Made to Measure Curtains: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
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Made to Measure Curtains: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Buying made to measure curtains can feel like a big decision, especially if you have never ordered them before. There are measurements to take, fabrics to choose, headings and linings to consider - and because bespoke curtains are made especially for your window, it is important to get the details right before you order.
The good news is that made to measure does not need to feel complicated. With the right advice, it can be a simple and enjoyable way to create curtains that fit beautifully, suit your home and last for years.
At Just Fabrics, we offer a made to measure service for curtains, blinds, cushions and other soft furnishings, with expert help available online, in-store and through our Measuring & Design Service. This guide brings everything together in one place, so you can understand how made to measure curtains work and feel confident about getting started.
What are made to measure curtains?
Made to measure curtains are made specifically for your window, using your chosen fabric, measurements, heading style and lining. Unlike ready-made curtains, which come in standard sizes, made to measure curtains are created to fit your space properly.
This means you can choose the exact look and finish you want, from the fabric and colour to the curtain heading and lining. They are sometimes also called bespoke curtains or custom curtains, because they are tailored to your home rather than bought ‘off the peg’.
Made to measure curtains are a lovely choice if you want a more polished finish, have an unusual window size, want to use a particular fabric, or simply want curtains that feel more considered and personal.
Why choose made to measure curtains?
Ready-made curtains can be useful for quick updates, but they often mean compromising on size, fabric, quality or finish. With made to measure curtains, every detail is chosen for your room.
- They are especially worth considering if:
- Your windows are not a standard size
- You want curtains that hang beautifully
- You have found a fabric you love
- You need a specific lining, such as blackout or thermal lining
- You want a more luxurious or long-lasting finish
- You are decorating a main living space, bedroom or period property
- You would like curtains that feel unique to your home
Made-to-measure curtains can also help with comfort and practicality. The right lining can improve privacy, reduce light and add warmth, while the right heading can change the whole feel of a room.
How does the Just Fabrics made to measure service work?
Ordering custom curtains online may feel daunting at first, but the process is much simpler when you break it down into steps.
Here is how to get started.
Step 1: Think about the room and how the curtains need to work
Before choosing fabric, think about what you need from your curtains. This will help guide every decision that follows.
Ask yourself:
- Is the room formal or relaxed?
- Do the curtains need to block light?
- Is privacy important?
- Do you want the curtains to feel cosy and warm?
- Are they for a bedroom, sitting room, dining room or home office?
- Do you want a classic, modern, country or maximalist look?
Interior design tip: Bedroom curtains may benefit from blackout lining, while sitting room curtains might be more about softness, colour and texture. A draughty window may need a more substantial lining, while a decorative scheme might focus on pattern and style.
Step 2: Choose your fabric
Fabric is often the most exciting part of the process. It sets the mood for the whole room, whether you choose a soft linen, a timeless stripe, a traditional floral, a statement velvet or a designer print.
You can browse Just Fabrics’ curtain fabric collection online, where you will find a wide range of colours, patterns, textures and brands. If you are not sure where to begin, try ordering free samples before making your final decision. Seeing a fabric in your own room is always helpful, as colours can look different depending on the light.
Expert advice: When choosing fabric, think about:
- Colour and pattern
- Texture and weight
- How the fabric will hang
- Whether the design suits the scale of your window
- How it works with your walls, flooring and furniture
- Whether you want the curtains to blend in or make a statement
A large pattern can look beautiful on full-length curtains, while a plain or textured fabric can create a calmer, more understated finish.
Step 3: Decide on your heading style
The heading is the way the curtain is gathered or pleated at the top. It has a big impact on how the curtains hang and the overall style of the room.
Popular curtain heading styles include:
Pencil pleat - A classic and flexible choice that works well in many homes. Pencil pleat curtains have a softly gathered look and can be used with either a pole or a track.
Double or triple pinch pleat - A more tailored, elegant heading that creates neat folds. Pinch pleat curtains are a lovely option for a smart, polished finish.
Eyelet - A contemporary style where metal rings are fitted into the top of the curtain. Eyelet curtains hang from a pole and create soft, even folds.
Top tip: The best heading for you will depend on your curtain pole or track, the style of your room and the look you want to achieve. If you are unsure, Just Fabrics’ friendly team can talk you through the options.
Step 4: Choose your lining
Lining is easy to overlook, but it makes a big difference to how your curtains look and perform.
Common lining options include:
Standard lining - A good everyday choice that gives curtains a more finished look and helps protect the face fabric.
Blackout lining - Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries or rooms where you want to reduce light.
Thermal lining - A practical option for helping to keep warmth in and draughts out.
Interlining - A layer between the fabric and lining that gives curtains a fuller, more luxurious look. It can also add warmth and weight.
The right lining can make your curtains feel more substantial, improve how they hang and help them work harder in your home.
Step 5: Measure carefully
This is the part many first-time customers worry about most - and understandably so. Made to measure curtains are created to your measurements, so accuracy matters.
As a general rule, you measure the curtain pole or track rather than the window itself. You will also need to decide where you want the curtains to finish: at the sill, below the sill or at the floor.
Get it right: use the Just Fabrics curtain and blind measuring guides to check exactly what measurements are needed.
If you feel unsure, do not guess. A little guidance at this stage can make all the difference.
