How Much Does It Cost to Install Curtains?

In this guide

Ready-Made vs Custom-Made Curtains Cost

One of the first decisions to make when determining the cost to install your curtains is whether you want custom-made curtains or have decided to go with a ready-made curtain option. Neither option changes the cost of the installation but affects the total cost of materials. Ready-made curtains are standard sizes designed to fit the most popular window sizes and come in several fabrics and colors. Custom-made curtains will be made to the specs of your window, with your desired fabric. Below you will see the average cost range per window based on a 42-wide single window with a moderate cost fabric, depending on whether you choose custom-made or ready-made options. Curtains are often sold in pairs, with at least two panels to complete each window.

Ready-Made

Ready-made curtains are the less expensive option, running an average of $20 to $250 per window. However, costs can run higher or lower depending on the size of the panel and fabric. Though there are many ready-made options available when it comes to colors and fabric, you may have a harder time finding the exact look you want than with custom-made curtains. It is also important to remember that ready-made curtains come in stock sizes, so they may not be a perfect fit for every window.

Custom Curtains Cost

Custom-made curtains run an average of $60 to $400 per window for materials only, with prices going up to a few thousand per panel for higher-end fabrics. While custom-made curtains are more expensive, they allow you to get the exact look you desire. You choose fabric in the type, color, and design you want. On top of that, each panel will be sized to your specific windows, ensuring the right fit.

Curtain Cost by Type of Fabric

Curtains come in many fabrics, from affordable options like nylon and acrylic to exclusive high-end alternatives, such as velvet and silk. The cost is heavily influenced by the material and whether or not the curtain material is ready-made or custom. Ready-made curtain choices run an average of $10 to $1,500 just for the materials. Custom-made curtains run an average of $30 to $4,500 per window for widths between 36 inches and 64 inches, depending on the fabric. Prices range widely because the cost of various fabrics has a large price range. The table below shows common fabric types and their average costs without installation.

Nylon

Nylon curtains usually cost between $10 and $50 per window for ready-made or $30 to $50 for custom materials. Nylon and other synthetic fabrics are typically the most affordable options. Nylon curtains offer numerous advantages despite being inexpensive. They come in many colors and styles and resist wrinkles. However, they fade in the wash and do not have the same aesthetic or tactile qualities as other materials.

Acrylic

Acrylic curtains cost from $10 to $75 for ready-made curtains to $30 to $225 per window for custom-made curtains. The price depends on the curtain size, color, and style. Like nylon, acrylic is an affordable synthetic material. Acrylic curtains can be found in many colors and patterns. However, they may not last as long as the more expensive options and do not offer the same elegant, aesthetic appeal as silk or velvet.

Polyester Curtains Price

Polyester curtains or drapes range from $10 to $75 if choosing ready-made, but you can pay from $30 to $225 for custom-made, depending on the size and style. They come in a wide range of styles, and polyester is a relatively durable material that resists wrinkles and lasts for years with regular care. Polyester curtains are a good value but lack softness and elegance compared to other materials.

Voile

Voile curtains or drapery cost between $20 and $100 on average if choosing from ready-made options. When choosing to have voile curtains custom-made, you can expect to pay an average of $60 to $300 per window. Voile is a delicate, lightweight, woven fabric, usually made from 100% cotton. It is very soft and elegant, so it is a popular option for its aesthetic appeal. However, it is not good at blocking out light, so it is not the best for private spaces like bedrooms.

Cotton

Cotton curtains average $20 to $150 per window, depending on the size and style with a ready-made product. If you choose a custom option, you can expect to pay an average per window of $60 to $450. Cotton can be used in many ways and is known for its softness and durability. Various cotton types can make curtains, so you have many options. Cotton is one of the most versatile options for curtains.

Chenille

Chenille curtains are still reasonably priced, with an average of $20 to $150 per window for ready-made and $60 to $450 for custom options. This material is known for its softness and beauty. It is usually made from cotton but can also be made with synthetic fibers. Chenille curtains come in a wide range of colors and are impressively durable, resisting wrinkling and pilling. Chenille also has quite a luxurious, elegant aesthetic, so it can be a good choice for brightly colored floor-length curtains to draw attention.

