Curtains offer a lot more than privacy from prying neighbours. In the interior design community, they’re considered the most important fixture of a room. To help create a unique and specific finish, made to measure curtains services are available. You can choose the curtain heading and fabrics for a particular look and utility.
If you’re interested in having some bespoke curtains made, here’s a quick guide to help you get the curtains you want.
Curtain Heading Types
The heading is the piece along the top of the curtain that attaches it to the rod or track. The style you choose influences the type of track or rod and can significantly change the overall look of your curtains.
Below are some of the popular types of curtain headings:
- Single panel
- Panel pair
- Pencil pleat curtains
- Triple pleat
- Double pleat
- Pinch pleat curtains
- Box pleat curtains
- Gathered heading
- Eyelet heading
- Tab Top
- Tie top curtains
- Wave heading
How to Choose the Best Heading to Suit Your Window
There are a few standard curtain heading designs that are always popular and look great on most windows, including pencil, pinch, cartridge, single, double, and triple pleats. Also, additional decorative details can be added to your made to measure curtains, like hard and soft pelmets, swags and tails, and integrated valances.
When making a final decision, be sure to discuss the window, room, and your ideas with your curtain maker.
How to Choose Your Curtain Fabric
Most importantly, if your budget permits, choose a fabric you love. Professionally made to measure curtains are an investment. With the right care, they could last for 20 years or more.
Curtains can be made out of most fabrics. However, if you’re concerned about the suitability of the fabric, seek advice from a curtain maker.
Get a Free Sample
Fabrics displayed onscreen can be deceptive. Therefore, use online pictures as a general guide only. Ask for a sample of the fabric so you can see whether the real appearance is what you want.
This service is usually free. Take advantage of it as you won’t be able to return the curtains once they’re made.
How to Choose Lining Fabric
Although curtain linings help to extend the life of the curtains, they serve other practical purposes. If sunlight, noise, or draughts are an issue for you, seek advice from your curtain maker for a recommendation on suitable lining fabrics.
Generally, standard and blackout lining fabrics are used. The high-quality lining will help your curtains to drape better and protect the fabric. Blackout material lining prevents sunlight from passing through the fabric and reduces heat loss.
Interlining
Interlining offers an extra layer between the fabric and lining for an expensive finish. The opulent pleats on your curtains will be extra rounded and fuller, and also keep out cold draughts. Interlinings come in a variety of weights; your curtain maker will advise you on what is suitable for your choice of fabric. Some curtain styles and fabrics are better off with lining only and may be too bulky if interlined.
For a unique, eye-catching touch, patterned curtain lining fabric options are available.
How to Measure Your Window
Here is a general idea on how to measure your window for your made to measure curtains:
Width
Measure your rod from left to right. In general, the end breadth of the curtains needs to be a least two times the width of the window.
Length
Measure the window area you wish to cover from top to bottom. The complete curtain length is anywhere from the window sill, to the apron, or the floor – depending on your preference, and doesn’t need to be precise. If you want your curtains at sill length, measure to just beneath the bottom of the sill.
Impress Your Neighbours With Your Personalised Curtains
Gone are the days when your only choice for curtains was based on ready-made styles. For bespoke curtains that suit your personality and look great in your home, go with a made to measure curtains service.
They’ll help you decide on the right curtain heading, based on your window and the look and feel you’re hoping to achieve. You can get free fabric samples to see whether interlining for an expensive finish would work or not.
You can give an ideal finishing touch to your living room interiors and compliment your new personalised curtains when you shop cushions and soft furnishings perfectly.
