Shop for Custom Made Curtains

Introduction

When shopping for curtains, there are a lot of intricate details to consider such as fabrics, linings, headings and rods.

Window Workshop started as a small, boutique curtain workroom in Armadale, Melbourne back in 1972. Over the years we have grown, and our retail showroom showcases a huge variety of fabrics and full scale curtain displays. These inspiring 3.2mt high displays show you how a fabric will hang, what different headings looks like and the different styles of rods available. Understanding and making beautiful custom made curtains is what we have always done, and it still is the core of what we do. We believe you do it once and do it properly.

Buying curtains is quite an investment, so it is important to have the best advice and expertise to help you find the most suitable solution for your windows. We often sketch the window and curtains to scale so that our clients can see what the curtains will look like on their windows.
You should make sure that the company you choose to do the job meet these important criteria as it will affect the end result;

• Experienced and knowledgeable.

• Visit onsite to measure and view the room(s).

• Able to meet your practical and aesthetic requirements.

• Offer a wide range of quality fabrics at different price points and show samples.

• Use a high quality workroom to manufacture the curtains to exact measurements and specifications.

• Take into account the location of the curtains and how the rods are best fitted to best achieve the goals whether it be heat or noise reduction or improving the aesthetics of the room.

• Use an experienced fitter to hang the curtains in your room.

Custom made curtains can be quite impactful and transform the look of a room. It can be amazing to see the difference a well thought out curtain design paired with the right fabric and rod can do for a room. This guide is designed to help educate those wanting to know more about what to look for when buying curtains as well as provide lots of curtain inspiration.

Types of Curtains  

 SHEER CURTAINS  

Sheer curtains are a popular choice as they soften the look of a room with a lighter, less bulky feel than blockout lined curtains. You can see through them, they offer daytime privacy and glare reduction. We love to layer them over shutters, blockout roller blinds or roman blinds to add visual interest and softness. Sheer curtains offer a more contemporary look than blockout lined curtains.

 TRANSLUCENT CURTAINS  

Translucent means light will pass through the curtain fabric. You cannot see through it and those from the outside cannot see you. Therefore, they offer both daytime and night time privacy in one curtain. It also lets light come into the room when the curtains are closed during the daytime. An unlined, solid fabric is usually used but you can also get the effect of translucent curtains by cotton lining a sheer or using a semi sheer fabric.

BLOCKOUT LINED CURTAINS  

This is the most traditional type of curtain where the main fabric is solid and a blockout lining is sewn onto the back of the curtain. It gives night time privacy and the most insulation of the 4 types of curtains. As the curtain is thicker than a sheer curtain, it is preferable to take the curtains past the window so that you are maximizing how much light comes into the room. You can use a coated fabric which is a fabric with the lining fused to the back of it (one layer), which is cost effective, but usually these fabrics are quite stiff and don’t drape well.

LINING CURTAINS  

This is one layer of lining made as a curtain. These are perfect behind sheer curtains as they offer good insulation and with less bulk than blockout lined curtains. They also offer better blockout behind a sheer curtain than a blockout roller blind and wont bang against a window if the window is open, causing a sleepless night. There are coloured linings available that have a soft handle and stack back better than a traditional 3 pass (blockout) lining. We like to select the best colour to complement the sheer fabric in front of it, as it will affect the colour of the sheer.

CURTAIN HEADINGS

The heading is the top of the curtain. Each different heading has something different to offer. Some more contemporary and others more traditional. Some fabrics will be more suitable to one heading style. The fabric below the heading falls differently with each heading style.

The most popular curtain headings are:

S-fold (Wave fold)

This is one of the most popular headings, as it is simple and contemporary. Some rods or tracks come with their own s-fold tape that you must use with that particular rod or track. They come in either a stud tape or hook format. This type of s-fold can be quite structured looking. That is why we use a French s-fold tape, along with other reasons. The tape is clear which is a less visible colour than the white. It is a soft tape, so it gives curtains a softer, more relaxed look. We can use almost any fullness unlike the stud tape, as the tape can be let out or gathered in as we please. Most importantly we can use it on all decorative rods.

