by So, how much do made to measure curtains cost in the UK? It’s the first question most people ask — usually right after discovering that ready-made curtains are either too short, too narrow, or just slightly… off. The short answer on made to measure curtains cost UK-wide: for a typical UK window, expect to pay somewhere between £80 and £300 per pair, with most households landing around the £130–£200 mark.
That’s a wide range, I know. The price depends on fabric, size, lining and where you buy — a simple polyester pair from a budget retailer sits at one end, while hand-finished linen with interlining from an independent maker sits at the other. Below, I’ll break down 2026 prices, what drives the cost up, and how to keep the bill down without ending up with curtains that look cheap. Still deciding? Have a read of our guide to made to measure curtains first.
Made to Measure Curtains Cost UK: 2026 Price Guide
So what does made to measure curtains cost UK buyers in 2026? Below are typical prices per pair for one standard window (roughly 150cm wide with a 183cm drop — a typical UK living room window). Treat these as realistic 2026 ranges rather than quotes.
| Price band | Typical cost per pair | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | £60–£120 | Polyester or polycotton fabrics, machine-finished, basic or unlined |
| Mid-range | £130–£250 | Cotton or linen blends, choice of linings, better heading options |
| Premium | £260–£500+ | Designer fabrics, hand-finished headings, thermal or interlined finish |
Got a bay window? Budget roughly 1.5 to 2 times the standard price — more fabric, more labour. The same goes for floor-to-ceiling drops in period properties: curtain pricing is, at heart, a fabric calculation.
What Affects Made to Measure Curtain Costs?
Five things do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to made to measure curtains cost UK-wide:
- Fabric choice. This is the biggest lever. Polyester blends are the cheapest and honestly look far better than they used to; cotton sits in the middle; linen, silk and velvet sit at the top. Designer fabrics can easily double the price, so check the standard range before falling in love with a pattern. Our curtain fabrics explained guide walks through the pros and cons of each.
- Lining. Unlined is cheapest. A standard cotton lining typically adds £20–£40 per pair, blackout or thermal lining more like £30–£60, and full interlining (a soft flannel layer sandwiched inside) can add £60–£100 or more. Worth it for draughty rooms; overkill for most others.
- Heading style. Eyelet and pencil pleat headings are usually the most affordable options. Pinch pleat looks smarter but often costs extra because it’s hand-finished rather than machine-taped. Pair the heading with the right fabric and even a mid-range pair can look expensive — choosing the right fabric matters just as much.
- Window size and shape. Wide windows, bays and extra-long drops all mean more fabric — which is exactly why awkward windows are where made to measure earns its keep.
- Extras. Tie-backs (£10–£30 a pair), pelmets, and professional fitting (often £40–£80 per window if you don’t fancy DIY) all nudge the total upward. Ask for an itemised quote so you can see what’s essential and what’s optional.
Made to Measure vs Ready-Made: Is the Extra Cost Worth It?
Ready-made pairs from Dunelm, IKEA or the supermarkets typically cost £15–£60 — so made to measure usually works out at two to three times the price. But you’re paying for different things.
It’s worth it for non-standard windows — bays, tall Victorian windows, wide patio doors — or a fabric you’ve set your heart on. It’s also the better choice for living room curtains, which are on show all day; a bad fit is hard to hide.
Skip it for rentals, kids’ rooms that’ll be redecorated in two years, and standard windows where a good ready-made pair does the job. Plenty of people go bespoke in the living room and ready-made everywhere else.
Where to Buy Made to Measure Curtains in the UK
Here’s how the main options compare for made to measure curtains cost UK-wide:
- Dunelm — the cheapest mainstream made-to-measure service, with pairs starting from around £60. Enormous fabric range, and you can order online or in store.
- John Lewis — mid-range to premium, typically £150+ a pair. Excellent fabric library and a proper measuring service if you want someone else to deal with the tape measure.
- IKEA — brilliant for budget ready-made, though their made-to-measure offering is limited; many stores offer a hemming service instead — a decent halfway house.
- Independent curtain makers — often the best value for bays, arches or anything unusual, with superb finish quality. Get two or three quotes, ask to see fabric books, and check recent reviews.
How to Save Money on Made to Measure Curtains
You don’t need premium prices for a proper fit. Six ways to keep the made to measure curtains cost UK shoppers pay down:
- Pick a polyester blend. Modern polycottons hang well, resist creasing and cost a fraction of linen. Save the fancy fabrics for one feature window.
- Question the interlining. It’s lovely, but a standard lining is perfectly fine for most rooms. Reserve interlining for north-facing or draughty rooms where you’ll feel the difference.
- Go pencil pleat over pinch pleat. From a normal viewing distance the difference is subtle; the price difference isn’t.
- Measure the windows yourself. Some makers charge £30–£50 for a home visit. For width, measure the track or pole (not the window recess) and allow 1.5 to 2 times that for a proper gathered look; for the drop, measure in three places and use the longest.
- Buy in the sales. January and bank-holiday weekends are the sweet spots for curtain discounts, often 20–30% off made-to-measure ranges.
- Leave spare rooms unlined. Nobody is judging the guest room curtains. Spend the lining budget where you’ll actually notice it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are made to measure curtains worth the extra money?
For standard windows and high-street fabrics, ready-made is perfectly fine. But for bays, tall period windows or a fabric you’ve fallen in love with, made to measure is worth every penny — weigh the made to measure curtains cost UK-wide against buying ill-fitting ready-mades twice, and bespoke usually wins.
How long do made to measure curtains take to arrive?
Most UK retailers quote 2–4 weeks; independents may take 4–6 weeks in busy periods (autumn is peak curtain season). Order well ahead if you need them for a specific date.
Can you get made to measure curtains for bay windows?
Yes — bays are where made to measure earns its keep. Expect roughly 1.5 to 2 times the standard price for the extra fabric and labour, and ask about dedicated bay-window tracks.
What’s the cheapest way to buy made to measure curtains?
Stick to a budget retailer, choose a polyester-blend fabric with a standard lining and pencil pleat heading, measure the windows yourself, and buy during a sale. Done right, you can get a decent made-to-measure pair for under £100.
Do made to measure curtains include fitting?
Usually not — expect £40–£80 per window if you hire someone. Hanging a pair on an existing pole or track is straightforward DIY, and most makers include instructions.
Final Thoughts
Made to measure curtains cost UK homeowners more than ready-made, but they don’t have to cost a fortune. A sensible mid-range pair lands around £130–£200, and smart choices on fabric, heading and timing bring that down further. Measure right, buy once, enjoy the fit.
