Choosing the Perfect Made to Measure Curtains: A Complete Guide to Bespoke Curtains, Curtain Poles, and Designer Styles

Made to Measure Curtain Solutions: How the Right Curtain Can Transform Your Space

Choosing the right curtain is one of the most important decisions you can make when finishing a room. A well-designed made to measure curtain does far more than frame a window — it controls light, improves comfort, enhances acoustics, and defines the overall character of a space. This article is worth reading because it explains, in clear and practical terms, how to choose curtains correctly, how made-to-measure solutions differ from standard options, and how fabrics, headings, linings, and poles all work together to achieve the best result.

Curtain Basics: Why Curtains Still Matter in Modern Interiors

A curtain remains one of the most effective ways to soften an interior while adding functionality. Unlike paint or furniture, curtains directly interact with light and movement, which is why their specification has such a noticeable impact on how a room feels. Whether used alone or alongside curtains and blinds, a curtain helps define scale, proportion, and warmth.

Modern homes often combine curtains with a blind to manage light throughout the day. While blinds can be practical, curtains bring softness and depth, making spaces feel more cosy and complete. Understanding how curtains work within the architecture of a room is the first step toward making a confident choice.

What Is a Made to Measure Curtain and How Is It Different from Ready-Made Curtains?

A made to measure curtain is created specifically for your window, rather than adapted from a standard size. This means the curtain is tailored to fit the width, height, and proportions of your opening, ensuring the final result looks intentional rather than improvised. Made-to-measure curtains allow full control over the finished size, fullness, and detailing.

Unlike ready-made curtains, which are designed to be ready to hang in as many homes as possible, a made to measure curtain is tailored to fit your space. This approach is especially valuable for large windows, a bay window, or rooms where alignment and symmetry matter.

How Do You Choose Curtains That Suit Your Style, Space and Light Control Needs?

Many people ask how to choose curtains without feeling overwhelmed. The key is to think about how the curtain should function as well as how it should look. Do you want to block light, create privacy, or simply soften the room?

Start by deciding whether you want curtains or blinds, or a combination of both. For example, pairing curtains with roman blinds can offer flexibility while maintaining a cohesive look. Consider whether the curtains should be bold, neutral, patterned, or subtle enough to blend into the background and suit your style.

Linen Curtains, Fabric Choices and Choosing the Perfect Fabric

The choice of fabric plays a major role in how a curtain hangs and behaves. Natural fibres such as linen are popular for their texture and relaxed appearance, while other fabric choices offer more structure and stability. When choosing the perfect fabric, it is important to think about durability, drape, and how the material reacts to light.

A high-quality curtain fabric should complement the room without overpowering it. Linen curtains offer a soft, informal look, while patterned fabrics — including subtle stripe designs — can introduce character. Many suppliers offer a free sample, allowing you to assess colour and texture in your own lighting before committing.

Curtain Heading Styles: Choosing the Right Heading for Your Curtains?

The heading is the part of the curtain that attaches it to the pole or track, and it has a huge influence on the final appearance. There are several heading types, each suited to different interiors and fabrics. Choosing the right heading style ensures the curtain hangs correctly and operates smoothly.

A curtain heading might be decorative or discreet, structured or relaxed. The decision should be made alongside fabric choice and the type of hardware being used. Understanding the main types of curtains and headings helps avoid costly mistakes later.

Pencil Pleat, Pinch Pleat, and Other Pleat Curtains Explained

Pleat curtains are among the most popular options because they offer control over fullness and shape. A pencil pleat uses a heading tape to create fine, adjustable folds, making it a versatile option. Pencil pleat curtains work well in both traditional and modern homes.

A pinch pleat creates more structured folds and is often associated with classic interiors. Pinch pleat curtains, including double pinch pleats, provide a tailored look and are usually hand-finished for precision. The pleat spacing determines how formal or relaxed the curtain appears, and professional finishing ensures the pleats hold their shape over time.