Flat panel / 1 tape not gathered

This heading has one row of clear or white tape with gather hooks at intervals, but we don’t gather in the curtain. It can simulate the look of the s-fold depending on the fullness you use. You just need to be mindful that it requires more work than the s-fold to get the curtain to sit evenly. It can also be used so that the curtain sits completely flat. This heading is a good choice if you want less than double fullness (ie. 1.5 x or 1.75 x fullness) and it is a less expensive option than the s-fold. Clear tape will give a more structured look, whereas if you use the white tape with larger spaces between the hooks, you will get a more relaxed, floppy feel.  

Hand sewn hooks

This is a soft, organic heading where the hooks are sewn directly into the fabric. As no tape is used the curtain has a more relaxed look than the s-fold. The wider the hooks are spaced apart, the more the curtain heading droops. This particular heading is delicate and better used on curtains that aren’t going to be opened and closed often.

Cylinder (cartridge) pleat

This is like a goblet pleat, but not stitched at the bottom of the pleat. The cylinder runs into the curtain seamlessly, so if offers a simple yet tailored look. You can vary the diameter of the cylinder. We love a large cylinder for a more contemporary look.  

Top pinch pleat  

This is a variation on the French pleat, but it is pinched at the top of the pleat instead of the bottom of the pleat. It can be either a double or triple pinch pleat. It gives a more contemporary look than the French pleat, but still very tailored. We love the soft top pinch pleat which has no stiffening tape, for a less structured feel.

Other types of curtain heading styles

Listed below are other types of curtain heading styles. Click here to learn more about curtain headings.

• Scandi

• Goblet Pleat

• French Pleat (Traditional pinch pleat)

• Gathered

• Pencil Pleat

• Inverted box pleat

• Eyelet

• Rod Pocket

CURTAIN RODS  

Curtain rods are a large visual part of a curtain. They anchor the curtain, giving it strength and substance and can transform the look of a room. Curtain rods are a lot more attractive than basic curtain tracks. Finials are on each end of the rod to stop the rings or glides from coming off the ends and finish off the look of the rod. The finials can either be simple end caps or quite decorative and add personality and interest to the curtain.

It is really important to carefully consider where the curtain rod is mounted. You can achieve a lot of height by taking the curtain rod above the architrave. Most people are happy with a minimum of 200mm above the window opening, but it is not uncommon to go a lot higher. It is all about achieving a balance that is in proportion with your windows. By taking the curtain rod past the window opening either side, this can make the window appear wider.

Curtain rods are generally only hand drawn. Some styles can be bent or curved to accommodate bay or corner windows.

Glide rods (tube slider rods)  

These are the most popular choice of curtain rods. The curtain sits under the rod on glides that go under the brackets, therefore you can have as many brackets as required to support the weight of the curtain. This is a significant plus in comparison to rods and rings, which only allow you to have 2 or 3 brackets. It is easier to open and close curtains on glide rods, than curtains on rods and rings. The rods can be single or double and there are different brackets and rings available. Click here to learn more about Glide Rods.

Rods and rings  

These are generally more decorative than glide rods and come in a range of diameters and are made of interesting materials and finishes. For example antique brass rods and rings are beautiful, and the brass will patina subtly over time, making it even more interesting. There are timber rods and rings that can be painted, stained, or have a gilded finish. Wrought iron is another material used for curtain rods and rings. Click here to learn more about curtain rods and rings.

CURTAIN TRACKS

Tracks are less decorative than rods, but can have some practical advantages. They can be cord drawn or motorised making them easier to open and close. They have overlap arms which gives more coverage from light. The curtain can either sit under the track or have a deep heading and cover the track (when the curtain is closed, making the room darker).  The track can be either face fixed (to the wall or architrave), or top fixed (under the ceiling or pelmet).

Listed below are a variety of different curtain tracks. Click here to learn more about curtain tracks.