Chiffon

Chiffon curtains usually cost between $20 and $150 per window if you decide to go with a ready-made option. However, you can expect to pay an average of $60 to $450 per window when choosing custom-made. Chiffon is a very delicate, lightweight fabric, usually made from a blend of synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester. It is reasonably affordable and durable, feeling soft to the touch but lasting for years without issues when treated with care and attention. However, chiffon is not very thick, so it is not the best choice to block light.

Lace

Ready-made lace curtains cost from $20 to $300, depending on the size and style. Custom lace curtain options will run an average of $60 to $900 per window. Some simple lace sheer layers can be used as the curtain base layer and are very elegant, elaborate lace designs. The open weave nature of lace allows light to pass through easily. Lace curtains are not the best for privacy or shade, but they can be aesthetically pleasing.

Bamboo Curtain Price

Bamboo curtains usually cost between $25 and $300 per window for ready-made and $75 to $900 for custom options. Bamboo is usually used to make shades and blinds rather than traditional curtains. It is a durable and attractive material, effective at blocking out light, and provides a unique aesthetic touch. It works well in many home themes and styles.

Linen

Ready-made linen curtains range in price from $25 to $300. Custom linen curtains cost an average of $75 to $900 per window. Linen is a fabric made from the flax plant, well-known for its strength, durability, softness, and flowing appearance. Linen curtains are popular and last for many years without any issues. However, they must be handled carefully because linen wrinkles easily.

Wool

Wool curtains average $30 to $500 per window if choosing a ready-made option, or $90 to $1,500 per window when deciding to have them custom made. Wool is not a common choice for curtains, so this may restrict the options you have. However, you can find some very attractive wool and wool-blend drapes in various colors and styles. Wool is soft and gentle to the touch and can last a long time without fading or degrading. It also traps heat in the room. However, it must be cleaned and maintained with great care to avoid shrinkage.

Velvet Curtains Price

Velvet curtains can be pricier, costing between $50 and $750 with ready-made choices and $150 to $2,250 per window when having them custom designed. Velvet is considered one of the most expensive and luxurious fabrics. It blocks the light out and insulates your interior spaces, trapping heat inside during winter. It also feels very soft and has a striking appearance, bringing beauty and grace into bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces.

Silk Curtains Price

Silk curtains range from $100 to $1,500 for ready-made and $300 to $4,500 per window for custom-made. Silk is usually the most expensive material for curtains. It is well known for its unique softness and elegant shimmering appearance, adding visual appeal to interior spaces. However, silk is very delicate. It easily tears and fades over time, so silk curtains usually must be lined, handled with care, and dry cleaned regularly.

Curtain Prices by Type

Curtains are available in many types and designs. They often have different top sections or headers, with unique pinches or styles, resulting in different folds or pleats lower down the fabric. Each curtain type provides a unique look. Some are more flowing, folded, and elegant, while others are more sleek, modern, and minimalistic. Other window treatments perform similar to curtains but are more like mini-blinds or shades. These also come in different styles and fabrics, allowing them to add to the decor of the room the same way curtains would. Cost differences between types depend on whether you have chosen a ready-made or custom-made option. Ready-made types cost $20 to $250 per window, based on a 42-inch wide standard window using mid-range fabric. Custom options average between $30 and $400 for the same. The table below shows common curtain types, complete with average costs based on a 42-inch wide window.

Pencil Pleat

Pencil pleat curtains are among the least expensive options costing between $20 and $50 per window on average for ready-made and $30 to $100 for custom options. They have relatively short and shallow headers, with small pleats along the curtain’s top that grow fuller as you descend. They are one of the most affordable curtains and work well on small and large windows.

Pinch Pleat

Pinch pleat curtains range from $20 to $75 if choosing a ready-made curtain or from $30 to $150 per window when having them custom-made. They are formed in a classic, elegant style, pinched at the top to create full, distinctive pleats and a gathered look farther down the curtains. Since the pinch pleats at the top can be quite deep, these curtains look best when they are long and fitted around large windows.

Eyelet

Ready-made eyelet curtains, also called grommet curtains, cost between $30 and $100 per window. When choosing a custom option, you will find the average price between $60 and $200. They have holes and hardware built-in so that you can easily slide the curtain rod through the holes. They are easy to install and form large folds and ripples, giving them a modern look that works well in many homes.

