Are Custom-Made Curtains and Blinds Worth It?

Window furnishings are a significant investment for any household, so it's essential to make the right choice. While quick, budget-friendly, ready-made curtains and blinds may seem appealing, especially in the current economic climate, they might end up costing you more in the long run. As we’ll explain, choosing custom-made window furnishings offer significant advantages and long-term cost savings. One of the greatest benefits of custom window coverings is the expert guidance and support you receive throughout the process.

Expert Guidance from a Design Consultant to Help Avoid Costly Mistakes

Custom window coverings come with expert advice from a Design Consultant who guides you through the process, ensuring no costly errors are made. This provides you with a long-term, cost-effective solution that not only enhances your décor but also improves the functionality and energy efficiency of your home. We spoke with Sharlene Thompson, one of Lahood's most experienced consultants, who shared her insights on why custom curtains and blinds are truly worth the investment.

Tailored Exactly to the Way You Live

Ready-made curtains and blinds usually come in a limited number of standard sizes, which may not fit your windows perfectly or suit the functionality of your space. Custom or made-to-measure curtains and blinds are tailored to your specific requirements. Lahood’s team of Design Consultant will assess your space, functionality, and privacy requirements and make tailored recommendations. For example: bedrooms may need blackout linings, while bathrooms require durable, moisture-resistant options like shutters and living areas may suit fabrics that gently diffuse light.  Additionally, motorisation options can be discussed at this stage.

Extensive Choice to Achieve the Look you Want

Ready-made curtains and blinds can be made from lower-quality fabrics, designed to meet a specific price point, and usually offer a limited number of textures, colours, and designs. Custom-made options from Lahood offer an endless array of high-quality, durable fabrics and materials from suppliers and design houses throughout New Zealand and internationally. The extensive range of textures, colours and patterns mean you can carefully match your existing décor or create a new look or ambiance in your home if you prefer.

Options for Finishing Touches

Ready-made curtains usually come in standard options in terms of pleat styles and have to fit existing or specific types of tracks. A Design Consultant can guide you on the appropriate pleat style for the look you want - triple pleats for a full, luxuriant appearance, wave pleats for a flowing contemporary look for example. They can also advise on tracks, such as flush-fit in the ceiling or double tracks for flexibility. With blinds, you will also have flexibility on types of headboxes, facias, cords, chains, and operating options.

Precise Measuring for a Perfect, Energy-Saving Fit

With ready-made options, you need to do the measuring and then hope they fit! Poorly fitting window coverings not only detract from the décor but can also cost you money with heating escaping through gaps. Custom blinds and curtains can be fitted to any window size, and a design consultant will carefully take measurements to ensure a perfect fit. Curtains should be hung higher and wider, ideally falling to the floor to stop cold air from getting in. Quality thermal lining is also advised to retain warmth, provide privacy, and protect curtains and home furnishings from glare. Blinds should be fitted as snugly as possible within the frame if feasible.

Professional Installation and Guarantees

While ready-made curtains can be relatively easy to install if the fit and track are perfect, installing new tracks or brackets for blinds can be tricky, and are best done by professionals. Lahood’s professional installation team take the stress out of the process and ensures a flawless finish, plus all workmanship at Lahood is guaranteed for two years, giving you peace of mind.

Long-Term Savings from Custom Options

Don’t be lulled by the possible short-term savings and convenience of ready-made curtains and blinds. The advantages of custom curtains and blinds, as described above, far outweigh those of ready-made options and can ultimately save you more in the long term. The expertise and guidance provided by a Design Consultant ensures a stress-free process and a final solution that enhances your home's beauty and functionality.

Win 1 of 5 $200 Vouchers When you Book a Consultation in July

Book a free in-home design consultation with Lahood in July and stand a chance to win one of five $200 vouchers. Call 0800 Lahood, or complete an online form to arrange an in-home consult.