Made to Measure Curtains: The Complete Buying Guide

Made to measure curtains are cut and finished to the exact dimensions of your pole or track, rather than sold in fixed standard lengths. This guide covers the practical decisions that actually affect the result: heading style, fullness, and how to measure correctly, so the curtains hang the way you expect the first time.

Why Made to Measure Beats Off-the-Shelf

Ready-made curtains come in a limited set of standard widths and drops, which rarely matches a window exactly. Made to measure curtains are built to your specific pole or track width and chosen drop, which avoids the gap, pooling, or skimpy coverage that off-the-shelf curtains often produce on anything other than a standard-sized window.

Choosing a Curtain Heading

Pencil pleat – a versatile, gathered heading suited to most fabrics and both poles and tracks
Eyelet – metal rings threaded directly onto the pole, giving clean, structured folds; not suitable for tracks
Pinch pleat / double or triple pleat – tailored, permanently sewn pleats for a more formal, structured look
Wave heading – even, continuous folds along a specialist track, giving a smooth, modern finish

The heading you choose affects both the finished look and how much fabric width is needed, so it’s worth deciding on this before finalising measurements.

Understanding Fullness

Fullness is the ratio of fabric width to pole or track width, and it’s what gives curtains their folded, gathered look rather than sitting flat. Pencil pleat and pinch pleat headings typically need around 2 to 2.3 times the pole width in fabric, while wave headings usually already build fullness into the specification. More fullness gives a richer, more luxurious look; less fullness gives a flatter, more minimal finish. Most made to measure services calculate the exact fabric needed once you provide the pole or track width, so you don’t need to work out the multiplication yourself.

Measuring the Width

Always measure the pole or track itself, not the window opening. For a pole, measure between the finials (the decorative end caps), excluding the finials themselves. For a track, measure its full usable length. If the pole or track isn’t fitted yet, position it around 15-20cm above the window recess and extend it 15-30cm beyond each side, so the curtains can stack back fully off the glass and let in maximum light when open.

Measuring the Drop

The drop is measured from the correct reference point for your chosen heading down to where you want the curtain to end. For eyelet curtains, measure from the top of the pole. For pencil pleat or pinch pleat on a pole, measure from the underside of the curtain ring. For track-hung curtains, measure from the bottom of the track. Full-length curtains typically finish around 1cm above the floor; sill-length curtains usually end about 10cm below the sill.

Bay Windows Need Extra Care

On a bay window, never measure straight across the opening. Measure along the complete path the pole or track follows, including every bend and angle, since a bay’s actual perimeter is longer than a straight-line measurement across the front. If you’re unsure how the curtain approach differs for a bay specifically, our guide to dressing a bay window with blinds and curtains covers the layout considerations in more detail.

Common Measuring Mistakes

Measuring the window frame instead of the fitted pole or track
Forgetting to account for finials when measuring a pole
Not checking for obstructions — radiators, handles, or deep sills — before confirming the drop
Taking only one measurement rather than checking width and drop at multiple points

How Much Do Made-to-Measure Curtains Cost?

Realistic 2026 pricing per pair, lined, for a standard 150cm-wide window: high-street made-to-measure £120–£300; independent curtain makers £250–£600; designer workrooms £600–£1,500+. Bay windows and floor-to-ceiling lengths scale up fast — a large bay can exceed £1,000 in fabric alone. Fabric choice swings totals most: budget £15/metre polyester versus £80/metre designer linen is a £400+ difference on one pair. Always get the quote broken into fabric, making and fitting.

Online vs. Local Curtain Makers

Online services are cheaper (20–40% less) and convenient, but you measure — and measuring errors are yours. Local makers measure, advise and fit; the premium buys expertise and accountability. The hybrid sweet spot: order fabric online, have a local maker sew it — though not all makers accept customer fabric. For straightforward windows, online is fine; for bays, arches or anything unusual, local expertise pays for itself in avoided mistakes.

Lead Times: How Long to Expect

Plan ahead. Online made-to-measure: 2–4 weeks typically. Local independent makers: 4–8 weeks, longer before Christmas (book by October). Designer workrooms: 8–12 weeks. Rush services exist at 25–50% premiums. If you are renovating, order curtains when plastering starts — they will arrive as decorating finishes. Never promise curtains for a specific event without confirming the maker’s current lead time in writing.

What to Ask Before Ordering

The questions that prevent disappointment: Is the price fixed including lining, heading and fitting? What happens if measurements are wrong — whose responsibility? Can I see a large sample of the actual fabric (not just a photo)? What is the lead time in writing? Is the maker experienced with my heading style and window type? Can I see recent work or reviews? A good maker welcomes all of these; evasive answers are your cue to walk away.

When Off-the-Shelf Is Actually Better

Made-to-measure is not always the answer. Standard windows with common drops (137cm, 183cm, 228cm) are well served by quality ready-mades at a third of the price. Rental properties rarely justify bespoke. Tight deadlines favour off-the-shelf. And for children’s rooms where curtains take abuse, replaceable ready-mades beat precious customs. Spend the made-to-measure budget where it shows most: the living room and main bedroom. Fabric selection help is in our curtain fabrics explained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to fit the pole or track before measuring?

It’s strongly recommended. Measuring an already-fitted pole or track gives the most accurate result, since its exact position affects both width and drop.

How much fullness should I choose?

Around 2 to 2.3 times the pole width is standard for most headings, giving a good balance of fold and drape without being excessive.

Can eyelet curtains be used on a track?

No, eyelet curtains are designed to thread directly onto a pole and aren’t compatible with a standard curtain track.

Are made to measure curtains worth it?

For non-standard windows, bays, or a truly polished look — yes. For standard windows on a budget, quality ready-mades at a third of the price are often the smarter buy.

How much do made to measure curtains cost in the UK?

Roughly £120–£300 per pair online for a standard window, £250–£600 from independent makers, £600+ from designer workrooms. Fabric choice is the biggest cost variable.

How long do made to measure curtains take?

2–4 weeks online, 4–8 weeks from local makers, 8–12 weeks from designer workrooms. Book early before Christmas when lead times stretch.