Wave Header

Wave curtains range from $20 to $150 per window for ready-made options and $60 to $300 for custom options, depending on the size, style, and material. These modern curtains are popular at the moment, offering a sleek minimalistic look that works well in contemporary homes. They use special curtain tracks to glide along the rod and do not bunch up when opened.

Anti-Ligature

Anti-ligature blinds cost between $50 and $75 per window on average. While they are not 100% the same as fabric curtains, they function in the same way, being drawn closed and open to regulate the light into the home. They are designed with safety in mind and specially made to avoid accidents, making them popular in hospitals and care facilities. They function like other blinds and shades but separate from magnetic brackets when too much weight is applied rather than potentially causing a choking hazard.

Flat Roman

Flat Roman shades are another type of blind that functions like curtains and is often an option used in place of them. You can pay an average of $50 to $200 per window for ready-made choices or $100 to $300 for customized ones. They are one of the two main kinds of Roman shade ¹, hanging flatly against the window and made of seamless fabric panels attached to strong bars for shape and definition. These shades are modern, attractive, and work well in darker rooms.

Hobbled Shade

Hobbled Roman shades usually cost between $60 and $250 if you pick ready-made options, or an average of $125 to $400 for customized choices, depending on the size and material. They offer softer folds than flat Roman shades, drawing more attention to the windows for an elegant and airy look. They can also be referred to as soft-fold or teardrop Roman shades. While not the same thing as a traditional curtain, these shades are used for the same purpose as fabric curtain options.

Average Price of Curtains by Type of Window

Your curtain type and size choice depend on the window type. Windows come in many shapes, sizes, and styles, from little fixed windows to large bay and picture windows. Prices change based on the type of window and whether a ready-made or custom option is chosen. Ready-made options are less costly, ranging from $20 to $800, and are available in stock sizes. Custom options are close to triple the price, running an average of $30 to $2,000 per window. The table below shows common window types and the average curtain costs for those windows.

Fixed Window

Curtains for fixed windows cost $20 to $350 per window if you go with a ready-made option and an average of $30 to $600 per window if you choose a custom one. A fixed window cannot be opened. It is designed only to bring in light and provide an outside view. Fixed windows are not usually too large, so the cost to curtain these windows is usually low. Some fixed windows are unusual or less common-sized, making custom curtains the better option.

Sash Window

Sash window ² curtains range from $20 to $350 when you go with a ready-made curtain. If you decide to go with a custom option, you will pay an average of $30 to $600 per window. Sash windows are very popular and made of different panels or sashes. One or more of those panels move around to open and close the window. They vary in size, leading to the wide disparity in curtain prices for these windows.

Casement

Ready-made curtains for casement windows ³ cost between $20 and $400. For custom curtain options, you will pay an average of $30 to $650 per window. Casement windows are hinged on their frames and open fully outwards for maximum ventilation. Their sizes vary, leading to different curtain costs, depending on how big your windows are and your curtain style and type. Keep in mind that these windows will get a lot of breeze when deciding which style of curtain you want.

Egress Window

Curtains for egress windows, when choosing ready-made, run between $30 and $400, depending on the material and size. With custom options, you can pay an average range of $40 to $650. Egress windows are large because they function as emergency exits from basements and similar spaces, so they need large curtains to cover them. These types of windows are often found in basements, which means you will likely want a shorter length curtain to cover them.

Skylight

Skylight curtains or blinds cost $50 to $600 if choosing a standard ready-made size and design. Custom options are about three times higher, with an average cost of $100 to $850 per window. The price mostly depends on the material and size. Since skylights are usually positioned in ceilings or sloped walls, regular curtains will not work. They need fixed blinds or shades. Since skylight shades or blinds will be fixed in a small space, you may have to choose a custom option if your skylight is not a standard size.

Bay Window

Curtains for bay windows usually cost between $60 and $700 when you choose a ready-made curtain option or $150 to $1,500 per window for custom options. Bay windows ⁴ tend to be very large, consisting of one central panel and two side panels, so the curtains need to be equally sizable. The width of bay windows and the fact that they tend to be longer leads to higher costs than a sash or small fixed window.

