Curtains. Such a common part of everyday life we rarely pay them any mind. It’s only once you are looking to replace them that you realise the task you have at hand. From pattern and drape to size and shape, a lot more goes into choosing curtains than it does to opening them.

We have put together a quick guide to custom-made curtains, and the factors you should consider when ordering your product.

Window Size, Shape, and Style

The most obvious factor when measuring curtains is exactly the size of the window (or door) it needs to cover. Making sure you have enough fabric to properly cover your space is critical, but its not just the window that needs to be measured. Rather than the dimensions of the windows itself, make sure to measure the curtain pole over the window, and make note of where you want your curtains to reach, whether it be the floor or the windowsill. There’s little worse than coming up short of fabric in otherwise perfectly hung curtains, and adding panels to the bottom is hardly the ideal solution.

Taking into account the size and shape of a wall can make the world of difference when looking at curtain shapes to suit your room. If your room has high ceilings, it may be worth hanging your curtains slightly higher than the upper edge of your window, halfway between this and the ceiling. This extends the wall space that your window area takes up, making the whole room appear taller and lighter.

Fabric Pattern and Weight

Alongside the dimensions, the fabric itself is one the most obvious curtain considerations. Whether you want something light and airy, or a heavy drape for insulation and light protection, fabric quality can be the difference between a long-lasting pair of curtains and ones that fall apart in two months.

As well as weight, the size and repeat of any patterns can also transform your ready-made curtains. Patterns often require excess fabric so the design continues perfectly throughout, especially if you are wanting to pleat your curtains before hanging them. This is also why it is always best to see a fabric sample before placing your final order, as the scale of the pattern can dramatically change its overall look.

As well as the outer fabric, curtain linings are popular as they extend the lifetime of your pieces, protecting against sun damage and helping, particularly lighter fabrics, to achieve that desired curtain drape.

Fibre content is another important factor, especially for the environmentally-minded. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and wool offer breathability while still providing heat and sound absorbency (particularly wool and wool blends). Synthetic fibres often derive from plastics but are often available in blends with other materials to deliver similar properties at a lower price.

Talk to an expert today to find the perfect fabric for your curtains, and remember that they are an investment piece and not something to be replaced after 12 months.

Location and Use

Is the room you want your curtains in sunny? Does it have regular draughts? Is it full of noise you want to dampen? These are all key questions to ask yourself when shopping for bespoke made-to-measure curtains. From absorbing noise to blocking sunlight, each room has different needs so it's worth asking yourself now whether your new curtains need to perform a specific function or whether they are largely ornamental.

Blackout curtains are particularly popular in bedrooms, and can be used to soak up sound, particularly in rooms with wooden or tiled flooring. Pay attention to how you use your room in the day-to-day, and work with our curtain experts to find a product perfect for your purposes.

At John Reed & Son we are master upholsterers, well-versed in upholstery, bespoke furniture creation, and antique furniture restoration. In our 50 years in business, we have expanded our services, and are now proud to offer our services in bespoke and custom-made curtains and blinds!

For more information about our services, get in touch with our expert team today. Call us on 01534 510 584, email enquiries@johnreedandson.com, or contact us directly via our online enquiry form.