Are You Shopping for Curtains On A Bay Window? 

How does the size of your curtains affect the price!

I'm sure you understand that bigger things tend to cost more than smaller things. Unless you're shopping for diamond rings 😁

The price for the making of your made to measure curtains is mostly decided by the width you need for curtains on a bay window. As a general rule of thumb curtain fabrics are made about 137cm wide. This means if a pair of curtains are going to fit  a typical bay properly. Then you will have between 5 to 6 widths of fabric in your curtains.

That will give you between 2.5 to 3 widths of fabric in each curtain. So what I hear you say!

It matters because the curtain making cost is determined by the number of widths of fabric. So more widths equals more money.  You will pay somewhere from £20 to £50 per width for making.  The price will be determined by the curtain heading style. The area of the country you live in. Then finally who will be making your curtains.

You can't get away from this cost. If your curtain budget is being busted. Then choose a curtain heading style that takes less fabric width. Also, shop around to get the best price without compromising on the quality and service.

How does the curtain heading style affect the price!

The more time consuming the curtain heading style the more it is going to cost. I'm sure that doesn't come as any surprise. But I'm sure you're saying but how do I know which style costs more, or less?

Firstly, let's weed out the curtain heading styles you won't be using. Don't go with Eyelet, Tabs, Rod pocket.
They just won't work on your typical bay window. 

I'm sure you are thinking "hang on I have seen eyelet curtains on a bay pole"! 

You may have but I can assure you these have been carefully stage managed.  Usually only on a 3 sided bay window. Also, with sloping sides (splay bay) and NO steep angles. Almost never with returns out of the bay.

Then the curtains selected are also very light. Finally, when closing them (if watching the video) the person doing so is very careful when moving the curtains. I'm sure they had to do several shoots before they got it to look good.

If you have ever had a bay pole with curtains. then I'm sure you know exactly what the problems are with this kind of curtain hanging system. Also, that's probably why you're on this website looking for a better alternative😂 

These curtain heading styles will work well for curtains on a bay window. 

3 inch pencil pleat

6 Inch Pencil Pleat

Double Pinch Pleat

Triple Pinch Pleat

In order of cost from the lowest on the left to the highest on the right. Regular 3 inch pencil pleat, then 5 inch pencil pleat, then double pinch pleat. finally, triple pinch pleat.

The pencil pleat headings also take less widths of fabric. The pinch pleat heading usually take more fabric widths. As a rough rule of thumb for each curtain. If you need 2.5 widths of fabric with a pencil pleat heading. Then you will need 3 widths of fabric for a pinch pleat curtains on a bay window. Double that for the pair.

How much does the curtain fabric chosen affect the price!

When it comes to curtains on a bay window. This is the bit of the curtain making equation that makes the biggest price difference. What fabric you buy and where you buy it makes all the difference between a reasonable price for a pair of curtains. All the way up to needing a second mortgage 😒

Long and wide blackout curtains

In order from the cheapest curtain fabrics up to the most expensive. If you can either make your own curtains. Or maybe know a local curtain maker. then this first option could very well be your lowest cost option.

Fabric barn/Mill/warehouse: These kinds of outlet sell the lowest priced fabrics in general. They tend to stock ends of rolls, end of lines that have been bought up cheap.

Also, some fabric companies end up being stuck with poor selling lines/designs/colours. So rather than discount then to their own customers. Which could have the effect of undermining their brand. They sell on to trade bulk buyers.

Just be aware that a bargain is not always a bargain. With these kinds of outlet you need to check the fabric before buying. I know it can be a tedious thing when ordering a lot of metres of fabric. Some of the fabrics these places sell have been sold in bulk because there has problem with the manufacture. Such  as shading issues, weaving issues. Or just to many faults. 

If buying online then get an email commitment as to the quality of the fabric. Assuming they don't have it clearly marked on the website. Cheap is expensive when you don't get what you paid for! 

Online discount curtain makers: Be careful before placing your order online. It can sometimes be like the wild west. If you order made to measure curtains. you want them to be "made to measure". So check the companies terms and conditions for making tolerances.

Most will tell you what they consider as an acceptable margin for making. That is how close to your stated sizes.  The actual finished curtains will be made. Within this tolerance is deemed acceptable and not cause for you to reject the order. Look for +/- 1cm on the drop (length).  

Also, check the curtain companies reviews. Even better check for chat in forums such as mumsnet.com

Having said all that most curtain companies are good businesses and will treat you properly. So just do your due diligence before you place an order. Shopping carefully, you can get a great price for your curtains.

Local Curtain/Interiors shops: These can be from the likes of John Lewis (more pricey) to Dunelm (more middle priced).  Then your local independent store could be worth a look. Your area will determine the level of pricing.

Live in an affluent area but want a bargain. Then research out of area and travel! 

Live in a less affluent area but want expensive curtains. Then seek professional help quickly 😂

Local independent Interior designers: This might be worth exploring if you're looking for more than just curtains on a bay window. Maybe you want new furniture and flooring. Maybe also decorating at the same time.

Most designers will have their own curtain maker they use for most projects. They will also have contacts for other trades such as decorators. So, it won't be the cheapest option. However, you could end up saving money on the overall project as they often will be able to work with your budget. While taking most of the stress out of managing it all yourself. You will know what I mean if you have ever tried to find a plumber or electrician 😊

So it might be more productive for you to do your job. Then get someone else who knows all the people needed.
They often can negotiate discounts with suppliers being a regular customer. They will also know reliable trades. 

Most designers offer an initial meeting for no cost. Then only charge if you go ahead. So you can give them an idea of what you're planning. They can give you an idea of the budget. Then you will know if it is going to work for you or not.

How much does the curtain lining affect the price!

There are savings to be had when choosing your curtain linings. However, I would choose the correct curtain ling fabric for your curtains. Rather than going with the cheapest and your curtains not looking, performing ot hanging right.

I personally like to put blackout/thermal linings in all my curtains. Especially curtains on a bay window. It gives them more "body" and makes them look and feel more substantial. While also blocking light and insulating your room. Keeping more heat in or out depending on the season.

Most blackout curtain linings fall in the middle price bracket when it comes to lining fabrics. If you're buying the curtain lining fabric yourself. Then expect to pay somewhere between £3.99 to £8.99 per metre.

When it comes to hanging curtains on a bay window you can't go wrong with our custom made bay tracks!

Regular bay track with overlapping tracks

We have found over many years that our customers have put up with DIY bay tracks and poles. They were never great products in the first place. Certainly not good enough for large blackout lined curtains on bay windows with multiple bends. However, it's not really their fault.

At the time they just didn't realise there were much better and affordable options out there. 

You will be surprised how affordable our bay window tracks are. Especially when compared to other places. Also, factoring in that we actually make them. So we know what we are doing and can advice you on the best option for your bay. 

Plus your curtains will glide around your bay window with ease for many times longer than the DIY options.

Your new made to measure blackout bay window curtains will thank you for hanging from a top quality curtain track. Your curtains will last much long and look so much better for not having to drag them across your bay window.

A bay window, with its multiple angles and curves, needs a custom-made, precision-engineered curtain track. Here, made-to-measure really makes a big difference, ensuring smooth movement. We excel in providing these high-quality, tailor-made tracks. So you can have perfect hanging blackout curtains for bay windows.