Picture Window

Ready-made curtains for picture windows range from $60 to $800 on average. If you decide to go with a custom option, you will pay an average of $150 to $2,000 per window, depending on the size and style. Like bay windows, picture windows ⁵ are usually big. They are fixed and designed to allow maximum light into the room and provide a large, wide, and unobstructed view. They need long, wide curtains to cover them completely.

Average Cost of Curtains for a House by Opacity Level

The opacity level of your curtains is important to the look of your curtains, the amount of light they let in, and the cost of the materials. Less opaque curtains are less expensive as they use less material and are not lined like heavier opaque options. On average, you can expect to spend between $20 and $250 per window for a 42-inch for materials when choosing ready-made options, or $30 to $400 per window for a 42-inch width standard window when using custom-made options. Below you can see the breakdown of cost per window, based on the opacity of the curtains.

Cost of Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains are the least expensive option, running an average of $20 to $100 per window for ready-made and $30 to $200 per window for custom options. Sheer curtains are made with somewhat transparent fabric. They fit in with almost any decor option and often make a room look more ornate. While they are a great option for rooms that could use a lot of light, such as dining areas, kitchen, and living rooms, they are not ideal for spaces where you sleep or require privacy.

Cost of Semi-Sheer Curtains

Semi-sheer curtains are also economical, running an average of $30 to $125 per window if choosing a ready-made option. If you decide to go with custom curtains, you can expect to pay an average of $40 to $225 per window. They have a little more opacity than full sheers but are still very see-through and not a good option when privacy is needed. They can be perfect for family rooms where you want to get more light.

Cost of Semi-Opaque Curtains

Ready-made semi-opaque curtains cost an average of $60 to $175 per window and can run double when choosing custom options, making the average price around $50 to $300 per window. This option helps filter enough light into the room to keep it decently lit throughout the day but obstructs the view of passersby, giving some privacy. While this can be used in bedrooms, most people with close neighbors prefer this type for dens, studies, and living areas.

Opaque Curtains Prices

Opaque curtains can cost an average of $75 to $225 per window when you choose a ready-made option. When choosing custom-designed opaque curtains, the average price goes up to about $60 to $350 per window. Opaque curtains may also be referred to as room-darkening shades, as much of the light will be filtered out when the curtains are closed. These are popular in bedrooms where not only privacy and light control are needed.

Blackout Curtains Price

Ready-made blackout curtains are the most expensive, running an average of $75 to $250 per window. However, prices average between $125 and $400 when choosing custom curtain options. These curtains are made from heavy materials and often have a built-in liner to prevent any light from coming in when closed. They are primarily designed for function, maximizing privacy, and minimizing light. They are most often used in bedrooms.

Curtain Rod Cost by Type

You must also consider the rod’s cost. Curtain rods come in many types and sizes, offering aesthetic appeal and unique advantages. Some are designed for big, heavy drapes capable of withstanding weight. Some can even hang multiple drapes from the same rod, while others are simpler and cheaper. On average, you can expect to pay $5 to $375 for a curtain rod, depending on the size, style, type, and material. The table below shows common curtain rod types and average prices.

Swing Arm Curtain Rod

A swing arm curtain rod should cost between $5 and $150, depending on the size and type. This curtain rod is formed in a unique L-shape attached to the wall at one side. The rest of the rod swings out to the left or right, giving you more options to open and close your drapes or curtains. Swing arm rods can be quite elegant but cannot withstand the same weight as other rod types. They may need additional hardware with heavy curtains.

Continental Curtain Rod

Continental curtain rods range from $5 to $150, depending on the size, style, and materials. These rods feature flat and wide designs for hanging valance window treatments or single layers of drapery. They work well with curtains with minimal pleating and create a smooth look for curtains with thicker fabric. They are usually simple, focusing firmly on the curtains or drapes. Though they can be used with any curtain material, they work better with opaque options because they are not very decorative on their own.

Tension Rod Price

A tension curtain rod usually costs between $5 and $150. This is one of the simplest curtain rods using tension to stay in place. These rods are usually very easy to install because they do not require special hardware fitted into the wall, and they stay in place through tension. However, they can be less rigid and may collapse under heavy curtains, so they must be handled carefully.

