How Much Do Custom Curtains Cost? Complete Pricing Guide by Fabric, Size & Installation

How Much Do Custom Curtains Cost?

Custom curtains typically cost $250 to $2,500+ per window, depending on fabric, size, lining, pleat style, hardware, and installation. Luxury designs with premium fabrics or motorized curtain systems can reach $3,000–$5,000 per window.

If you’re budgeting for made-to-measure drapery, this guide breaks down every cost factor so you can estimate confidently, avoid hidden fees, and decide whether custom window treatments are worth it for your space.

What Are Custom Curtains?

Custom curtains—also called custom drapery or made-to-measure window treatments—are tailored specifically to your window’s width, length, fullness ratio, and design style. Unlike ready-made panels, they are cut, sewn, and lined according to exact measurements.

They can include:

Blackout lining or thermal insulation
Pleat styles like pinch pleat or ripple fold
Decorative curtain rods or track systems
Motorized curtain tracks
Professional measurement and installation services

Average Custom Curtain Cost Per Window

Here’s a realistic cost range based on current market pricing:

Budget Tier	Cost Per Window	What You Get
Entry-Level	$250–$600	Cotton or poly blend, basic lining, simple rod
Mid-Range	$600–$1,500	Linen or velvet, blackout lining, custom pleats
Luxury	$1,500–$5,000+	Premium fabrics (silk/velvet), motorization, designer consultation

Costs increase for oversized windows, sliding glass doors, and bay windows.

What Affects Custom Curtain Pricing?

1. Fabric Type (Biggest Cost Driver)

Fabric determines both appearance and price.

Fabric	Average Cost Per Yard	Notes
Cotton	$20–$60	Affordable, versatile
Linen	$40–$120	Natural texture, popular in modern interiors
Velvet	$80–$200+	Heavy, luxurious, excellent insulation
Silk	$100–$250	Premium, often requires special lining

Why Fabric Changes the Price

Heavier fabrics require stronger hardware brackets.
Premium textiles increase labor time.
Specialty fabrics may need interlining for durability.
Some materials improve insulation performance and energy efficiency.

2. Window Size & Fabric Yardage

Larger windows require more fabric and higher labor.

Typical Cost by Window Type

Window Type	Estimated Cost
Standard Window	$250–$800
Large Picture Window	$600–$1,800
Sliding Glass Door	$1,200–$2,500
Bay Window	$1,000–$3,000+

How Fabric Yardage Is Calculated

Measure window width.
Multiply by 2–2.5 for fullness ratio.
Convert to fabric yardage.
Add extra length for hemming and pleats.

Underestimating the fullness multiplier is one of the most common budgeting mistakes.

3. Lining & Insulation Options

Lining dramatically affects cost and performance.

Standard lining: $50–$150 per window
Blackout lining: $100–$300
Thermal interlining: Adds insulation value and energy savings

Blackout and thermal layers improve comfort, reduce fading, and increase long-term durability.

4. Labor Charges & Professional Measurement

Custom drapery includes sewing and tailoring.

Labor: $150–$800 per window
Professional measurement: $75–$200
Installation services: $100–$300 per window

Professional measurement reduces fabric waste and ensures correct length, especially for floor-to-ceiling curtains.

5. Hardware & Motorized Curtain Systems

Hardware isn’t just decorative—it must support fabric weight.

Hardware Type	Cost Range
Basic curtain rods	$50–$150
Decorative rods	$150–$400
Track systems	$200–$600
Motorized curtain track	$500–$2,000+

Motorization increases convenience and can improve resale appeal, but it significantly raises total cost.

Metro vs Suburban Pricing Differences

If you search for “custom curtain installation cost in my area,” you’ll notice pricing varies.

Metro areas: Higher labor rates, wider fabric selection
Suburban areas: Moderate pricing
Rural areas: Lower labor but fewer specialty options

Labor rates and access to interior design consultation often explain cost differences.

