Ready-made curtains are quick and easy, and in some rooms they're perfectly fine. Custom drapery costs more, but it's made for your exact windows, in the fabric and lining you choose. Here's how they really compare.
Fit
Ready-made panels come in a few standard widths and lengths, so they're often too short, too narrow or skimpy. Custom drapery is made to your exact measurements, with the right fullness and a length that floats, kisses or breaks exactly where you want.
Fabric and color
Ready-made choices are limited to what's in stock. With custom, you choose from hundreds of fabrics, from linen and velvet to performance fabrics, and see them in your own light before you decide.
Lining and performance
Most ready-made curtains are unlined or thinly lined. Custom drapery can be lined, blackout-lined, thermal-lined or interlined, which changes how it blocks light, insulates and lasts. See our linings guide.
Construction and hardware
Custom drapery is tailored with real pleats, weighted hems and proper hardware chosen for the weight of the fabric, so it hangs evenly for years. Our custom drapery is hand-tailored in the U.S.A. and can be made up to 17 feet wide.
When ready-made is fine
For a guest room, a rental or a temporary solution, ready-made curtains can be a sensible choice. For the rooms you live in every day, large windows, or anywhere the drapery is a focal point, custom usually makes the bigger difference.
Measuring, installation and warranty
With custom drapery, we measure, order, install the hardware and hang the panels, then steam and dress the folds so they fall evenly from day one. Most of our products carry a lifetime warranty, and if something goes wrong with drapery we installed, we take care of it with no trip fees and no labor charges.