Why Curtains Are So Expensive

Custom curtains offer a myriad of choices, each with its unique impact on your space’s aesthetics.

Exploring Rail/Track Types

When selecting curtains, the rail/track type plays a crucial role. Consider the following options:

• Hook Rail:

  

  Source: John Lewis

• Eyelet Rail:

  

  Source: Aspire Curtains & Blinds

• Corded Track:

  

  Source: Curtain Rail Supplies
• Wave Track:

  

  Source: S-GS

• Lath & Fascias / Pelmet:

  

  Source: Merrick & Day

Before making a decision, take into account:

1. Weight of material
2. Depth of space
3. Heading type
4. Budget

Positioning and Length

The positioning and length of your rail/track depend on the window/doors you’re covering. Consider whether the rail/pole will be visible or hidden by the curtains. Ensure the length extends past the window/door to allow for stacking away from the light source.

Choosing the Heading Type

The heading type significantly impacts the overall look of your curtains. Pleat headings, though fuller, require more material and effort to make. Consider factors like fullness ratio and hem allowance when calculating material requirements.

Source:Moghul Interiors

You then choose the heading type.

This is where the various different names for the same type of heading come into play. Each heading can create a very different impact and also varies in level of effort/skill to make, and amount of material required.

Source: Drapery Connection

Above are the various type of pleat that you can choose (there are 6 pages of these on the Drapery Connection website) Pleat headings tend to use the most material and are fuller than some of the alternatives.  The most common heading styles are shown in the image below:

Source: Original Interiors

Fullness is determined by a ratio (normally between 1.5-3). Say the Fullness was 2, this would mean that the amount of material needed was the length of the space to fill x 2 (1:2)

Example:

Window size: 2 m

Fullness: 2

Amount of material: 2 x 2 = 4 m

The hem allowance must then be added on which is usually 6 cm.  (2 x 2 = 4 m + 0.6 m = 4.6m)

And if you were to have floor to ceiling curtains, you would be buying material say 2.4 m x 4.6 m. 

This is why curtains can be extremely expensive!

Furthermore, when it comes to buying material, if they drop (height of curtain) is more than the width of the material, it is sewn together in panels so that there is not a horizontal seam. However, if the drop is less than the width of the material, it can be railroaded. This is when the pattern (if there is one) is rotated so that the width of the material can hang vertically. This creates a more seamless hang, so it is often worth looking for double width material if you can!

Stack Back Considerations

Consider how curtains fold back against the wall. Eyelet and Wave curtains offer tight and neat stack backs, whereas pleated curtains require more space and often need tie-backs to allow sufficient light when not in use.

Eyelet Stackback:

Source: Dune Mill

Wave Stackback:

Source: Curtain Rail Suppliers

Whereas pleated curtains tend to take up more space (both width and depth) and often require a tie back to allow enough light to come through the window when not in use.

French Pleat Stackback:

Source: Pretavivre

Material Matters

Different tracks support varying material weights. Sheers complement wave and cord tracks, while heavier materials work well with pleats.

Sheers & Curtains (Double Heading) in one of Kia’s Projects:

Kia Designs – Baker Street

Selecting the perfect curtains involves weighing various factors to achieve the desired aesthetic and functionality. With careful consideration, your curtains can elevate the ambiance of any space.