A Guide to Made to Order Curtains in NZ
Think of it like this: you can buy a suit off the rack, or you can have one tailored to fit you like a glove. That’s the real difference between standard curtains and made to order curtains. They’re custom-made to your exact window size, your fabric choice, and your personal style. It's a bespoke approach that guarantees a perfect fit and a look that's all you.
Why Choose Custom Curtains for Your Home
Going for custom-made curtains isn't just about covering a window. It’s a design decision that solves all those annoying little problems that ready-made options just can't fix. It's what separates a house that looks "finished" from one that feels genuinely well-designed and pulled together. When you get to pick every detail, you end up with a space that shows off your taste and makes everyday life just that little bit better.
It's a popular choice for a reason. The New Zealand curtains and blinds market is a big deal, with projected revenues expected to hit around US$85 million. This shows a real hunger for personalised window treatments, as more and more of us want to create homes that are as functional as they are unique. You can dig into more data on this home decor trend over at Statista.com.
Solve Frustrating Fit and Function Issues
Let’s be honest, ready-made curtains often mean making compromises. You're forced to settle for "good enough" instead of getting it just right.
- Awkward Windows: Got super tall windows, a wide ranch slider, or an oddly shaped frame? Made to order curtains are cut to fit any dimension perfectly, so you can say goodbye to strange gaps or puddles of extra fabric on the floor.
- Unwanted Light Gaps: Standard curtains almost always leave those annoying slivers of light peeking in at the sides. A custom fit gives you complete coverage for far better light control and privacy.
- Poor Insulation: Curtains that don't fit properly won't do much to stop draughts. Professionally fitted curtains, especially with a thermal lining, create a much better seal against heat loss in winter and keep your home cooler in summer.
A room with poorly hung or ill-fitting curtains can throw the whole space off balance. But the right window treatments? They lift the eye, make ceilings feel higher, and let in the maximum amount of natural light, making the room feel bigger and brighter.
Achieve a Truly Cohesive Interior Design
Your home’s design story is told through all the little details. Custom curtains are a major part of that story, helping to tie everything together. By choosing the perfect fabric, colour, and pattern, you can match your window treatments with everything else in the room. Imagine creating a stunning, seamless look between your new curtains and some stylish wallpapers—it can completely elevate the space.
This level of control means your curtains aren't just hanging there; they're actively helping to create a polished, intentional design. Instead of endlessly searching for something that almost works, you get to bring your exact vision to life.
Right, now for the fun part: finding the perfect style for your made-to-order curtains. This is where your vision really starts to come to life. It’s a bit like being an interior designer for a day, mixing and matching fabrics, heading styles, and linings to create something that’s completely you.
We’re moving beyond simple measurements and into the artistry of it all, giving you the reins to control every detail.
Choosing Your Fabric
Think of the fabric as the soul of your curtains. It sets the mood and dictates how your curtains look, feel, and play with the light in the room. This is probably the biggest style decision you'll make, so it’s worth thinking about the atmosphere you want to create.
- Breezy Linens: If you’re after a relaxed, coastal, or minimalist vibe, you can’t go wrong with linen. Its natural texture feels light and airy, beautifully diffusing sunlight to create a soft glow while still giving you privacy.
- Luxurious Velvets: For a bit of drama and warmth, nothing beats velvet. The rich texture and heavy drape add a touch of elegance, plus they’re brilliant for insulation and blocking light. Perfect for bedrooms or formal living spaces.
- Elegant Sheers: Sheers are all about celebrating natural light. They let you keep your view and make a room feel open and spacious, all while gently filtering the harsh sun and offering just enough privacy during the day.
Your fabric choice sets the entire tone. A heavy, puddled velvet curtain whispers opulence and comfort, while a crisp linen panel hanging straight to the floor suggests a clean, modern simplicity. It's the first and most impactful style decision you will make.
Understanding Curtain Heading Styles
Next up is the heading – the very top of the curtain that attaches to the rod or track. It might seem like a small detail, but it completely changes how the fabric hangs and folds.
The heading style can take your curtains from relaxed and contemporary to structured and formal in an instant. It’s the difference between a soft, flowing look and a sharp, tailored one.
Comparing Popular Heading Styles
| Heading Style | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pencil Pleat | A classic look with tightly gathered pleats that look a bit like a row of pencils. It creates a lovely, full feel. | Super versatile for both formal and casual rooms. Works on tracks and poles. |
| Inverted Pleat | Also known as a box pleat, this style hides the pleats on the back, giving you a clean, flat, and tailored finish from the front. | A modern, clean aesthetic. Looks great in contemporary living and dining rooms. |
| Eyelet | Metal rings are set right into the fabric, which you then thread onto a curtain pole. This creates beautifully soft, uniform folds. | A contemporary, almost minimalist style. Plus, they’re a breeze to open and close. |
| Single Pleat | A simple, single fold at the top gives an elegant drape that isn't too full. It’s beautifully understated. | Minimalist spaces where you just want a simple, clean line. |
Every one of these options is on the table when you design your made-to-order curtains, so you have full control over the final look.