Eyelet, Wave Curtains: Modern Curtain Heading Options Explained

For a more contemporary look, eyelet styles are often chosen. Eyelet curtains run directly on a pole using a curtain ring, creating even folds and a clean appearance. This style works best with simpler fabrics and modern spaces.

Wave curtains are another modern option, designed to create uniform, flowing curves across the window. They are typically used with curtain tracks and suit large openings. Wave systems require careful measurement and planning to ensure the waves remain consistent once the curtains are created.

Curtain Poles, Tracks, and Poles and Tracks: Choosing Between a Curtain pole or Track?

Deciding between a curtain pole and a track depends on the heading, fabric weight, and desired finish. A pole is often visible and decorative, while tracks are more discreet. Choosing the correct pole or track ensures smooth operation and long-term durability.

Heavy or lined curtains may require robust poles and tracks, particularly when using interlining. Whether you choose a track or pole, the fixing method should be considered early to ensure the curtains fit your curtain correctly and operate without strain.

Blackout Curtains, Lining and Interlining: Improving Comfort and Performance

Adding lining changes how a curtain performs. Blackout lining is commonly used in bedrooms to create blackout curtains that reduce light intrusion. In addition to light control, lining can improve insulation and protect the face fabric from sun damage.

Interline adds an extra layer between the fabric and lining, creating a fuller drape and helping curtains feel soft and warm. Thermal lining is particularly useful in rooms that need additional insulation. Properly lined curtains not only look better but also last longer because the lining is made to support the fabric.

Curtains and Blinds: Roman Blinds, Roller Blinds and Layered Solutions

Combining curtains and blinds offers flexibility. Roman blinds provide a tailored look when raised, while roller blinds offer a simple solution for controlling light. Using blinds and curtains together allows you to balance privacy, light, and softness.

For example, a roman blind can handle daytime light control, while curtains provide evening privacy and warmth. This layered approach works well in living rooms and bedrooms alike.

Bespoke Curtains vs Designer Curtains: Custom Made Options Explained

Bespoke curtains are designed and finished specifically for your space, often finished by hand using the highest quality materials. While designer curtains can be appealing, bespoke options offer greater flexibility and control over details such as heading, lining, and size.

A custom made approach ensures the curtains are tailored to fit your windows and interior scheme. Some collections even draw inspiration from heritage designs, including references to William Morris and historic patterns, sometimes developed in collaboration with the V&A.

Measuring, Ordering and How Curtains Are Made to Measure

Accurate measurement is essential. Using a tape measure and following measuring guides helps determine the correct width and drop of the curtain. Once measurements are confirmed, placing your order becomes straightforward.

When curtains are made, the fabric is cut, pleated, and sewn according to specification. Curtains are created through a combination of machine work and hand finishing, ensuring consistency. Many suppliers allow you to order online, including options for made to measure curtains online, making the process accessible and efficient.

From Fabric to Finished Curtain: How Curtains Are Made

Once ordered, curtains made to measure go through several stages. The fabric is prepared, the heading is formed, and the lining is attached. Made curtains are checked for accuracy before delivery. This process ensures the final result is ready to hang and fit your windows perfectly.

Summary: What to Remember When Choosing Curtains

• A made to measure curtain offers superior fit and finish compared to standard options
• The right curtain enhances comfort, light control, and style
• Fabric selection, including linen, affects drape and longevity
• The heading determines how curtains hang and move
• Pencil pleat, pinch pleat, eyelet, and wave systems each suit different spaces
• Proper lining, including blackout lining and interlining, improves performance
• Choosing the correct curtain pole or track ensures smooth operation
• Layering curtains and blinds offers flexibility
• Bespoke and custom curtains provide the highest level of control
• Always request a free sample and measure carefully before ordering

If you are ready to move forward, get in touch to discuss how to make your curtains work perfectly in your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Bespoke and Made to Measure Curtains, and How Do They Differ from Ready-Made Curtains?

Bespoke and made to measure curtains are custom-created specifically for your windows, rather than adapted from standard sizes. Unlike ready-made curtains, which are produced in fixed widths and drops, bespoke curtains are designed around your exact measurements, fabric choice, curtain heading, and lining requirements.

