height also depends on the hanging point and the desired finish at the floor or window.

Pleats and waves use more fabric than the covered width alone suggests. Fabric width, hems, pattern matching and any lining affect cutting. Agree finished dimensions and fabric requirements with the workshop rather than assuming one universal fullness allowance.

Match making and hanging

Heading tape, sewn-in gliders, wave headings and eyelets create different tops and need compatible accessories. An existing track will not suit every heading. Known system information helps; a brand or model choice is not required for the initial request.

Open curtains also need space for their stack. Consider window sashes, radiators and adjacent furniture. With two layers, spacing and movement should be planned together to avoid unnecessary rubbing against fabric or building elements.

Have owned fabric assessed

For supplied fabric, state known quantity, fabric width, composition and available accessories. Condition and intended making must suit each other. Not every workshop accepts every externally purchased fabric; agree handover, cutting and how remnants will be handled.

Care and possible dimensional changes are fabric-specific. Ask for the manufacturer’s instructions and whether preparation is planned for the chosen making. No single washing temperature or shrinkage allowance fits every textile.

Clarify tracks, controls and fitting

Walls, ceilings and recesses need different fixings. System weight, fabric and mounting surface are assessed together. Describe the site and known features; suitable fixing and safe fitting are the professional’s responsibility.

Manual and motorised systems have different requirements. If a motor is wanted, clarify power, controls and possible integration with an existing system. A sewing workshop does not automatically carry out fixed electrical connections. Hard-to-reach locations and fitting equipment should be planned.

Compare costs using clear units

Fabric per linear metre, a price per finished panel and a price per covered width are different units. Quantity depends on fabric width, making, pattern and finished sizes. A fabric price is therefore not a quote for a made and fitted curtain.

Compare fabric, cutting and sewing, lining, hems, gliders, measuring, tracks, delivery and hanging separately. Clarify VAT, travel, postage and changes after dimensions are confirmed. With owned fabric, processing work and its accessories should be clearly identified.

From preferences to suitable curtains

An initial description can leave fabric and system choices open. Before cutting, the final requirements should be agreed.

1. Describe the goals. Daylight, privacy, darkening, appearance and the relevant areas.
2. Choose fabric and system. Coordinate samples, owned material, hanging and desired making.
3. Confirm dimensions. Clarify final measuring, finished width and height and fabric requirements.
4. Compare quotes. Compare the same materials, work, accessories, delivery and fitting.
5. Make and hand over. Agree timing, material handover, hanging and appropriate care instructions.

Details for your request

Describe the curtains wanted and available materials. Technical details can be clarified during advice.

• Scope. Affected windows, doors or room dividers and the services wanted.
• Effect. Daylight, privacy, darkening or decoration.
• Dimensions. Known width and height in cm, with references and existing track or pole.
• Fabric. New supply or owned material; known quantity, fabric width, composition and pattern.
• Organisation. Measuring or fitting on site, material handover and preferred period.