Step 6: Book a virtual appointment if you need help
One of the most reassuring parts of the Just Fabrics service is that you do not have to work everything out alone.
If you are not local to the Cotswolds, you can book a free virtual measuring appointment from anywhere in the UK. During a virtual consultation, a Just Fabrics consultant can help with measuring advice, fabric choice, linings and the best options for your window.
This is especially helpful if you have a bay window, an awkward space, a very large window or simply feel nervous about ordering made to measure curtains online for the first time.
Did you know: For Cotswolds customers, Just Fabrics also offers a home Measuring & Design Service, where a consultant can visit your home to help with measuring and design advice.
You can find out more through the Measuring & Design Service.
Step 7: Place your order
Once you have chosen your fabric, heading, lining and measurements, you can place your order for made to measure curtains.
Before confirming, take a moment to review every detail carefully. Check:
- Fabric choice
- Curtain measurements
- Heading style
- Lining option
- Pole or track details
- Curtain drop
- Quantity and pair details
Note: Because made to measure curtains are created especially for you, they cannot usually be returned simply because you change your mind. This is why it is worth taking your time, ordering samples and asking for advice before you commit.
Step 8: Your curtains are made for your home
Once your order is placed, your curtains are made to your chosen specification. This is where the beauty of bespoke curtains really comes into its own. Rather than trying to make standard curtains work, your curtains are created for your window, your fabric and your chosen finish.
When they arrive, you can hang them knowing they have been made for your space, helping your room feel more finished, comfortable and personal.
How much do made to measure curtains cost?
Made to measure curtains cost more than ready-made curtains because they are individually made to your measurements and choices. The final price depends on several factors, including the size of your window, the fabric you choose, the lining, the heading style and the amount of fabric required.
As a general guide, custom curtains are an investment rather than a quick fix. However, because they are made to fit properly and can be created using quality fabrics and linings, they can offer excellent long-term value.
The best way to understand the cost is to start with your measurements and fabric choice, then build your quote around the finish you want. If budget is a concern, Just Fabrics can help you explore different fabric and lining options to find a solution that works for your home.
Made to measure curtains online: can beginners really do it?
Yes - and you do not need to be an interiors expert. The key is to take it step by step:
- Choose the room
- Order fabric samples
- Decide on the style you like
- Use the measuring guide
- Ask for advice if anything feels unclear
- Check all details before ordering
If you are nervous, a virtual appointment is a brilliant place to start. It gives you personal guidance without needing to visit a showroom.
Are made to measure curtains worth it?
For many homes, yes. Made to measure curtains are worth considering if you want a better fit, more choice and a finish that feels tailored to your room.
They can be particularly worthwhile for spaces you use every day, such as sitting rooms and bedrooms, or for windows that are difficult to dress with standard curtain sizes.
The biggest benefits are:
- A precise fit
- More fabric choice
- Better control over lining and heading
- A more polished finish
- A longer-lasting result
- A design that feels personal to your home
Rather than settling for curtains that are ‘nearly right’, made to measure gives you the chance to create something you truly love.
Choose custom-made curtains with confidence
Made to measure curtains may feel like a big step, but they do not need to be overwhelming. Once you understand the process, it becomes much easier to make confident decisions.
Start with the room, choose a fabric you love, think carefully about how the curtains need to work, and use expert advice wherever you need it. Whether you order online, visit one of our shops or book a virtual appointment, the Just Fabrics team is here to help you create curtains that fit beautifully and feel just right for your home.
Browse our made to measure curtain fabrics and order your free samples. For more help, book an online or in-person consultation with one of our specialists using our Measuring & Design Service.
FAQs: Made to Measure curtains
1. How long do made to measure curtains take?
Lead times can vary depending on the fabric, finish and current workload. Because made to measure curtains are created especially for your window, they will usually take longer than buying ready-made curtains. Check the latest timescale when you order, or ask the Just Fabrics team for guidance.
2. Are made to measure curtains worth it?
Made to measure curtains are worth it if you want a precise fit, more fabric choice and a better-quality finish. They are especially useful for large windows, unusual sizes, bedrooms, sitting rooms and any space where you want the curtains to have maximum impact.
3. Can I order made to measure curtains online?
Yes, you can order made to measure curtains online with Just Fabrics. Choose your fabric, enter your measurements and select your preferred heading and lining. If you need help, you can book a free virtual appointment for expert advice.
4. What is the difference between made to measure curtains and ready-made curtains?
Ready-made curtains come in standard sizes and are available to buy immediately. Made to measure curtains are created to your exact measurements, with your chosen fabric, heading and lining, giving a more tailored result.
5. What affects the cost of made to measure curtains?
The cost of made to measure curtains depends on the size of the window, the fabric, the lining, the heading style and how much fabric is needed. Larger windows, fuller curtains, specialist linings and higher-end fabrics will usually increase the price. Whether the curtains are machine or hand-finished will also affect the price.
6. Can I get help choosing fabric?
Yes. Just Fabrics can help with fabric choice online, in-store or through a virtual consultation. You can also order fabric samples to see how colours and textures look in your own home before making a final decision.
7. Can made to measure curtains be returned?
Because made to measure curtains are made specifically for your measurements and chosen options, they usually cannot be returned unless there is a fault. This is why it is important to check measurements, fabric choice and order details carefully before confirming.