The Functional Magic of Linings
Behind every great curtain is a great lining. It's the unsung hero that adds some serious practical benefits, improving everything from your home's insulation to your quality of sleep. A good lining also protects your main fabric from sun damage, helping your beautiful new curtains last even longer.
Especially with New Zealand’s changeable climate, picking the right lining is a smart move that pays off in comfort and lower power bills.
- Standard Lining: This gives a basic layer of protection and helps the curtains hang beautifully, creating a more professional, finished look.
- Thermal Lining: A must-have for many Kiwi homes. This thicker lining is a game-changer for keeping the house warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Blackout Lining: The top choice for bedrooms, home cinemas, or any room where you want to block out as much light as possible. It’s the secret to a dark, quiet room and a fantastic night's sleep.
By thinking through your fabric, heading, and lining, you go from just covering a window to creating a stunning, hard-working feature for your home. It’s this process that ensures your curtains don’t just look amazing but do exactly what you need them to.
Right, you’ve decided to go for custom curtains. Excellent choice. It might feel like a big step, but ordering a set of made to order curtains is actually a really satisfying project. Let's break it down so it feels less like a task and more like the exciting design decision it is.
We’ll walk through everything together, from getting those crucial first measurements just right to what happens after you hit that ‘confirm order’ button. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly what to do to bring your vision to life.
Step 1: Measure Your Windows (The Right Way)
This is the foundation of the whole project. Get this right, and everything else falls into place. A curtain that’s too short or not wide enough can throw off the whole feel of a room, so a little care here goes a long way. It's what separates a professional, polished finish from something that just looks... off.
To nail your measurements, grab a metal tape measure and follow these tips:
- Measure the Width: You'll want to measure the full width of your curtain rod or track, not the window frame itself. If you haven't installed one yet, a good rule of thumb is to make it 15cm to 25cm wider than the window on each side. This gives your curtains space to stack back neatly when they're open, letting in as much beautiful daylight as possible.
- Measure the Drop (Length): This is all about personal preference. Decide where you want your curtains to finish by measuring from the very top of your rod or track down to your desired endpoint. You've got a few classic looks to choose from.
For that truly high-end, intentional look, aim for the "kiss" — where the hem just skims the floor. It takes precise measuring but the result is so worth it. Other options are a slight "float" (about 1cm off the floor) or a more dramatic, romantic "puddle" for a traditional space.
This infographic lays out the simple journey to creating your perfect custom curtains.
It really is that straightforward. By following these steps, every detail is considered, from the perfect fit to the final look.
Step 2: Choose Your Fabrics and Get Samples
With your measurements sorted, it's time for the fun part! But before you fall in love with a fabric on screen, it is absolutely essential to see it in your own home. A colour can look one way on your laptop and completely different in your living room as the light changes.
Ordering samples is a non-negotiable step in my book. It lets you:
- Feel the Texture: Is that linen as soft as you hoped? Does the velvet have that gorgeous, heavy drape?
- Check the Colour: Hold the sample up against your walls, next to your sofa, and check it in the morning, afternoon, and under artificial light at night.
- Test the Opacity: This is so important. See for yourself how much light it filters. It’s the best way to decide between a sheer, a light-filtering weave, or a full blockout lining.
Don't rush this part. Live with the samples for a few days. Pin them up where the curtains will hang. Once you're absolutely certain, you're ready for the final step.
Step 3: Place Your Order and Wait for the Magic
Okay, you've got your measurements and you've found the fabric. You're ready to go. Good online stores make placing your order simple, guiding you through all the customisation options like heading styles and lining choices. It’s surprisingly easy to build your perfect curtains with just a few clicks.
Once you’ve confirmed everything, the real work begins behind the scenes. Here's what you can expect:
- Order Confirmation: You’ll get an email with all your specifications. Give this a quick once-over to make sure every detail is spot on.
- Production Time: Your curtains are now being made just for you. Here in New Zealand, the lead time for made to order curtains is typically between 3 to 6 weeks, though this can change depending on fabric availability and how complex your order is.
- Delivery and Installation: Before you know it, a beautifully packaged parcel will arrive at your door. Most curtains come with easy-to-follow instructions, so you can hang them yourself and finally step back to admire your handiwork. There’s nothing quite like seeing that custom piece perfectly in place.
How Custom Curtains Boost Home Value and Efficiency
Choosing made-to-order curtains is so much more than just a style choice; it's a savvy upgrade that pays you back in home comfort, efficiency, and eventually, resale value. While a beautiful fabric is what catches the eye, the real magic is in the functional perks that only come with a perfect, professional fit. These are the day-to-day improvements you'll truly appreciate.