Single Curtain Rod

Expect to pay $5 to $300 for a single curtain rod, depending on the size and style. Single curtain rods come in many types and styles, ranging from simple and affordable to elaborate and elegant. Some single curtain rods are designed to be placed in wall sconces or other types of decorative holders. This adds to the overall cost, including installation, but can make a simple single rod look much more elegant or modern, depending on the style.

Double Curtain Rod Price

Double curtain rods range from $10 to $350. The exact price is mostly determined by the materials and the rod size and style. Double rods feature two rods connected in parallel to hang two layers of drapery. This gives you more options in terms of how you want to cover your windows and decorate your rooms, potentially using two separate curtains or curtains combined with valances.

Extendable Curtain Rod

If you choose an extendable curtain rod, you can expect to pay an average of $10 to $375, depending on its style, length, and material. Extendable curtains are designed to be elongated if needed to accommodate a wider opening. They are constructed with one rod that inserts into another and usually extends with a twisting motion. They are a great option when you have a non-standard size window or a large window that may require multiple curtain panels. They come in different materials and have various styles in the ends, which allows them to be worked into different decor.

Traverse Curtain Rod

Traverse curtain rods cost $25 to $300. They feature little clips or eyes along a set track in the rod. You attach your curtains directly onto these clips to keep them in place and move along the track. They are reliable and easy to use but can be among the more expensive varieties of curtain rods.

Curtain Rod Price by Material

While a curtain rod's primary function is to hold up your curtains, it can easily help to transform your decor. While price is important when choosing your curtain rod, you will also want to determine which type of material works best with your curtains. You can choose from less expensive options that showcase your curtains or choose ones that enhance their appearance. On average, a curtain rod price per foot is between $1 and $25, depending on the material you choose.

Aluminum Curtain Rods Price

Aluminum curtain rods are the least expensive and most commonly used when no decoration is needed. You can find them for an average of $1 to $5 per linear foot at almost any store that sells hardware or home goods. This type of rod is commonly chosen because it is simple to use and inexpensive. The main drawbacks are that they are not aesthetically appealing and bend when using heavier curtains.

Plastic Curtain Rods Price

Plastic rods are another economical option that runs anywhere from $3 to $15 per linear foot. Plastic curtain rods come in more decorative options than aluminum ones and come in different colors, allowing them to complement and add to the design in the room. While plastic rods are more versatile, they are still less durable and can crack or become damaged, especially thinner options.

Wooden Curtain Rods Price

Wooden curtain rods are considered higher-end and cost $4 to $20 per linear foot. The benefit of wood rods is their durability, making them suitable for even heavier curtains and drapes. They also come in a wide range of finishes and designs, making them perfect for blending in with the surrounding decor. The main drawback is that they can be heavier than other options, which may require stronger hardware for mounting.

Steel Curtain Rods Price

The most expensive material for curtain rods is steel. When choosing a steel rod, you can expect to pay an average of $6 to $25 per linear foot, spending on the thickness, type, and design. The metallic look of a steel curtain rod works well in a wide range of decorative settings, and its durability makes it ideal for any weight of curtains. The main drawback to this type of rod is that it is expensive and not as decoratively versatile as wood.

Labor Cost to Install Curtains

When determining the total cost of your curtain installation, you will also need to factor in labor costs. You can expect to pay an average of $15 to $50 per window (with an estimated time of 30 minutes to an hour per window), depending on the size and location of the window. However, if your professional charges hourly, expect to pay $35 to $100 per hour. Your professional measures the area to ensure the curtains lay properly and function as needed. They hang the curtains on the rod and likely steam the fabric once done if needed to ensure they look pressed and hang correctly.

Curtain Rod Installation Cost

Usually, the rod installation cost is included in the standard rate of curtain installation, ranging from $15 to $50 per window. The trickiest part is fitting the rods. Attaching the curtains afterward is usually quite simple, but the rods require precise measurement, drilling holes, and fitting the hardware. The amount of work involved depends on the rod type. A tension rod requires no additional hardware or tools, so it can be simple. However, a traverse rod requires much more work. If you can handle the curtains and only want the rods fitted, some handyman may be willing to do the job for a little less, so it is worth negotiating with your handyman and getting a quote.

