Question 1

Why do made-to-measure curtains cost more than ready-made?

Accepted Answer

Made-to-measure curtains are cut and sewn specifically for your window dimensions, heading style and fabric choice. The additional cost covers the skilled labour to measure, cut, sew and fit - and the result is a curtain that fits correctly, hangs properly and lasts longer. Ready-made curtains are manufactured in fixed sizes and fabric ranges, which keeps the cost lower but means compromise on fit.

Question 2

Is lining worth the extra cost?

Accepted Answer

For most rooms, yes. A standard lining protects the face fabric from UV degradation, which extends the curtain's lifespan significantly. It also improves insulation and light control. On a sun-facing window, a lining can double the useful life of the curtain - making it cheaper over time even if it costs more upfront. Unlined curtains make sense for sheers used purely for softness, and in rooms where light control is not a priority.

Question 3

Does fabric fullness affect cost?

Accepted Answer

Yes - heading styles that require more fabric fullness (pencil pleat, pinch pleat) cost more than styles with lower fullness (eyelet, rod pocket) because more metres of fabric are used. A pencil pleat heading typically requires 2-2.5× the window width in fabric; an eyelet heading needs 1.5-2×. The difference across a wide window adds up.

Question 4

Are roller blinds cheaper than curtains?

Accepted Answer

As a category, roller blinds are generally less expensive than made-to-measure lined curtains for the same window. They use less material, require no sewing of pleats or headings, and install quickly. However, a quality fabric roller blind with a cassette housing and chain mechanism is not dramatically cheaper than a simple unlined curtain, and a motorised roller blind can exceed the cost of a standard lined curtain.

Question 5

What questions should I ask a curtain supplier?

Accepted Answer

Ask: Is the price for made-to-measure or a standard size? Does the price include lining, or is that extra? Is installation included? What is the lead time from order to installation? What happens if the fabric is discontinued before my order is complete? A supplier who answers these clearly is one you can trust with your order.

Question 6

Does the number of windows affect the cost per window?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in two ways. First, installation is more efficient per window when multiple windows are done in a single visit - the travel and setup cost is spread across more windows. Second, ordering fabric for several rooms at once reduces off-cuts and waste. It is generally more cost-effective to have all windows in a room done together than to add one window at a time.

Factor	Impact	What it means
Fabric type	High	The single largest cost variable. A heavy woven fabric can cost 4-5× more per metre than a standard polyester blend. Fabric typically accounts for 40-60% of the total cost of a standard made-to-measure lined curtain.
Lining	Medium	Unlined is cheapest. Standard lining adds a moderate premium. Thermal and blackout linings cost more again - but add real value in sun-facing and bedroom windows.
Heading style	Medium	Eyelet and rod-pocket headings use the least fabric fullness (1.5-2× window width). Pencil pleat and pinch pleat require more fabric (2-2.5× width) and more labour to make up - both increase cost.
Window size	High	Wider and taller windows need more fabric. A floor-to-ceiling window in a double-volume room costs significantly more to dress than a standard bedroom window, even using the same fabric.
Number of windows	Low per unit	Fitting multiple windows in one visit reduces the per-window installation cost. Ordering fabric for several rooms at once may also reduce waste and cutting costs.
Track or rod	Low-Medium	A basic plastic track is the most affordable. Decorative rods with finials, motorised tracks, and ceiling-mounted bay window tracks all add to the total. The track choice also affects which heading styles are possible.
Made-to-measure vs ready-made	High	Ready-made curtains are cheaper upfront but South African window proportions vary enough that standard sizes often require alteration - too short, too narrow, or heading tape that bunches awkwardly. Made-to-measure costs more but fits the window correctly and lasts longer.
Installation	Low-Medium	Installation adds to the total but ensures tracks are level, brackets are in the right position, and curtains hang correctly from day one. A poorly hung track is difficult to fix after installation.

	Made-to-measure	Ready-made
Fit	Cut to your exact window dimensions	Fixed sizes - South African window proportions vary enough that alteration is often needed
Fabric choice	Wide range of fabrics, colours and textures	Limited to what the retailer stocks
Lining options	Unlined, standard, thermal or blackout to order	Usually unlined or with basic lining only
Heading style	Any style - eyelet, pencil pleat, wave, pinch pleat	Usually eyelet or rod pocket only
Upfront cost	Higher	Lower
Lifespan	Longer - correct fit reduces stress on fabric and heading	Shorter - poor fit causes uneven wear
Installation	Measured and fitted by the supplier	DIY - track and fitting not usually included

Curtain & Blind Pricing Guide

Relative cost by product type

What drives the cost

Where spending more pays off

Where a lower-cost option is fine

Made-to-measure vs ready-made

Questions to ask any curtain supplier

Frequently asked questions