Struggling with light leaks, poor drape, or curtains that never quite fit the window? Discover seven common problems caused by ready-made curtains and how made-to-measure solutions fix them with precise sizing, quality linings, and UK craftsmanship. Learn why tailored curtains are an investment in energy efficiency, durability, and future resale appeal.

Why This Guide Answers Today’s Big Questions

If you have ever asked yourself, “Where am I going wrong with my curtains?” Or wondered whether custom curtains are worth the spend, this guide is for you. Below, you will find a clear, practical list of the issues that frustrate homeowners and the exact ways a made-to-measure approach solves each one. You will also see how tailored curtains add long-term value through better insulation, protection from sunlight, and a superior build that lasts.

1. Light Sneaks in at the Edges

Ready-made panels are produced to a broad width and drop ranges. That often leaves slivers of light where sunrise pours in or street lighting glows at the sides. Made-to-measure curtains are cut for your pole or track width, then finished to the heading you choose, so the fabric returns neatly to the wall and overlaps properly. Add blackout or dim out lining at the point of order, and the result is a room that darkens as planned rather than by luck. Sewing House offers a bonded blackout option that combines lining and interlining in a single layer for even better light control and a fuller drape.

Value angle: Controlled light supports sleep and protects artwork, flooring, and soft furnishings from UV exposure. Independent guidance also recognises heavy, well-fitted curtains as part of an energy saving strategy for windows.

2. The Drop is Wrong, and the Look Never Feels Finished

Too short looks dated. Too long gathers dust and trips you up. Standard sizes rarely match the precise cill, kiss the floor, or pooling length you prefer. With made-to-measure curtains, you select the exact drop and the finish. Clear measuring guidance makes it simple to account for your pole or track and for the chosen heading. Sewing House’s measuring guide even gives recommended clearances, such as 1 cm above the floor or sill, plus specific instructions for each heading.

Value angle: Correct length prevents fraying and avoids daylight gaps that undo your heating efforts. The finish stays crisp through daily use.

3. The Fabric Will not Drape or Pool Properly

Mass-produced curtains often rely on light fabric with minimal lining. The folds collapse, and the pool looks accidental. A made-to-measure service lets you control fabric weight and interlining. Thermal or bonded interlining adds body and structure, so folds sit evenly from top to hem. Sewing House specifies blackout, thermal and blackout with interlining options on product pages, which add both shape and substance. See an example product that details blackout with interlining and heat-insulating benefits.

Value angle: Interlined curtains feel luxurious, age gracefully, and help stabilise room temperature by adding an insulating layer between the glass and the room.

4. Privacy is Hit or Miss

Thin, ready-made panels can become see-through at night when lamps are on. With custom curtains, you pair your chosen fabric with the right privacy level for each room. Bedrooms usually benefit from full blackout. Living spaces often call for a dim out, which softens glare while keeping a gentle glow. The result is consistent privacy without doubling up with extra layers that clutter the window.

Value angle: Thoughtful privacy choices reduce the need for additional treatments and keep your space calm and elegant.

5. The Room Loses Heat in Winter and Gains it in Summer

Windows are a major source of heat loss and solar gain. A snug, made-to-measure fit combined with thermal lining helps keep warm air in during colder months and moderates heat on bright days. Well-specified curtains reduce draughts at the edges and cover the glass fully, which slows the transfer of heat. Authoritative guidance explains that draperies work best when they fit close to the window and overlap the frame; sealing at the sides and top improves performance further.

Value angle: Better insulation is not just about comfort. Over the life of the curtains, the energy savings contribute to the total return on your investment.

6. Every Day Use Exposes Weak Construction

Uneven hems, pulling seams, and lining that separates from the face fabric are common complaints with mass production. Made-to-measure curtains are handcrafted with attention to heading, stitching, and weight distribution. Sewing House highlights UK manufacture by trained drapery makers in its Nottinghamshire workshop.

Value angle: Robust construction slows wear and tear. You replace window dressings less often, which saves money and reduces waste.

7. The Style is Never Quite Right for Your Space

With ready-made, you accept the pattern scale and heading style you can find on the shelf. Made-to-measure puts you in control of the look. You can align the pattern with architectural features, choose a heading to suit your track or pole, and coordinate with other soft furnishings for a cohesive scheme. This is especially important in period homes, bay windows, garden rooms, and open plan spaces that need consistent visual rhythm from one area to the next.

Value angle: A coherent, well-specified window treatment elevates the perceived quality of a room. Viewers notice both comfort and craft, which supports future resale appeal.

The Investment Case for Made-to-measure

Bespoke curtains often cost more at the point of purchase, yet the lifetime value is compelling and worth the investment. Consider the hours of improved sleep from better darkness, the comfort of steadier room temperature, and the savings from furniture and flooring that stay richer in colour for many years. Add the resilience that comes from proper interlining and careful finishing. When you look at the total span of use, you are paying for daily performance as well as beauty. That makes made-to-measure curtains an asset rather than a quick fix.

Coordinating With Other Window Treatments

Many homes pair curtains with a second treatment for layered control, such as roman blinds for a neat inside recess fit or for precise privacy in street-facing rooms. When you want to minimise light spill with a blind fitted outside a recess, allow extra width and height, as shown in Sewing House’s diagrams.

Quick Comparison: Linings and When to Choose Them

Standard lining: Softens glare and provides basic thermal protection, ideal for living rooms where you want gentle daylight.

Dim out: Makes the room noticeably darker with moderate thermal help, perfect for TV rooms and bright south-facing spaces.

Blackout: Creates a very dark environment with moderate insulation, best for bedrooms and nurseries.

Thermal lining: Offers moderate light control and strong thermal protection, suitable for TV rooms and bright south-facing areas.

Bonded blackout or blackout with interlining: Provides a very dark atmosphere and strong insulation, ideal for bedrooms where you want a fuller, heavier drape.

Tip: Bonded blackout gives you the benefits of lining and interlining in one layer for a smarter drape without too much bulk.

FAQ

Ready to Plan Your Project

There is no single rule. Follow the measuring guide and decide whether you want a cill finish, below cill, or a floor kiss; precise drops prevent ripples around the bay

If you are replacing ill-fitting ready-mades or dressing a full renovation, begin with purpose. Decide where you need blackout, where thermal lining will help, and where you want a statement fabric. Measure carefully, order samples, and then place your made-to-measure curtains order with confidence. Sewing House’s team manufactures in the UK and can talk you through headings, linings and pattern scale before you buy