Custom Curtains / Blinds vs Ready-Made – Which One Wins?
Custom Curtains / Blinds vs Ready-Made –
Which One Wins in 2026?
By Ash Carrim – Interior Designer
Date Published: 24 October 2025
TL;DR: Ready-made curtains and blinds are quick and affordable, but they often fall short on fit, style, and durability in the long run.
Custom options offer better quality, perfect sizing, and full design control — making them the smarter long-term choice.
Custom options offer better quality, perfect sizing, and full design control — making them the smarter long-term choice.
Let’s Start with the Basics when comparing ready made curtains / blinds against made to measure ones
If you’re shopping for curtains or blinds, you’ve probably noticed two main options: ready-made and custom. One is off-the-shelf. The other is made specifically for your space.
So which one’s better?
Let’s break it down clearly — no fluff, no jargon. With over 30 years in the interiors space, we sure you will come to your best decision at the end of this post.
What You Get with Custom curtains / blinds?

Custom curtains and blinds are made to your exact measurements.
With ALL made to order curtains and blinds, You choose the fabric, style, lining, and hardware. Everything is built around your space and this the word CUSTOM.
Benefits:
- Exact fit — no gaps, no bunching
- Full design control — color, texture, header style, lining
- Better materials — stronger fabrics, durable tracks
- Longer lifespan — fewer replacements over time
- Improved insulation — better energy efficiency
Custom isn’t just about luxury. It’s about getting it right the first time and looking back thinking: “We made the right move”.
What You Get with Ready-Made curtains / blinds?

Ready-made curtains and blinds are pre-sized and mass-produced.
You’ll find them in home stores, online catalogs, and even supermarkets.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- Immediate availability
- Decent for temporary setups
Cons:
- Limited sizes — most windows aren’t “standard”
- Fewer design choices
- Lower-quality materials
- Shorter lifespan
They’re fine if you need something quick and fast. But they’re rarely a perfect fit — literally or visually.
Real Talk from Experience
After 30 years in this industry, I’ve seen it all.
One client had tall, narrow windows in her lounge.
She tried ready-made curtains at first — they looked okay, but didn’t block light properly and clashed with her furniture.
We measured, chose layered sheers and blockouts, and installed custom tracks.
The result? A room that felt finished. Comfortable. Cohesive.
That’s what custom curtains and blinds do.
It solves problems and elevates your space.
Fit Matters More Than You Think with custom curtains / blinds
Let’s say your window is 2.3 meters wide.
Most ready-made curtains come in 2-meter or 3-meter panels.
You’ll either have gaps or excess fabric. Neither looks great.
Custom means precision. Your curtains or blinds will fit edge to edge, top to bottom.
That improves privacy, insulation, and aesthetics.
Design Isn’t Just Decoration with custom
With ready-made, you’re stuck with what’s in stock.
Maybe you find a color that’s “close enough.” Maybe the texture doesn’t match your sofa or interior.
Maybe the header or curtain accessories style feels off.
With custom, you choose everything:
- Fabric weight and weave
- Color and pattern
- Lining type (blackout, thermal, sheer)
- Header style (eyelet, pinch pleat, wave)
- Mounting method (wall, ceiling, recess)
It’s not about being fancy. It’s about making your space feel intentional.
Quality You Can Feel with ALL made to order curtains and Blinds

Ready-made curtains often use thin polyester blends.
The stitching can be basic. The rods and tracks are lightweight.
Custom products use stronger fabrics, reinforced seams, and hardware that lasts.
You’ll notice the difference every time you open or close them.
And they hold up — year after year.
Let’s Talk Money
Yes, custom costs more upfront. But here’s what you’re really paying for:
|
Feature |
Ready-Made |
Custom |
|
Initial Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Fit |
Approximate |
Exact |
|
Design Options |
Limited |
Extensive |
|
Material Quality |
Basic |
Premium |
|
Lifespan |
1–5 years |
5–15 years |
|
Energy Efficiency |
Low |
High |
|
Property Value Impact |
Minimal |
Positive |
Custom saves money over time. It performs better. And often times than not, it looks better.
Common Scenarios where custom curtains and blinds may be the right choice
Scenario 1: Unusual Windows
Bay windows, floor-to-ceiling glass, or narrow slits? Ready-made won’t cut it. Custom handles these easily.
Winner: Custom
Scenario 2: Style-Driven Interiors
If you’ve put effort into your décor, generic curtains will stand out — and not in a good way. Custom lets you match tones, textures, and themes.
Winner: Custom
Scenario 3: Budget Setup
For short-term rentals or spare rooms, ready-made might be enough. But for main living areas, custom is worth the upgrade.
Winner: Depends — but custom adds lasting value
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do my windows need a precise fit?
- Do I care about matching my décor?
- Do I want better insulation and privacy?
- Am I tired of replacing curtains every few years?
If you answered yes to most, custom is the better choice.
Give us a call for any help deciding..
To conclude, ready-made curtains and blinds are quick and affordable.
But they often fall short on fit, style, and durability and that custom look and feel you may have wanted or seen in a magazine or advert.
Custom options offer better quality, perfect sizing, and full design control.
They last longer, perform better, and make your space feel complete.
At Sensational Interiors in the East Rand, we help homeowners create window treatments that work — and wow.
From consultation to installation of all your custom curtains and blinds, we guide you through every step.
Custom isn’t just better. It’s built for you.
About the Author
Ash is an interior curtain and blinds designer at Sensational Interiors with 30 years of experience in interior design and curtain decoration. Over the last 30 years, he has served many clients across the East of Johannesburg and surrounding areas.