Curtain Installation Prices by Number of Bedrooms

When having your home outfitted with curtains, the total installation cost depends on the type of curtains and rods you choose. The size of your home and the number of windows also impact the cost. All homes can have a wide variety of windows based on size and location. The table below shows the average costs for curtain installation in homes based on the number of bedrooms.

Cost of Curtains for a 2-Bedroom House

When installing curtains in a two-bedroom home, you can expect to spend an average of $300 to $3,600 for the project. On average two-bedroom homes will have six to seven windows in varying sizes and approximately 200 to 350 linear feet of windows to cover. The most common place to have curtains installed in a two-bedroom home is in the bedrooms, living areas, dining rooms, and possibly the kitchen. Some homeowners may have curtains in the bathroom, but often the windows in these rooms are frosted and may not need them.

Cost of Curtains for a 3-Bedroom House

For a three-bedroom house, you can expect to pay an average of $400 to $4,800 to have curtains installed. That assumes an average of eight to nine windows and around 275 to 450 linear feet. As with the two bedrooms, curtains will often be installed in the bedroom, living areas, and possibly the kitchen. The main difference is a three-bedroom home will have an additional bedroom and possibly a second living area.

Cost of Curtains for a 4-Bedroom House

A project installing curtains throughout a four-bedroom home can cost $600 to $7,200. Four-bedroom homes often have 12 to 14 windows and typically a second-story. The project consists of 425 to 700 linear feet, depending on the size of the windows. You will likely have at least one larger bay or picture window with these types of homes. Aside from the bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens, you will often see curtains in extra rooms in a four-bedroom, such as a den or an office.

Cost of Curtains for a 5-Bedroom House

If you are outfitting a five-bedroom house with curtains, the installation will run you an average of $800 to $9,600. This considers two stories, 16 to 17 windows, and 550 to 900 linear feet. You can expect all bedroom windows, multiple living areas, a dining room, an office, and a kitchen to have curtains installed in this size of home. You also are likely to have larger types of windows in this size of home, such as bay or picture windows.

Soundproof Curtains Price

Soundproof curtains cost $150 to $1,000 per window for the curtain materials. They are designed to reduce the amount of sound that comes in and out through a window and are often used in cities where there is a lot of outside noise and in theater rooms to improve the quality of sound. They are similar to blackout curtains because they are lined and block out light, but they are made with a thicker, solid, non-porous, flexible material that filters sound and light. The main drawback to soundproof curtains is limiting the airflow when the window is open.

Automated Curtains Cost

Motorized or automated curtains run $500 to $2,500 per window, depending on the type of curtains and the size. Motorized options are designed to open and close using batteries or electricity, preventing the need for cords, making them safer around children. Some systems even have the option of pre-programming, allowing you to have the curtains automatically open and close at certain times of the day and days of the week. You can choose from remote-controlled or smartphone-controlled options as well. With smartphone-controlled curtains, you will be able to set programs for your curtains to open or close and open and close them right from your smart devices. Automated curtains are a great option if you have windows that are more difficult to get to or several windows where you open and close curtains throughout the house.

Curtains Hardware Cost

Aside from curtain rods, there are various other types of hardware you may need to include with your curtain installation. While some items are a matter of preference, such as curtain tiebacks, others, such as brackets, may be necessary, depending on the type of curtains being installed. Below you will see some of the most common types of hardware used with curtain installation and the average cost you can expect to pay for each.

Curtain Rings Price

Curtain rings are one of the least expensive types of hardware, running an average of $0.75 to $10 each. The cost varies widely as some rings are simple plastic or thin metal, while others are more elaborate and made of more expensive materials. If you need curtain rings, you will need several per window to hang your curtains, with the number depending on the width of the window. You can also choose decorative options to fit in with a room’s design motif.

Curtain Bracket Price

If your curtain rod needs brackets ⁶ for mounting ⁷, you can expect to pay $2 to $15 each, depending on the type and style of bracket. While brackets are not often used for decorative purposes, you will likely be able to get them in a couple of different finishes so that you can make sure they work with the rest of your decor. If your curtains require brackets, they will need at least two but may need middle brackets, which run between $1 to $8 if the rod is long.

