The Best Custom Curtains that won’t Break the Bank
When it comes to elevating a room, nothing adds polish and softness like well-made curtains. Unfortunately, custom window treatments are not inexpensive. If you’ve ever fallen in love with a fabulous fabric only to get sticker shock at the estimate, you’re not alone. Today, I’m sharing a favorite source for custom-looking curtains that offer style, quality, and sophistication—without breaking the bank , Two Pages Curtains.
This is the bed enclosure in our primary bedroom. Nearly everything in this space came with us from our former home—except for the nightstands. While we were limited on space, we’ve never been the type to sell a house with all the furnishings included. We’ve collected pieces over time that hold meaning for us, and we enjoy incorporating them into each new home we create. You can read more about my bedroom in my post How to Achieve a Collected Look in your bedroom here.
In my former home, I had beautiful, custom drapes fabricated by my friend and colleague, Yvonne Cronin. We often collaborated on the design and style, and she was a stickler for precise measurements for a perfect fit (math is not my strong suit). Sadly, Yvonne passed away, and I lost a friend and a source I relied upon. I don’t want to spend the $$$ at this stage in my life either. My friend Kris from Driven by Decor recently shared a great source of hers, and as luck would have it, Two Pages Curtains contacted me to collaborate with them. For me, it was a great option. I have had Pottery Barn ready-made curtains in linen in my fixer upper bedroom reveal here, and in this home with pretty good luck. I did make the mistake of not ordering blackout lining in our current primary bedroom (we don’t like it that dark in our room), and to be honest, without that extra weight, they just looked cheap.
Why I Love a Custom Drapery Look
I can’t tell you how happy I am with my Two Pages Curtains.. The ones I chose are a linen blend., the Liz in light khaki, with a french pleat. Use Code ltk18 for 15% off. They will happily send you samples.The right window treatments soften a space and add a touch of elegance. Even if you choose not to close them, framing and softening your windows creates a finished look. The problem with most ready-made options is that they are often made of thin fabric, frequently skimp on quality, seldom feature pleats, and frequently have limited options for design and fabric quality. I never really reveald the “other curtains” because they weren’t quite right, but you can view what little I revealed in my post How to Achieve a Collected Look in your Bedroom here.
What to Look for in Affordable “Custom” Curtains
I am using the term custom loosely because there is nothing like tailor-made curtains in a beautiful designer fabric. Look for quality materials and customization options. Check the fabric quality and drape. Are they lined? Do they offer custom length and width options? Ensure the panels are wide enough. They should be at least 1 1/2 times the width of the window. Are different lining options available (light control, blackout, thermal, and or cotton)? Do they offer a variety of curtain designs, floral curtains, premium fabrics, and solid fabrics for a fraction of the price you would pay for truly custom window coverings.
Tips for Making Affordable Curtains Look Luxe
Interior designers recommend hanging your window coverings “wide and tall” for the best overall look, especially if you have low ceilings. My professional curtain hanger (Steve) did not want “new holes” in the wall, so I hung mine where the old ones were. I probably would have gone higher, but I didn’t want to irritate my free laborer (who no longer has the patience for my demands, ha ha). If I didn’t have french doors, I would have also hung the wood shades right at the level of the rods. That is my preference for a cleaner look. Pinch pleats add a luxe look. Add interesting curtain rods ( I like these from Pottery Barn) and, perhaps, oman shades (as I did) for added texture.
At my stage of life (this will likely be our last home), I am not interested in purchasing extremely expensive draperies or bold patterns that I will soon tire of. Simple white linen or off white window curtains are a good option for me. Two Pages does offer many colors, patterns and textures. We will likely sell this home within the next ten years or sooner. Beautiful window treatments don’t have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity and a few well-chosen sources, you can achieve that custom look without blowing your budget. Whether you’re layering linen panels with shades, adding a simple pleat, or just hanging them a little higher and wider, ( I like to have atabout 12″ width beyond the frame). The right curtains can completely transform your space.