The key difference lies in precision and intent. Made to measure curtains allow correct proportions, balanced fullness, and proper alignment within the architecture of the room. This is particularly important for large glazing, bay windows, tall ceilings, or design-led interiors, where ready-made curtains often appear undersized or poorly finished.

How Much Do Bespoke and Made to Measure Curtains Cost?

The cost of bespoke and made to measure curtains varies depending on several factors, including fabric selection, curtain size, heading style, lining or interlining, and overall complexity.

Entry-level bespoke curtains will cost significantly less than fully interlined, hand-finished curtains made from premium fabrics. Larger windows, heavier materials, and more structured headings naturally increase cost. Rather than focusing on a single price point, bespoke curtains should be viewed as an investment in fit, longevity, and performance rather than a commodity purchase.

Are Bespoke and Made to Measure Curtains Worth It?

Yes, bespoke and made to measure curtains are worth it if you value correct proportions, long-term performance, and a refined finish. While they cost more than ready-made options, they offer better light control, improved insulation, smoother operation, and a more considered aesthetic.

Attempting to adapt ready-made curtains or make your own can appear cheaper initially, but often leads to compromises in fit and finish that become obvious once installed. Bespoke curtains are designed to work properly from day one and age more gracefully over time.

What Curtain Heading Styles Are Available, and How Do I Choose the Right One?

There are several curtain heading styles available, including pencil pleat, pinch pleat, eyelet, wave, cartridge pleat, and goblet pleat. Each heading creates a different visual effect and suits different fabrics, room styles, and methods of operation.

Choosing the right heading depends on the look you want to achieve, how formal or relaxed the space is, and whether the curtains will hang from a pole or a track. For example, wave headings suit contemporary interiors and large glazing, while pinch pleats are often preferred for more structured or traditional spaces.

What Lining Options Are Available, and How Do Blackout, Thermal Lining, and Interlining Differ?

Curtain lining plays a crucial role in both performance and appearance. Blackout lining is designed to reduce light ingress and is commonly used in bedrooms or media rooms. Thermal lining helps improve insulation by reducing heat loss in winter and limiting solar gain in summer.

Interlining sits between the face fabric and the lining, adding body, improving drape, and enhancing insulation. Interlined curtains feel more substantial and luxurious and are often specified for larger windows or premium fabrics where longevity and finish are priorities.

Can Bespoke Curtains Be Made to Any Size, Including Extra-Wide or Extra-Long Windows?

Yes, bespoke and made to measure curtains can be made to virtually any width or drop, including extra-wide or extra-long windows. This is one of the key advantages over ready-made curtains, which are restricted to standard sizes.

Custom sizing is particularly beneficial for bay windows, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and properties with higher-than-average ceilings, where standard curtains often fail to achieve the correct proportions.

How Long Does It Take to Make Bespoke Curtains, and How Are They Supplied?

Lead times for bespoke and made to measure curtains typically range from two to six weeks, depending on fabric availability and the complexity of the design. Curtains are usually supplied ready to hang, with the correct heading, hooks, or gliders prepared.

More intricate designs, specialist fabrics, or interlined curtains may require additional time. A reputable supplier will always confirm an estimated lead time before production begins.

Do I Need a Curtain Pole or Track, and Will My Curtains Come with the Necessary Fittings?

Whether you need a curtain pole or a track depends on the curtain heading style and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Poles are often decorative and visible, while tracks provide a more discreet and streamlined finish.

Most bespoke curtains are supplied with the appropriate hooks or gliders for the chosen system. It is important to specify the pole or track early, as it directly affects how the curtains are made and how they will operate once installed.

Can I Order Fabric Samples or Coordinating Soft Furnishings?

Yes, ordering fabric samples is strongly recommended before committing to bespoke or made to measure curtains. Samples allow you to see how the fabric looks in your own lighting conditions and alongside your existing finishes.

Many suppliers also offer coordinating soft furnishings, such as cushions, which can be made from the same or complementary fabrics to create a cohesive interior scheme.