How Much Do Made-to-Measure Curtains Cost? A Guide to What You’ll Pay

If you've started looking into having made-to-measure curtains, one of the first questions you're likely to have is:

“How much are they going to cost?”

It's a perfectly reasonable question, but it's also one that is surprisingly difficult to answer with a single figure.

Made-to-measure curtains aren't priced in quite the same way as ready-made curtains. There are several things that affect the final cost, from the fabric you choose and the size of your windows to the heading, lining, fullness and whether you need a new curtain pole or track.

So, rather than giving you a misleading “curtains cost £X per window” figure, here's what actually goes into the price of a pair of bespoke curtains.

What affects the cost of made-to-measure curtains?

1. The fabric you choose

The fabric is often one of the biggest factors in the overall cost.

There is an enormous range of curtain fabrics available, from more affordable plain fabrics through to designer prints, luxurious velvets, embroidered fabrics and specialist textiles.

Two curtains made to exactly the same measurements can therefore have very different prices simply because of the fabric chosen.

A more expensive fabric isn't necessarily “better” either. The right fabric depends on the look you want, how the room is used, how much wear the curtains will receive and how you want them to hang.

2. The size of your curtains

A larger window doesn't just mean a little more fabric.

Curtains are generally made with fullness, meaning considerably more fabric is used than the finished width of the window or track.

For example, if a curtain track is 2 metres wide and the drop is 2m, curtains are made with 2.5x fullness, you may need around 8 metres of flat fabric before taking into account hems, pattern repeats and other allowances.

This is one of the reasons it can be difficult to compare curtain prices simply by looking at the width of your window.

3. The pattern repeat

If you've fallen in love with a patterned fabric, the pattern repeat can affect how much fabric is needed.

A large floral or geometric pattern may need to be carefully matched across the curtains, meaning additional fabric may be required.

This isn't necessarily obvious when you're looking at a fabric sample, but it can make quite a difference to the amount of fabric needed.

It's one of the reasons I always recommend having fabric requirements calculated before ordering.

4. The curtain heading

The style of heading you choose also affects the amount of fabric and the way the curtains are made.

Popular options include:

• Pencil pleat

• Pinch pleat

• Double or triple pleat

• Wave

• Eyelet

• Inverted pleat

Each creates a different look, and some require more fabric than others.

The heading also needs to work with the type of pole or track you have, so it's worth considering the whole window treatment rather than choosing the heading separately.

5. The lining

The lining is something I think is often overlooked when people are comparing curtain prices.

A standard lining is suitable for many rooms, but you may want something different depending on what you need from your curtains.

Options can include:

• Standard lining

• Blackout lining

• Thermal lining

• Interlining

• Specialist linings for particular requirements

Interlining, for example, adds an additional layer between the decorative fabric and the lining. It gives curtains extra body and fullness and can create a particularly luxurious finish.

So if one quote is considerably more expensive than another, it's worth checking exactly what is included rather than simply comparing the final figure.

6. The curtain pole or track

You may already have suitable curtain hardware, in which case there may be nothing more to pay.

But if you're starting from scratch, you'll also need to consider the cost of a suitable pole or track.

The right choice will depend on your window, the curtain heading, the weight of the curtains and the look you're trying to achieve.

For example, a large pair of heavy interlined curtains will need suitable hardware that can comfortably support their weight.

7. Measuring and fitting

With made-to-measure curtains, accurate measuring is important.

The finished curtains need to be made to the correct width and drop, and the position of the pole or track needs to be considered carefully.

Professional fitting is another cost to take into account if you want your curtains supplied and installed for you.

It can be tempting to concentrate on the price of the fabric and curtains alone, but a finished curtain installation involves considerably more than simply sewing fabric into a pair of curtains.

So, how much should I budget?

The honest answer is: it depends on your particular windows and what you want from your curtains.

A small pair of curtains in a relatively inexpensive fabric with a simple heading and standard lining will cost considerably less than a large pair of full-length, interlined curtains in a designer fabric with a more elaborate heading.

This is why I prefer to quote for each project individually rather than give a price that may not be relevant to your home.

When you're comparing quotes, make sure you are comparing like for like.

Ask:

• What fabric is included?

• How much fullness are the curtains made with?

• What type of lining is included?

• Is interlining included?

• What heading style is being used?

• Is the curtain pole or track included?

• Is measuring included?

• Is fitting included?

• Are there any additional charges?

A cheaper quote isn't necessarily cheaper if it leaves out something you later discover you need.

Are made-to-measure curtains worth the money?

I think so.

Ready-made curtains can be a great option for some windows, but made-to-measure curtains allow you to choose the fabric, lining, heading, fullness, drop and hardware specifically for your room.

They can also be particularly useful for awkward windows, bay windows, unusually tall rooms or windows where standard curtain sizes simply don't work.

And, of course, there is the enjoyment of choosing something that has been made specifically for your home.

Can you make made-to-measure curtains work to different budgets?

Absolutely.

One of the things I enjoy about working with customers is helping them find the right balance between what they would love and what they want to spend.

Sometimes choosing a different fabric can make a significant difference to the price without changing the overall look you're trying to achieve.

Likewise, the choice of lining, heading and hardware can all be discussed.

You don't necessarily have to have the most expensive option to have beautiful curtains.

The best way to find out what your curtains will cost

Rather than trying to work out a price from a generic online guide, the best approach is to look at your individual windows and decide what you want the curtains to achieve.

Once you know the measurements, fabric, heading, lining and hardware requirements, you can get a much more accurate idea of the investment involved.

At Indiana Rose Interiors, I make made-to-measure curtains and blinds for homes in Reading and the surrounding areas.

If you're thinking about new curtains but aren't sure where to start, I'm always happy to talk through the options with you. There's no need to know exactly what you want before getting in touch.

Sometimes the first step is simply having a conversation about what would work best in your room. Contact me through my website here if you would like any more information.

Published 30/08/2026