labor costs for custom curtains or drapes

14 years ago

Hi everyone,

Would people mind sharing what they paid for labor (not the fabric) for curtains and drapes?

Please include:

1. Size of window

2. Length of drapes (e.g. did you do full-length puddle on the floor, or in some rooms stop at the window sill height, etc.)

3. How installed?

4. Where you live (we live in NYC so I will adjust up for quotes from elsewhere, but please still post, b/c it is useful information!)

I am just trying to set up a budget, and would like to plan in this cost in very rough terms.

Many thanks!

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Anglophilia

6 years ago

Yes, they are usually priced per width of fabric, most drapery fabrics being approx 54" wide. One would expect a minimum of 1 1/2 widths per panel on each side of the window - perhaps two widths if there is room. This does NOT include material, lining, interning, or installation - just making the curtains.

Fabric can be very expensive. I had new curtains made for my DR about 2 years ago - used Colefax & Fowler fabric. Since I'm a designer, I paid net for it - most local designers in my area charge a minimum of twice net - some charge 3 times net. I also had valances made. Fabric, lining, interlining (English bump) and fabric for applied trim and labor to apply it, means curtains for two windows were over $5000. And that was with me buying the fabric at net. It's one very big reason why so few people use any curtains anymore, or use ready-made.

To me, a good custom curtain should last about 25-30 years, so it's worth the cost. But then I don't move every 3-5 years, and don't tire of my decor. I have two bedrooms with curtains that are almost 33 years old and still look very good. Part of the reason is that interlining - stops the light coming through and rotting the fabric.

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