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I wrote recently about selecting made to measure curtains to fit our Crittall windows. I’ve only ever bought off-the-peg curtains before, so buying made-to-measure curtains was new territory for me. I felt quite overwhelmed at the prospect of it.
Thankfully, the process was really, really straightforward.
So much so, I thought I’d share my experiences here, as it might help someone else.
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Introducing Couture Living
I stumbled across Couture Living, earlier this year. They’re an online window-dressing company and made the entire process of choosing made to measure curtains such a breeze. In fact, I’ve had a much trickier time buying curtains to go in the past!
My experience of curtain buying generally goes a little like this:
See curtains in a shop. Buy them (thinking I’m getting a bargain). Get them home then realise they’re too long/short/not wide enough. Spend a fortune getting them professionally adjusted — or spend time and money having to alter them myself, at home.
The end.
I’ve never had bespoke curtains before, and — I must say — the process is so much easier.
Couture Living have a range of made-to-measure options; from plain curtains to ones with borders. From voiles to custom fit blinds. So, if you’re feeling particularly fancy, you can even have a matching blind/curtain combo.
How does it work?
Simply measure your windows, choose your fabric and let them do the rest.
Their communication is second to none — I’ve been so impressed with their customer service. Even though I didn’t speak to anyone face to face, it definitely felt like I was getting a very personal service.
Plus the quality of my bespoke curtains is a billion times better than any ready-made curtains I’ve bought in the past.
Ordering Made To Meaure Curtains from Couture Living
Everything from the way the fabric samples were presented — you can order 6 samples for £6 — to the way the curtains came boxed and wrapped in tissue paper.
Everything screams quality and is executed beautifully.
I didn’t even have to use the curtain hooks I’d ordered; as our curtains came complete with hooks ready attached into the curtain header, in exactly the right place, which was a really lovely surprise and made hanging the curtains so much simpler.
I had chosen fabric from Clarke and Clarke; a beautiful painterly velvet that reminds me of a Monet painting.
It has so many colours in it, that I figured it will go with most colour schemes. Hopefully giving the curtains longevity and ensuring that I won’t tire of them quickly.
I could have gone with a neutral, pale fabric but I love how the new curtains echo the shades of the garden and bring the outside in.
And I also love how they soften the edges of the Crittall windows.
Ready Made V Made to Measure Curtains
I don’t think I’ve ever fully considered buying made to measure curtains before, purely as I’ve been put off by the notion that the process will be complicated (and time consuming). And the cost will be astronomical.
But, as it turned out, the process was way simpler than buying any ready made option.
Our bespoke curtains fit perfectly and are such beautiful quality.
Granted, the cost is significantly more than the ones you’d buy from a high street store, but the curtains are fully lined, made to measure and look every inch as though they’ve been handcrafted; rather than factory finished.
To say I’m happy with the end result would be an understatement. I’m a definite convert!
No more off-the-peg curtains for me. And no more having to lengthen/shorten/widen a shop bought curtain that I’ve bought, simply because I thought it was a bargain.
That old adage, ‘you get what you pay for’ has never been more applicable.
Although I was gifted these made to measure curtains for the purposes of styling this post, all thoughts, words and images — as ever — are entirely my own.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