Think of it as a smart investment in how your home performs. When it comes time to sell, custom window treatments are a feature discerning buyers notice, but the immediate payoff is how much better your home feels to live in right now.
This focus on smarter home solutions is making waves. The New Zealand window covering market was recently valued at around USD 83.75 million (NZD equivalent) and is expected to climb to nearly USD 116.39 million. This isn't just about trends; it's about homeowners wanting better energy efficiency and more control over their living spaces. You can dive deeper into the market insights over at databridgemarketresearch.com.
Slash Energy Bills with Thermal Efficiency
If you live in New Zealand, you know the struggle of keeping your home comfortable through our famously changeable seasons. So much of our precious heat escapes through windows in winter, and in summer, that sun can turn a lounge into a sauna in no time.
This is where professionally fitted curtains with a good thermal lining really shine.
- Winter Warmth: A thermal lining creates an insulating pocket of air between the cold glass and your room. It dramatically reduces heat loss, which means your heater doesn't have to work overtime, and you see the difference in your power bill.
- Summer Cooling: The same idea works in reverse when it gets hot. The lining reflects the sun's heat away from the glass, stopping it from baking your interiors and keeping your home much cooler, naturally.
And we’re not talking about a tiny improvement here. The right thermal curtains can cut heat loss through single-glazed windows by up to a massive 60%. You'll feel that in your comfort levels and your bank account.
Master Your Home Environment with Light and Sound Control
Beyond temperature, custom curtains give you total command over the light and sound in your home. This is where you can get really specific and tailor each room to its purpose.
Having this level of control is a quiet but powerful luxury. It’s all about making your home work for you and your lifestyle, not the other way around.
Custom curtains let you design for function, not just form. A bedroom can become a proper sleep sanctuary with blackout lining, while a living room can keep its view and privacy with perfectly fitted sheers. This is how you create a home that truly serves your needs.
Here’s how that extra control makes a real difference:
- Create the Perfect Sleep Sanctuary: For shift workers, parents of young children, or anyone who's a light sleeper, blackout linings are a game-changer. They block out almost all incoming light, helping you get that deep, restorative sleep we all crave.
- Maintain Privacy Without Sacrificing Your View: Sheer curtains, made to fit your windows just right, are ideal for living areas. They blur the view from the outside during the day but still let all that lovely, soft natural light flood in.
- Dampen Unwanted Noise: Here's a surprising bonus: thick, high-quality curtain fabrics are fantastic at absorbing sound. Heavy velvets or lined drapes can help muffle traffic noise and other outside chatter, making your home feel much more peaceful and quiet.
At the end of the day, opting for made to order curtains is a practical upgrade that truly pays for itself. It boosts your daily comfort, cuts down your energy use, and adds a layer of sophisticated control that makes your house feel less like a building and more like a thoughtfully designed home.
Alright, let's talk about the big question: how much are made-to-order curtains going to cost? It’s often the first thing people ask, and the honest answer is, it’s completely up to you. That’s the real advantage of going custom – the final price tag is a direct result of your choices.
Think of it less as a fixed cost and more as a flexible budget you control. When you know what drives the price up or down, you can decide where to splurge and where to save. This way, you get that perfect, high-end look without blowing your budget.
What Shapes the Final Price?
There are four main things that will influence the final quote for your curtains. I like to think of them as levers you can pull to get the price just right for your budget. Understanding each one helps you make smart decisions that perfectly balance style, function, and what you want to spend.
- Fabric Choice: This is usually the biggest factor. Natural materials like pure linen or a rich, heavy velvet will naturally sit at a higher price point than a quality polyester or a clever synthetic blend.
- Curtain Size & Fullness: It’s simple, really—bigger windows need more fabric, which increases the cost. The ‘fullness’ of the curtain, which is how much fabric is gathered to create those lush folds, also matters. A fuller, more generous drape uses more material than a sleeker, more minimalist style.
- Heading Style: The complexity of the heading makes a difference. A simple, modern heading like a single pleat is less labour-intensive than a more intricate, hand-finished style like an inverted pleat.
- Lining Selection: Adding a lining will add to the cost. A high-performance thermal or complete blackout lining is more of an investment than a standard cotton lining, but it comes with bigger benefits.
The word 'custom' doesn't have to mean 'expensive'. It really just means 'specific to you'. By being clever with your fabric, fullness, and heading style, you can get a beautiful bespoke result that feels perfect for your home and your bank account.
This kind of flexibility is what keeps the local industry thriving. Even with market ups and downs, New Zealand's curtain market is a significant niche, valued at around NZD 12 million. It’s this focus on customisation that allows makers to offer a huge range of price points to fit different homes and budgets. You can get a feel for these market dynamics in this in-depth industry report.
