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Short answer
The price of made-to-measure curtains depends on seven things: the fabric, how much of it the fullness and size need, lining, the heading and making, the track or motor, installation, and the size of the window. Fabric and fullness usually matter most. Compare quotes line by line, spend where it counts (bedroom darkness, the main living room) and save with extra-wide fabric, sensible fullness and plain designs elsewhere.
What goes into the price
| Cost | What changes it |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Quality, weight, width, weave (plain, jacquard, velvet), coatings |
| Quantity | Window size, fullness, pattern repeat, joins |
| Lining | None, standard, blackout, thermal or interlining |
| Heading and making | S-fold, French pleat or eyelet; hand finishing; weights |
| Track or pole | Manual or motorised, single or double, ceiling or wall, length |
| Installation | Number of windows, ceiling height, curtain boxes |
Fabric and fullness matter most
- Fullness: French pleat at about 2.5 times uses a quarter more fabric than S-fold at about 2 times on the same window.
- Width: an extra-wide fabric costs more per metre but often needs fewer metres and no joins, so the curtain can cost the same or less. See Railroaded Fabric Explained.
- Pattern: large repeats need extra fabric for matching.
- Weave: plain weaves cost least; jacquards, velvets and coated blackouts cost more to make. See Polyester Curtain Fabric.
Where to spend and where to save
| Spend on | Save on |
|---|---|
| Bedroom blackouts and good fit | Rooms used less, such as guest rooms and store rooms |
| The main living room curtain | Sheers in plain voile instead of patterned |
| A good track, especially for heavy or motorised curtains | Fancy finials and tie-backs |
| Lining on sunny windows | Lining on north-facing or shaded windows |
Tip
Do not save by cutting fullness. Curtains at 1.5 times instead of 2 look thin and flat, and it is the most common reason cheap curtains disappoint.
How to compare quotes
Ask each curtain maker to itemise fabric, fullness, lining, heading, track and installation for every window, then compare like with like. See How to Choose a Curtain Maker.
Good to know
JOTEX sells fabric to curtain makers, upholsterers and designers rather than direct to homeowners. Dealers can log in to see live stock and pricing; homeowners get a price for the finished curtain from their curtain maker.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the price of curtains?
The fabric, the quantity (window size, fullness and pattern repeat), lining, heading and making, the track or motor, and installation.
Why are made-to-measure curtains expensive?
They use a lot of fabric: about 2 to 2.5 times the window width, plus lining, making, a track and installation, all sized to your windows.
How can I save money on curtains?
Use extra-wide fabric to avoid joins, plain sheers, and spend most on bedroom blackouts and the living room. Do not cut fullness; it makes curtains look thin.
Are S-fold curtains cheaper than French pleat?
Often in fabric, because S-fold usually uses about 2 times fullness and French pleat about 2.5 times, but the S-fold track can cost more. Compare complete quotes.
Can I buy JOTEX fabric directly?
JOTEX supplies curtain makers, upholsterers and designers. Ask your curtain maker for JOTEX collections, or contact the JOTEX team to find one.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.