• Standard Tracks

• Mini Glide Tracks

• Concealed Tracks

• Motorised Tracks

Dim out

This is a great choice if you need to have a very specific colour of lining that is not found in the 3 pass linings available. It may be that the lining needs to exactly match the sheer fabric in front of it or you need to see a particular colour from the outside. Most block out linings have a white or ivory backing, and you may not want to see this from the outside. It is really important to note that dim out is not 100% block out. Even if the lining manufacturer states 95% block out, you would be surprised how much light comes through. They certainly are more block out with the darker colours ie black. We recommend you light a torch under the lining sample to see how much light comes through first.

Cotton (translucent)

This lining is translucent and does not offer insulation like a 1 or 3 pass lining. As light passes through the curtain you need to be mindful that it changes the colour of the main curtain fabric. It will have a yellow ‘glow’. It is a good lining to use if you have a very thick main fabric and want the curtain less bulky, or you are using interlining.

Interlining (bumph)

This is a middle layer used in between the main curtain fabric and the backing lining. Interlining adds a beautiful, luxurious finish to curtains. It is also excellent for insulation in summer and winter. It is usually standard to have bumph when using lightweight fabrics like silk. If you want to take your curtains to the next level, bumph is recommended.

FABRICS

After deciding what type of curtain you would like (sheer, translucent or blockout), the next decision is what fabric will suit your room and decor best. Would you like a plain or a pattern, some sheen or a natural/organic feel, a modern or a traditional feel? There are so many wonderful fabrics available from all over the world. Communicating your aesthetic needs to your designer is important so that they present you with fabrics that suit the brief. It is always helpful if you start collecting images of styles you like. You could start a Pinterest page or screenshot images of curtains or rooms you like.

Longevity from the fabric selection is important as you don’t want to be replacing the curtains in a few years, just because you don’t like the design anymore. If you are looking at a patterned fabric, seeing it in a large piece or an image of the design made into a curtain can be really helpful. Lighter coloured fabrics can be a safer choice and make a room feel larger. Darker colours will make a room look smaller, but they will add a moody, rich atmosphere.

There will be practical considerations as well, such as what aspect the window faces. The west sun can be very harsh, so a silk sheer fabric would not be recommended as it will fade and deteriorate over time. Natural fibers generally fade more than polyester for example. Some fabrics have had lightfastness tests done on them which are helpful when deciding if a fabric is right for you and last the test of time.

Sustainable Fabrics

If you want to consider the environment, and make a sustainable fabric choice, here are some fibers to consider:

• Linen -Sustainable as it requires no additional water during its growth period, and little or no chemicals, so no impact on the environment.
  Organic Cotton - Easy to grow. Uses no herbicides or pesticides (unlike natural cotton).

• Bamboo - The plant grows quickly, doesn’t require pesticides, and releases a lot of oxygen. It is also biodegradable if it’s not chemically treated.

• Hemp - It grows quickly and uses little water and requires no pesticides or herbicides. It also is grown on less land than cotton and returns nutrients back into the soil. Its also biodegradable.

• Eucalyptus (Lyocell, Tencel, Modal)- This is a fast growing fibre.

• Wool - Is natural, renewable and biodegradable. It is thermo regulating and one of the most reused and recycled fibres on the planet. Also, it’s great to support our Aussie farmers.

• Recycled fabrics -Some fabrics are made from offcuts from the fashion industry, others made from recycled PVC. Some fabric manufacturers are releasing some amazing, recycled fabrics.

Some fabric suppliers are committed to working closely with communities, so a proportion of their funds goes back to supporting local communities.

Australian Made Fabrics

Whilst there are not a lot of fabrics for curtains made in Australia, they do exist. There are also some clever textile designers printing fabrics in Australia. You get to select the cloth, the design and the colour of the inks used to print on the cloth. We have sourced a range of Australian made fabrics in our showroom.

Acoustic fabrics

If you have noisy neighbors or have a bedroom that faces a busy road, having curtains made from acoustic fabric will make quite a difference. These fabrics have been specifically designed to absorb sound. Acoustic fabrics are also excellent for thermal insulation. You may also be surprised that there are sheer acoustic fabrics on the market.

Questions to ask when selecting curtain fabrics:

How will the fabric hang?
Some weaves will have a soft, fluid fall and others will want to billow out. Seeing a large piece of fabric is helpful if you are unsure.