Fabric: The Biggest Cost Driver
Your choice of fabric will have the single biggest impact on your budget. While natural fibres are often seen as the ultimate luxury, you shouldn't overlook modern, high-quality polyesters. They can offer amazing durability and a beautiful, soft drape for a fraction of the cost.
It’s all about balancing looks, function, and price. For instance, if you’re dreaming of a dramatic, floor-to-ceiling look for a huge window but need to keep an eye on the cost, a gorgeous polyester blend could be a much smarter move than pure linen. A great way to start is by exploring a curated selection of our fabrics to see the differences for yourself.
A Few Practical Examples
To help bring this all to life, let’s see how these choices play out on a standard-sized window.
Example 1: The Budget-Friendly Look
- Fabric: A quality polyester blend.
- Heading: A simple and elegant single pleat.
- Lining: Standard lining to give it a nice drape. This combo gives you a clean, custom-fitted look that’s both stylish and easy on the wallet. It’s the perfect way to get that polished finish without a huge spend.
Example 2: The Smart Mid-Range Investment
- Fabric: A beautiful, textured linen-blend.
- Heading: A modern eyelet or a classic pencil pleat.
- Lining: Thermal lining for better insulation. Here, you’re investing a bit more in the fabric’s feel and adding a real functional bonus with thermal lining, which offers fantastic value over time by helping with your power bills.
Example 3: The Premium Statement
- Fabric: Luxurious pure velvet or 100% linen.
- Heading: A detailed, hand-finished inverted pleat.
- Lining: Blackout lining for total light control. This is the top-tier option, where you’re going for the best in both materials and craftsmanship. It creates a truly stunning and highly practical feature for a main bedroom or media room.
Common Questions About Made to Order Curtains
As you get closer to a decision, it’s natural for a few practical questions to pop up. We’ve put this final section together to help clear up any last little uncertainties you might have about choosing made to order curtains. Think of it as a friendly chat where we answer the most common queries we get from homeowners just like you.
How Long Does It Take to Get My Curtains?
Good things take time, especially when they're being crafted just for you. Here in New Zealand, you can generally expect your made to order curtains to be ready in about 3 to 6 weeks. That timeline kicks off once all the final details are locked in, like your measurements and fabric choices.
A few things can nudge this timeframe one way or the other:
- Fabric Availability: If you’ve fallen for a unique imported fabric, it might take a little longer for it to land in the workshop.
- Complexity of the Order: It’s all in the details. A gorgeous, intricate heading like an inverted pleat simply takes more hands-on time from our talented makers than a simpler eyelet style.
- Busy Periods: Just like any local craft, things can get busy! It’s always a smart move to ask about current lead times before you place your order, so you know exactly what to expect.
Can I Use My Own Fabric?
This is a fantastic question, especially if you've stumbled upon the perfect material somewhere else. In the design world, we call this "Customer's Own Material," or COM for short. Whether it’s an option really comes down to the curtain maker.
Some bespoke creators are more than happy to work with your fabric—it’s the ultimate personal touch, after all. They will have some guidelines on the fabric's weight, composition, and width to make sure it’s up to the task and will hang beautifully. Others prefer to stick to their own curated collections because they can guarantee the quality and how the fabric will perform over time. If you have your heart set on a particular textile, just have a chat with your provider first to see if they offer a COM service.
Key Takeaway: Because made-to-order curtains are crafted to your exact specifications, they are almost always non-returnable for a change of mind. Always check the warranty policy, which should cover any manufacturing defects or errors in sizing.
How Do I Clean and Maintain My New Curtains?
Looking after your new curtains is the secret to keeping them looking incredible for years. The right cleaning method depends entirely on the fabric you've chosen, so always follow the specific care instructions your supplier gives you.
But for a bit of general guidance:
- Dry Clean Only: This is the go-to for more delicate fabrics like silk, pure linen, and velvet. A professional dry clean is the safest way to prevent shrinking, colour fading, or texture damage.
- Machine Washable: Some of the more durable polyester or cotton blends might be fine in a gentle, cold machine wash, but it’s less common for high-quality custom curtains.
- Regular Upkeep: A quick, simple step makes all the difference. To stop dust from settling in, give your curtains a light vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment every month or so. It will keep them fresh and extend the time between deep cleans.
By following the right care, you’re really just protecting your investment and ensuring your curtains stay beautiful. If you have any other questions whirring around—about the process, materials, or our policies—you can find more detailed answers on our comprehensive FAQ page.
Ready to create a space that’s uniquely yours? At Maak Home, we combine local New Zealand craftsmanship with sustainable practices to bring your vision to life. Explore our collection and start designing your perfect made to order curtains today.