Shop My Curtains and Bedroom
As always thank you so much for being here. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the community we have created here. You all inspire me every single day. If you are thinking about purchasing new draperies I hope you enjoyed The Best Custom Curtains that won’t Break the Bank. These Two Pages Linen Pleated Curtains (Code ltk18) are a great option if you want a great look and don’t want to spend a fortune. I am super happy with mine.
I trust your opinion about the 2page draperies but how did you handle the measuring? I ‘ve had problems with that, once my fault and once the company’s.
I enjoy your blog and your perspective on not spending a fortune on things.
Donna
Hi Donna
I already had my rods up, and my husband is a retired contractor. They were extremely helpful with the measurements, had I needed them. They also just upped the discount to ltk22 or shopmy22 for a 22% discount.
We have been looking for small bedside chests for years to accompany our king size bed and have also found that many looked dwarfed! Would you mind sharing which ones you purchased from Wisteria? I love how yours look-not too meek in the space!
Thank you! I always love your posts and style!
Sue
Beautiful job. Really softens the room.
Hi Mary Ann
The other draperies were just too flimsy! These are so much better!!
Cindy! Your draperies look amazing! They look so well-made and expensive!
Hi Annie
I am really thrilled with my drapes!
Cindy, I have been curious about Two Page Curtains as I still have sticker shock from the customer curtains we installed in the dining room last year.
I still have another room to go so I may try Two Pages, THANK YOU for your always honest opinion.
Cindy, I truly respect your opinion and am so glad to see you using these drapes. I have been eyeing them for a while and even ordered some samples. Which lining did you use?
I don’t know what we were thinking, but in January 2024, at 69-years old, we purchased a neglected home with a neglected yard. It has been a lot of work, but we have finally turned the corner and are ready to work on furnishings. Like you, we are emotionally attached to our furniture and luckily almost everything worked in our new home. (Except for my mother’s piano, which caused quite a ruckus with the kids, but it worked out. 🙂 We need to buy a few pieces, but I’m getting there. I also need new drapes for our dining room/den, which has a wall of windows (over 30′). These drapes are the only thing that makes sense for us at this point in our life. All of this is to say, I feel very comfortable ordering these after reading this post. It might be next year before I’m able to order them, but you have definitely helped me make up my mind.
I know this is long, but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I live in south Louisiana and our “southern” style is very different from your “west coast” style, including fashion, gardening and interiors. But you are so good at explaining your choices. I have been able to incorporate your choices into my lifestyle because of your fantastic photographs and explanations. And you are very true to your style. I know if you show something on your blog, it is because it is truly your style. And I appreciate that. Thank you!
Hi Dena
My friend Kris recommended them from Driven by Decor, whom I completely trust. I am very picky…I admit it. When Two Pages contacted me I was like yippee! I will try them and if they are awful I will give them to someone. They are really nice. My husband when he was hanging them commented, wow these are really nice. As I said I always had mine custom made before. These are the next best thing if you don’t want to break the bank.
Love Pottery Barn. Your curtains are beautiful.
Hi Rosemary
The Two Pages Curtains are wonderful and I love my Pottery Barn rug and my curtain rods!!
I love my Two Pages Curtains. I added a trim on the edge. I did have to move the first pleat but it was very .
Hi Cathy
I really love the Two Pages curtains. I hope to get some for my guest bedroom as well.
I have been eying these for a while ! Thank you for this post. Are the Pottery Barn curtain rods what you have personally used ? I like your idea of hanging the shades at the same level as the rods.
Beautiful bedroom, thank you,
Michelle
Hi Michele
Yes I have used the Pottery Barn curtain rods in this house, the fixer upper, and my Chualar home in the bedrooms. I have had great luck with them and I LOVE these curtains. I hope to order them for my guest bedroom as well.
I am in the middle of this whole thing! Great minds again!
This time getting drapes for a tiny guest room and cornice boards for Whitten’s room. I am using COM fabric and patterns, and I am lucky to have the same workroom that we used at the shop.
This will not be our last home and I will probably need more simple drapes in the future, so THANK YOU for this resource!! ❤️
Hi Gray
I think you will love Two Pages. I love mine!!