What direction will the fabric run (will it be used continuously or by the drop)?
Will the stripe be horizontal or vertical? Some fabrics (like pleated fabrics) have to be used as per the manufacturer’s instructions for the pleat to fall nicely and be covered by a warranty.

Is the fabric likely to shrink?
Some fibres such as silk and acetate can shrink a lot. Most fabric manufacturers stipulate a 3% movement rate. This can be quite a lot when you do the maths. Curtains can be lengthened, but you have to be careful the curtains are completely clean as they often collect dirt at the base which will show.

Is the fabric likely to drop?
Open weave fabrics have been really popular the last few years and due to the gaps in the weave, they can drop a lot. This needs to be factored into the final measurements by the designer when writing the curtain order. Curtains can be shortened but this can be a very expensive exercise. Also moving the rod or track highter or lower can be problematic as there may not be the space to go higher or lower, and if the walls are brick having more screw holes next to one another can deteriorate the brickwork.

Will the fabric crease?
Creasing is more likely to be apparent with natural fibers such as linen or cotton. It is part of the natural charm of these fabrics and they will have a casual, relaxed drape. Curtains have to be folded for transportation and can be steamed on site to help eliminate the obvious fold line creases. By blending other fibres such as polyester or viscose with linen and cotton you will see less creasing.

Cleaning?
It is always a good idea to look at the cleaning instructions which are on the back of the fabric swatch. If you are selecting a light coloured sheer fabric, it will show dust and dirt more than a darker colour and need to be cleaned more regularly. There are a lot of washable fabrics available.

TIEBACKS

Tiebacks can have both practical and aesthetic benefits to your curtains. They pull the curtains further off the window, which can let more light into the room. They also add a decorative element to the curtains. Think of them as jewellery for your curtains. You may think of tiebacks as being very traditional, but some trimmings suppliers have completely reimagined them, and have created some very contemporary designs.

One thing to be mindful of is that the tieback will crease a section of the curtain, which will be more noticeable if your curtain fabric is made of a natural fibre such as linen.
The tieback length is critical to suit how much fabric is in your curtains. Some styles are adjustable.
Most of the tieback styles require a tieback hook that is fitted to the wall or architrave to secure them to.

The different styles of tiebacks are:

• Tassel tiebacks - Generally these are the most traditional and decorative. Some are very elaborate and made of luxurious fibres such as silk.

• Rope tiebacks - A simpler version of the tassel tieback, without the tassel.

• Magnetic tiebacks - We love these so much. The best part is they don’t need a tieback hook to attach them. The magnet inside holds them together between the curtains.

• Metal holdbacks - Some rod suppliers make a metal tieback to match the colour of the rod and design of the finial on the rod. Some designs fold down against the wall when the curtain is not in use.

• Fabric tiebacks - Often made of the same fabric as the curtain, these are traditionally curved and padded with dacron and may be piped. A more contemporary way of making them is to make them narrow and without the padding. One plus is that they can be made to any length to suit the thickness of your curtains.

Some of our favorite tassel suppliers’ websites to look at for tieback inspiration are: Samuel and Sons, Houles and Fabricut.

TRIMMINGS

It’s all in the details. Adding a trimming to a curtain takes a simple curtain to the next level, adding visual interest. The trimming can be very simple and subtle or quite a statement. The trimming can be added to the top, bottom, middle or sides of a curtain. There are so many inspiring trims on the market, so it’s worth exploring them.

Contrast fabric bands

Made of a contrasting colour to the main curtain, a contrast band is a simple and reasonably cost-effective method of adding interest to your curtains. Contrast bands are particularly useful when you have a long curtain drop and are using a sheer fabric that is not wide enough for your drop (as some sheer fabric have to be used railroaded - meaning on its side). Contrast bands on the leading edges are also a good way of protecting the face of the curtains from fading. Selecting a fabric for the contrast band with some body to it is important. A lightweight, shiny fabric for example can move around and be very hard for the workroom to sew.