Whole-House Custom Curtain Budget Example

Let’s say you’re updating:

6 standard windows
Mid-range linen fabric
Blackout lining
Decorative rods

Average per window: $1,000
Total estimate: $6,000

For luxury velvet with motorized curtain systems, the same home could exceed $15,000–$25,000.

Custom vs Ready-Made Curtains

Factor	Custom Curtains	Ready-Made Curtains
Fit	Exact	Standard sizes
Fabric Options	Unlimited	Limited
Cost	Higher	Lower
Lifespan	8–15 years	2–5 years
Insulation	Stronger options	Basic

Ready-made panels may cost $30–$300 per panel, but lack tailored fit and long-term durability.

Are Custom Curtains Worth It?

Custom window treatments are worth it if:

You have oversized or unusual windows
You want luxury finishes
You plan to stay long-term
Energy efficiency matters
You’re staging for resale

They may not make sense for short-term rentals or tight budgets.

Step-by-Step: How to Estimate Custom Curtain Cost

Measure width and height accurately.
Multiply width by 2–2.5 for fullness.
Calculate fabric yardage needed.
Multiply by fabric price per yard.
Add labor charges.
Add lining cost.
Include hardware.
Include installation.

Example:

60-inch window
12 yards linen at $80 = $960
Labor = $400
Lining = $200
Hardware = $250
Installation = $200

Total: $2,010

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Extra-wide fabric seams
Pattern matching fees
Delivery charges
Tax
Rush production
Upgraded hardware brackets

Skipping lining to save money can reduce lifespan and insulation performance.

How Long Do Custom Curtains Last?

With quality fabric and proper installation, custom curtains typically last 8–15 years. Sun exposure and humidity affect longevity.

Velvet and lined linen last longer than thin cotton without backing.

Production Timeline

Custom curtains usually take 2–6 weeks from measurement to installation.

Luxury fabrics or motorized curtain systems may extend timelines.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make

Measuring without professional consultation
Ignoring insulation value
Choosing rods too weak for heavy velvet
Forgetting installation costs
Underestimating total project scope

Do Custom Curtains Increase Home Value?

While they may not directly raise appraised value, they improve:

Perceived luxury
Staging appeal
Energy efficiency
Overall interior design cohesion

High-end drapery often enhances buyer impressions during showings.

Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own Curtains?

DIY can reduce labor charges but requires:

Accurate measuring tools
Sewing skills
Understanding fullness ratios
Knowledge of pleat style construction

Mistakes can waste expensive fabric yardage, offsetting savings.

Conclusion

So, how much do custom curtains cost?

Expect to pay $250–$2,500+ per window, depending on fabric, size, lining, hardware, and installation. Luxury motorized systems can exceed $5,000 per window.

If you’re upgrading for long-term comfort, insulation, and tailored design, custom curtains offer durability and aesthetic value that ready-made panels can’t match.

Start by measuring carefully, define your budget tier, compare local providers, and request detailed written estimates. With clear planning, you can avoid overpaying and choose custom window treatments that elevate your home for years to come.

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FAQs

1. How much do custom blackout curtains cost?

Custom blackout curtains typically range from $600 to $2,000+ per window depending on fabric and lining thickness.

2. How much do motorized custom curtains cost?

Motorized systems add $500–$2,000 per window on top of fabric and labor.

3. Why are custom curtains so expensive?

Fabric quality, tailoring labor, lining layers, hardware systems, and professional installation all contribute to higher costs.

4. How many yards of fabric do I need?

Multiply window width by 2–2.5 for fullness, then convert to yardage based on curtain length.

5. What is the cheapest custom curtain option?

Cotton fabric with standard lining and basic curtain rods is usually the most affordable choice.

6. How long does it take to install custom curtains?

Installation typically takes 1–2 hours per window after production is complete.

7. Are custom curtains better than blinds?

Curtains offer more design flexibility and insulation, while blinds are often cheaper and easier to install.

8. Can custom curtains improve energy efficiency?

Yes. Thermal interlining and blackout lining reduce heat transfer and improve indoor comfort.