Tieback

Curtain tiebacks run an average of $2 to $30 each and come in various finishes, materials, and styles. Tiebacks have two primary functions. The first is aesthetics, and the second one is being able to pull back the sides of the curtains to let additional light enter. For people who like to have light most of the time, the ties are sometimes permanent, with the curtains primarily serving a decorative purpose.

Rod End Caps

Curtain rod end caps ⁸ run an average of $3 to $45 each, depending on their design and material. Rod end caps help keep the curtain from being pushed off the rod to some degree but are primarily used for decoration. With a wide range of design options and sizes, you can choose the perfect end caps to work into any room decor theme. Some end caps are as simple as a ball, while others are ornate gothic pieces.

Curtain and Rod Sizes

Your curtain height and length depend on the window’s dimensions and if you use the curtains to make your windows appear wider or higher. Curtains are normally installed 6 inches above the window frame, but you can install them higher for a more dramatic look. Curtain panel measurements extend from the top of the panel to the bottom hem, so be sure to consider that extra measurement when ordering.

Knowing the curtain’s position above the window trim determines where and how to install the curtain rod. To get the width of your curtains, add 4 to 8 inches on either side of the window and double the measurement for fullness. The extra inches around the perimeter of the window frame block any light. However, this requires the curtain rod to extend beyond the window frame by the same dimensions for the partial opening of the curtain while making the window look wider.

Curtains vs Drapes Cost

Drapes and curtains are similar in function and cost. Drapes are slightly more expensive, with an average cost of $75 to $400 for ready-made, or $125 to $650 for custom curtains for a 48-inch wide window versus $50 to $300 per window for ready-made curtains or $100 to $600 for custom made.

The primary difference between curtains and drapes is that drapes are lined and typically made with heavy, thick fabric. They are stiffer and long enough to reach the floor, sometimes even longer, bunching up slightly at the bottom. Drapes will often be made using luxury-type fabrics, such as velvet and silk. Drapes are also designed to block out the light and are primarily used in bedrooms for this reason and sometimes dining rooms where a formal appearance is desired.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Layered Curtains

Curtains can be layered in ultra-thin translucent curtain panels, called sheers, to filter sunlight while providing minimal privacy, usually accompanied by thicker curtains to roll out according to the light needs. These curtains cost $10 to $150 per panel and vary with the material type, size, and brand.

Valances

A curtain may include a valance, a short piece of cloth covering the uppermost part of the window, hiding the rods. It enhances the window decor and lets light enter. Typically, valances cost around $10 to $100 but can go up to $600 for quality brands. They are mostly hung on kitchen windows.

Cornices

Cornices are constructed wooden boxes above window trims. Sometimes, it is added to a window on the rod’s top to disguise it, adding to the treatment’s aesthetics. Their prices range from $150 to $600.

Crank Systems

Curtains on high windows can be fitted with crank systems to open them with a pulley cord. These systems allow you to operate your curtains without accessing the window via a ladder. Crank systems are worth the investment and cost an average of $100 to $300, depending on the size and weight of the curtains it needs to move.

Curtain Cleaning

Curtains may also need to be cleaned because they gather dust and dirt and potentially stain from accidents. Throwing your curtains in your home washing machine can cause problems, so many people turn to professional drapery cleaning companies, which charge $100 to $200.

Cost to Hem Curtains

In some cases, it may be necessary to hem a curtain. This is often the case when you buy ready-made curtains that are too long for the window or the height of the room. When a curtain is hemmed, a weight will be added to the bottom, allowing the curtain to hang straight and even. On average, you can expect to pay from $15 to $35 per panel with hemming, though the price can go much higher for heavy, delicate, or lined fabric.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Roman shade: A window blind that, when drawn up, forms a series of concertina folds

² Sash window: A wall opening made of one or several movable panels (referred to as sashes) that serve as a frame for holding glass panes

⁵ Picture windows: An opening in the wall consisting of one large pane of glass that does not open

⁶ Brackets: A support that projects outward from one surface to hold another surface to it, such as attaching a shelf to a wall or piece of furniture. Brackets can also be used to strengthen joins between two materials

⁸ End caps: A separate piece of finished material that covers the unfinished edges of a countertop