Flat trims/braids

These are often embroidered designs and look fabulous when sewn onto the leading edges of a curtain, adding interest as well as accentuating the height of the curtain.
They also are very effective when used horizontally. Eg. with a curtain that has a contrast band of fabric at the base of the curtain. The band is sewn in between the main curtain fabric and the contrast band fabric, acting as a connecting point.

Tassel trimmings

These will generally give a more traditional feel to your curtains. Think French chateau. They work best when coupled with a tieback as the tassel hangs best when on a 45 degree angle.

Buttons

Buttons can be made in your choice of fabric in various sizes or you can use buttons designed for clothing. A button sewn to the bottom of a goblet or french pleat is a way of adding a little detail to the curtain heading.

Centre opening or one way draw

This refers to how the curtains will open and close. Centre opening means half the fabric will stack to the left and the other half to the right when you open the curtains. One way draw is when the whole curtain stacks off to one side only. If the curtain rod or track can be taken past the window with roughly equal amounts both sides, then centre opening is the natural choice. If the window is close to a wall or another window and you can only take the curtain past the window on one side, one way draw is a better option.

Flick sticks

As most curtain rods are not cord drawn and you may not want to touch the curtains as you are worried they may get dirty, flick sticks are a good choice. They are made of plastic or metal and come in various colours and lengths. Metal is stronger than the plastic, but some people prefer the plastic as its clear and less visible. If you need a flick stick longer than the standard flick stick sizes available it’s possible to have them made out of the curtain fabric.

Fullness

Most curtain headings require a set amount of fullness for the curtains to hang well. Generally 2-2.5 x fullness is the average fullness, and we don’t suggest going under this fullness with most heading styles as the pleats don’t sit well. But there are some headings such as the 1 tape not gathered or scandi heading you can have less fullness. Lining curtains can also have less fullness as they are sitting behind a sheer curtain. When deciding on the best fullness to have, it is important to take the weight of the fabric into consideration. A thick fabric is better able to take a little less fullness than a thin fabric. Also the size of the window is a factor. For example, a very large window can take a little less fullness as it will have a lot of fabric in the curtain to feel full. Whereas a small window can need extra fabric to look full. Also tall windows need a little more fullness to look fuller than shorter windows.

Where to mount the rod/track

Taking the rod or track above the window gives the illusion of having higher windows and a higher ceiling, along with a greater sense of presence. It also can block out more light. There is no set rule about how high to take the rod and it depends on how much space is available above the window. I find most people happy with a minimum of 200mm above the window. There are cases where we go 500mm above the window or under the ceiling or cornice. It is all about getting a sense of good proportion. By taking the rod or track past the window it will give the illusion of the window being wider. It also takes the curtains off the window to let in maximum light. For maximum energy saving efficiency lined curtains need to be fitted as close to the window as possible.

How to get the darkest room

This is a question we are often asked. For the darkest effect, we recommend a curtain on a track as the track has overlaps and returns, then a pelmet over the top to stop any light from coming in at the top or sides. Not everyone wants a pelmet or has a built in pelmet, so then we recommend a curtain on a track, mounted under the ceiling. Different heading styles and heights also affect how dark the room will be. A curtain heading such as a pinch pleat lets in less light than an s-fold for example. Mounting a rod or track above the window as much as possible and having the curtains drape on the floor will help to create a darker room.

Overlaps and returns

An overlap is where the fabric meets in the middle of a centre opening curtain, and overlaps the main curtain to give a darker room. Generally rods won’t have overlaps, only tracks do. The returns are the sides of the curtain that return back to the wall which create a darker room as well as give a more finished look. Deep returns are a must for double rods to stop you from seeing the back curtain. Returns on a curtain will also add to the curtain’s thermal qualities.

Hand sewn hems

Fabrics such as velvet and silk (and silk look fabrics) have a much neater finish when the hems are sewn by hand, so that you don’t see the machine stitching.

What will the curtains look like from the outside

This is a factor to take into consideration as some people want the curtains to blend in with colour of the house. Some apartments have a clause in the contact stating the curtains must be a certain colour from the outside for uniformity across all apartments. Most blockout linings are white or ivory from the outside, so if you want another colour you can have a coloured dim out lining.