Custom Curtains Before You Buy: What You Should Know
Buying custom curtains is an important decision because the right choice affects your home’s appearance, privacy, and everyday comfort. With so many fabrics, colours, designs, and installation options available, it is easy to overlook important details. Before ordering custom curtains in Dubai, take time to understand your requirements, compare your options, and ask the right questions. This guide will help you prepare.
1. Understand What Each Room Needs
Before choosing a curtain design, decide what you want it to do. Bedrooms may need privacy and reduced daylight, while living rooms often benefit from softer natural light. Dining rooms may need decorative curtains, and home offices may require better control over screen glare.
Look at the direction of each window and how much sunlight enters throughout the day. Also consider neighbouring buildings, balcony access, furniture placement, and air-conditioning outlets. Making a list of these requirements will help you choose suitable curtains for every room.
2. Check Your Window Measurements
Accurate measurements are essential for custom curtains. A small mistake can result in panels that are too short, too narrow, or difficult to open.
Measure the Track, Not Just the Glass
The curtain track or pole determines the finished width. It may need to extend beyond the window so the curtains cover the edges and gather beside the glass when open.
Decide the Finished Length
Choose whether the curtains should finish above the floor, touch it lightly, or extend towards the sill. Measure from the actual hanging point, considering whether the track is ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted.
For tall windows, wide openings, and unusual shapes, professional measurement is helpful. Avoid approving production until the final dimensions are confirmed.
3. Examine Fabric Samples Before Ordering
Never select curtain fabric using photographs alone. Colours and textures can look different under showroom lighting and natural daylight.
Ask for physical samples and compare them beside your walls, flooring, sofa, and other furniture. Check the fabric in the morning and evening to understand how it looks under different lighting conditions.
Also ask about:
- Fabric composition and quality.
- Cleaning and maintenance instructions.
- Suitability for sunny windows.
- Colourfastness information.
- Available lining options.
- Fabric weight and appearance when hanging.
A fabric that looks beautiful may not be suitable for a frequently used room if it requires difficult maintenance.
4. Choose the Right Curtain Style
Understand the available heading styles before placing an order.
Wave curtains create smooth, regular folds and suit modern interiors. Pinch pleat curtains provide a more structured and elegant appearance. Eyelet curtains hang from a decorative pole, while pencil pleat curtains offer a traditional gathered finish.
Ask to see how each style looks when fully open and closed. Also confirm which track or pole is required. Some headings are designed for specific hardware and cannot simply be attached to any existing track.
5. Decide Between Sheer and Blackout Curtains
Sheer curtains allow natural light to enter while softening the view. They are suitable for bright living areas, but usually provide limited privacy at night.
Blackout curtains restrict light passing through the material and are useful in bedrooms. However, light can still enter through gaps around the curtain edges.
If you need both daylight and privacy, consider a double-layer arrangement with sheer and heavier curtains. Confirm that your window has enough space for both tracks.
6. Understand the Complete Cost
Before accepting a quotation, check exactly what is included. A fabric-only price is different from a complete supply-and-installation price.
Ask whether the quotation covers:
- Fabric and required quantity.
- Stitching and heading style.
- Fabric fullness and lining.
- Tracks, rods, brackets, and accessories.
- Measurement and installation.
- Delivery and applicable taxes.
- Motor and controls, if required.
Request separate prices for different windows or rooms. This makes it easier to compare suppliers and manage your budget.
7. Ask About Production and Installation Time
Custom curtains require measurement, fabric approval, stitching, preparation, and installation. The total time depends on fabric availability, design complexity, order size, and hardware.
If you are moving into a new apartment or preparing a villa, tell the supplier your preferred completion date before ordering. Ask when production starts, whether the schedule includes installation, and what happens if a selected fabric becomes unavailable.
Do not rely on a general delivery promise without a confirmed project schedule.
8. Check Installation and Property Requirements
In Dubai, some apartments and rented properties have rules about drilling, ceiling modifications, and contractor access. Confirm permission before changing existing fittings.
Ask the installer to check the fixing surface, especially for heavy curtains or ceiling-mounted tracks. Discuss access for tall windows, balcony doors, and motorized systems.
Also confirm whether existing tracks can be reused. They should be checked for condition, strength, and compatibility before being included in the final plan.
9. Read the Quotation Before Paying
A written quotation should clearly describe the approved fabric, colour, dimensions, lining, heading, hardware, installation scope, and total price.
Check the deposit, remaining payment terms, estimated completion date, cancellation conditions, and policies for changes after approval. Ask whether adjustments are available if the finished curtains do not match the agreed measurements.
Keep a copy of your approved samples and specifications. They will help resolve misunderstandings later.
10. Choose a Supplier Carefully
Look for clear communication, practical advice, suitable fabric options, and a proper measurement process. Ask who will take the measurements, who handles installation, and whom to contact if adjustments are needed.
Visit Shiji Decoration to review its current curtain services and contact the company about your requirements. Confirm available options, quotation inclusions, and installation arrangements directly before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I measure windows before contacting a supplier?
Preliminary measurements are useful for planning, but final measurements should be confirmed after deciding the track position and curtain design.
Should I pay a deposit before approving the fabric?
Review the payment terms first. Make sure the fabric, colour, dimensions, and complete specification are approved before production begins.
Can I use my existing curtain tracks?
Yes, if they are secure and compatible with the new curtain heading, dimensions, and fabric weight. Ask for an inspection before reusing them.
Make Your Purchase With Confidence
The best custom curtains begin with careful planning. Check your windows, compare fabric samples, select suitable headings, and review the complete quotation. Taking these steps before ordering helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and choose curtains that suit your Dubai home for everyday use.