7 Custom Curtain Facts Most Homeowners Don’t Know (But Should)

When shopping for custom curtains, most people focus on fabric color and style — but there’s much more behind beautifully designed window treatments than meets the eye.

From installation tricks to fabric performance, these lesser-known curtain facts can make a huge difference in how your space looks, feels, and functions.

Here are seven important (and surprisingly useful) things every homeowner should know before hanging new custom curtains.

1. Wrinkles on New Curtains Are Normal — and Easy to Fix

If your custom curtains arrive with visible creases, don’t panic. This doesn’t mean poor quality.

During packaging and shipping, curtains are folded tightly to protect them, which naturally creates temporary wrinkles — even on high-end fabrics.

The best solution?
Use a handheld steamer or simply hang the curtains for a few days to let gravity relax the fibers. Steam is quick, safe, and restores that smooth, elegant drape almost instantly.

2. Blackout Lining Does More Than Block Light

Many people think blackout lining is only for bedrooms — but it actually offers several hidden benefits:

• Helps regulate indoor temperature by blocking heat in summer and retaining warmth in winter
• Reduces outside noise
• Protects curtain fabric from sun fading
• Adds fullness and structure for a more luxurious look

In short, blackout lining improves comfort, energy efficiency, and longevity — not just darkness.

3. Don’t Wash Custom Curtains Before Hanging Them

It may seem logical to wash new curtains right away, but with custom-made pieces, it’s better not to.

Pre-washing can:

• Cause slight shrinkage
• Distort carefully crafted pleats and folds
• Affect the curtain’s final length and fit

Most designers recommend hanging curtains first, letting them settle naturally, and cleaning only when necessary.

4. Hanging Curtains Higher Makes Your Room Look Taller

Here’s a designer trick many homeowners don’t know:

Installing curtain rods close to the ceiling — rather than right above the window frame — visually stretches the height of the room.

For best results:
- Mount rods about 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) above the window

This simple adjustment makes ceilings feel higher and windows appear larger, creating a more spacious, elegant look.

5. Fabric Fullness Matters More Than Fabric Price

One of the biggest differences between custom curtains and ready-made ones is fullness (also called pleat ratio).

• 1.5x fullness = flatter, more casual look
• 2x fullness = classic, tailored elegance
• 2.5x fullness = rich, hotel-style luxury

Even a beautiful fabric can look cheap if it’s under-filled. Proper fullness creates soft waves, better light control, and a premium finish.

6. Custom Curtains Can Help Lower Energy Bills

Well-designed curtains are more than decoration — they act as insulation for your windows.

Thicker fabrics and lined curtains can:

• Reduce heat gain in summer
• Prevent heat loss in winter
• Improve overall indoor comfort

Over time, this can lead to noticeable energy savings, especially in rooms with large windows or strong sun exposure.

7. A One-Inch Length Difference Can Change the Entire Look

Curtain length plays a huge role in how polished a room feels.

Most designers recommend:

• Curtains lightly touching the floor for elegance
• Or stopping about 0.5–1 cm above the floor for practicality

Curtains that are too short instantly look unfinished, while overly pooled fabric can feel messy and collect dust.

Precision is one of the biggest advantages of custom-made window treatments.

Final Thoughts

Custom curtains aren’t just about choosing a pretty fabric — they’re about fit, function, comfort, and long-term performance.

Understanding these small but important details helps you:
✔ Get a more luxurious look
✔ Avoid common mistakes
✔ Maximize comfort and durability

At LuxDrape, every curtain is thoughtfully custom-made to your exact measurements, with premium fabrics, expert craftsmanship, and optional linings designed to enhance both style and performance.

Whether you’re looking for light-filtering elegance or full blackout comfort, our team is here to help you create window treatments that truly transform your space.