In a bespoke, one-of-a-kind home, every detail plays its part in the melody of decor. Every element, from a modest vase tucked on an end table to grand drapes puddling on the floor, becomes a carefully chosen note in the grand score of curated decor. 

In this articulately orchestrated design symphony, window curtains play a key note. When envisioned and executed right, they serve as so much more than mere functional window coverings. They frame the view, soften the light, and add a layer of privacy — all while making a stunning visual statement. 

And since you’ve found yourself here at Sewn, and not in a nondescript aisle of a superstore, you’re already one step closer to making your windows as unique as your home. But before you head on to explore our custom curtain collection, let our designers share a few insider tips to help you style your custom window drapes with flair and finesse. Let’s begin!

MORE FROM THE STORE: Custom Roman Shades | Custom Valances | Fabrics by the Yard

Textile Talk: Find Your ‘Fabtastic’ Fabric

We like to think of our fabrics as the starting point of stories. You think sunset skies — we give you elegant, gradient ombres; you dream of coastal breezes — we bring you gauzy, ethereal sheers; and if your heart beats for a quiet, pared-back space, our clean, chalky solids and fine weaves speak fluent minimal. Whatever your story, we have just the fabric to write its happy ending.

But beyond the obvious aesthetic considerations of patterns & palettes, the fabric you choose should also align with your functional goals. Keen to maximize light inflow at all times? Go for sheer fabrics or open weaves that let light flow in gently. Prefer a room that naps when you do? Look at heavier/ blackout fabric bases or lined options. If sun exposure is a concern (hello, south-facing windows), consider fade-resistant blends that bring all the good qualities of natural fibers with color-fastness. And so the list goes. 

And then there’s the matter of matching fabric to the mood of the room it calls home. For formal rooms or showpiece windows, opt for velvet or silk fabrics, or anything with a bit of weight and drama. For everyday, high-traffic zones, like kitchens, family rooms or breezy bedrooms, cotton and linen fabrics are your go-to. They drape beautifully, feel relaxed, and are easier to care for. 

Want a deeper dive with our two cents thrown in? Head over to our blog post on ‘What is the Best Fabric for Curtains & Roman Shades?’

MORE FROM THE STORE: Blackout Curtains | Velvet Drapes | Cotton Curtains

Header Hurdle: Pick Your Pleat to Serve Function & Flair

Choosing the right drapery heading style will take you halfway through the journey of selecting the right custom curtains. It’s the design equivalent of finding the right foundation for a flawless look. And while ready-made curtains stop short at a handful of headings, the beauty of going custom with Sewn is having far more choice. 

Whether you're after formal elegance with a crisp, tailored pleat, or a relaxed vibe with a casual ruffle, you will find the style that sets the stage for the rest. Pinch pleat styles, with their tailored, pre-stitched folds, cascade into a neat, structured fall, smacking of a formal vibe. While casual styles such as back tabs and tie tops bring laidback charm to windows, offering a relaxed look that's perfect for ‘easy’ spaces. 

The right heading style not only impacts the aesthetic but also determines how your curtains will hang, glide, and function. Styles that hang on grommets or rings are easier to maneuver since they glide effortlessly along the drapery pole, making them perfect for high-use drapery. For curtains that you do not intend to operate often, such as permanently drawn sheers perhaps, styles such as rod pocket tops and tab tops are well suited. 

Another factor you need to consider before finalizing your heading style is your hardware. If you are planning to hang your drapes on poles, you are at liberty to choose any of the fourteen styles on offer, as all our styles are pole-compatible. If, however, you have drapery tracks pre-installed, you’d want to opt for styles that are compatible with tracks - such as pinch pleats, flat panels, etc. 

For more information on each of the heading styles on offer, please refer to our Drapery Headings Style Guide. 

Size Suave: Measure for Perfect-Fit Curtains

Curtains that don’t quite ‘reach’ - even if by a fraction of an inch - can leave your style ‘hanging’. Well, the good news is that custom drapery lets you sidestep the oft-awkward fit of ready-made panels, ensuring your curtains fit as perfectly as they look. Whether you’re working with windows of unusual dimensions, challenging angles, or a unique style in mind, custom curtains allow you the freedom that off-the-shelf options simply can’t offer. 

For a flawless look, you’ll want to measure twice, so our seamstresses only have to cut (and sew) once. Therefore, we strongly recommend using our Drapery Measurement Guide to master the math of drapery measurements. We assure you a quick read of this and you will find yourself ready to dress any window — from a Lilliputian basement window to a grand arched beauty — with equal ease.

Lining Matters: Choose the Right Backup Singer

The lining behind your curtains is almost as important as the face fabric if you want to double up on the functional efficiency of your drapes and make them last a lifetime. From protecting the face fabric against sun-fading to aiding in light blocking, lining plays many roles. 

Our privacy lining will soften the sun glare, add weight to your drapes for a better fall, and protect the face fabric from color fading and damage from sun exposure. In addition to all these benefits, if your goal is also to darken a room significantly, our blackout lining will serve as a worthy candidate. 

For further information, please refer to our Drapery Lining Guide to read a detailed discussion on each lining type. 

Custom Curtain Couture: Personalize Your Drapery

In a world full of off-the-rack sameness, your custom drapery can be tailor-made to tell your home’s tale because no two homes (or windows in this case) are alike. With our custom curtains, choosing the right size and heading style is just half the fun. The rest lies in the finer details, as you personalize your drapes with thoughtful details, earning them a shiny badge that declares their bespoke, one-of-a-kind charm. So while you get your creative juices flowing, let us give you a headstart with some ideas:

TIE-BACKS: Use our custom tie-back options to cinch and stage your drapes in style. Curate a matchy-matchy look with tie-backs made from the same fabric or bring in another fabric to add depth and layers to your drapery arrangement.  

TRIMMINGS: Trimmings are dainty decorative details, like borders, braids, tassels, pompoms, and cords, that are sewn along the edges of your curtains to enhance their look. They can be bold or barely-there, but always ready to add that final touch of finesse. Tassels bring a classic, luxe feel. Pompoms add a playful wink. And a subtle border trim? It’s indulgent without being over the top. With over 200 trimming options to choose from, you can use them to pull your colour story together, give sheers a bit of weight for better fall, or simply add a touch of charm. After all, decorating is all about those small, satisfying details, the ones that quietly say, “This was made just for me.”

ACCESSORIES: Shop coordinating cushion covers, table runners and covers, bed runners, and other dining linens for your home to label your space as ‘custom curated’. Whether you want to repeat a bold print, carry a colour through multiple rooms, or simply create visual rhythm across textiles, these pieces help tie your home’s story together.

MORE FROM THE STORE: Drapery Trims | Curtain Tie Backs | Cushion Covers

Shop Custom Curtains & Window Drapes Online

If you’re already dreaming up your drapes and feeling the thrill of a home refresh, we get it. With our handy guides, clever tips, and a pinch of design magic, we promise you’ll land on custom drapery so stunning that even your windows will blush. So, go ahead, kickstart the fun ride at Sewn, and dive right into our 2000-strong fabric collection. Customization options will follow every step of the way, so make the chic-est picks, and well, shop away!