Made-to-Measure Curtains
Fabrics, Collections & Heading Styles
A made-to-measure curtain is not just fabric at a window. It is the piece that determines whether a room feels finished or simply furnished. The drop, the weight of the cloth, the way the heading gathers: every detail shifts the reading of the entire space.
At Intérieurs Inspirés, we offer a curated fabric selection chosen specifically for made-to-measure curtain making. From textured plains that are essential to the classic French interior, through to designer collections including William Morris and Orla Kiely, every fabric is available made to your exact dimensions, with the heading style of your choice.
What you will find on this page: a complete guide to choosing your fabric, your collection, and your heading style, with recommendations by interior type and room.
Our Fabric Selection
Our range covers a broad spectrum of styles and moods, from natural, timeless textures through to bold designer prints with real character. Whether you want a fabric that steps back and lets the room’s architecture do the talking, or a statement print that becomes the focal point of the space, there is something here for every interior.
Textured Plains: Essential for French Interiors
The classic French interior is built on subtle equilibrium: cornicing, parquet, characterful furniture. In that environment, a fabric that is too heavily patterned or too flat can break the visual balance. Our textured plains play a central role: they bring material depth without imposing a motif, warmth without heaviness.
Our range covers four distinct fabric families:
- Linen-look weaves: a warm, natural appearance with that characteristic grain that integrates beautifully into classic interiors and country houses
- Shimmering satins: a subtly lustrous surface that catches the light with elegance, ideal for bedrooms and refined living rooms
- Textured weaves: a fabric with discreet surface relief that adds depth and character without dominating the space
- Brushed cottons: a soft, matte surface with a velvety quality, perfect for cosy atmospheres and informal spaces
Our recommendation: for a living room or bedroom in a classic French interior, a linen-look weave or textured weave in a natural or stone colourway, lined with a blackout lining, is the most versatile and durable choice available.yvalent et le plus durable.
Designer Collections: William Morris and Orla Kiely
For interiors that commit to a strong character, we offer licensed collections from two of the most recognised names in British design.
| Collection | Style | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| William Morris | Botanical and heritage floral prints, earthy and deep palettes | Living room, library, bedroom with a classic-English atmosphere |
| Orla Kiely | Organic geometric prints, bold and contemporary colourways | Bedroom, dining room, home office with a defined design identity |
Both collections are available in full made-to-measure confection with every heading style we offer. They allow you to introduce a strong visual signature while retaining the precision of a curtain made to your exact window dimensions.
Heading Styles: How They Change Everything
The heading is the single technical decision with the greatest visual impact. It determines how much volume the curtain carries, how the fabric falls, how much of the window it covers when open, and the overall mood of the room. The wrong heading on a beautiful fabric undermines both.
We offer four heading styles in made-to-measure confection, each with its own aesthetic and the interiors it suits best.
Pencil Pleat
The pencil pleat is the classic heading of the French interior. It creates tight, regular, vertical gathers across the full width of the curtain, giving a structured and elegant silhouette. The fabric is gathered uniformly, creating soft but controlled volume.
- Recommended fullness: 2 to 2.5 times the track or pole width
- Mood: classic, refined, timeless
- Best for: living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms with relaxed styling
- Recommended fabric: textured plain, linen, lightweight velvet, prints and textures
- Hanging: pencil pleat curtains are delivered flat with the tapes undrawn. You pull the cords yourself to gather the heading to your required width. This makes them the most involved of the four heading styles to hang.
Pinch Pleat
Pinch pleats (also called French or Flemish pleats) group the fabric into regular pinched folds, typically in sets of two or three. The result is more architectural than pencil pleat: the pleats are defined, the fabric between them falls flat and clean.
- Recommended fullness: 2 to 2.3 times the track or pole width
- Mood: elegant, couture, high decoration
- Best for: characterful interiors, interior designer projects, rooms with high ceilings
- Recommended fabric: William Morris collections, velvet, pattern-centred fabrics
Wave Heading
The wave heading creates regular, fluid undulations across the full length of the curtain. It requires a dedicated wave track with evenly spaced gliders. The result is resolutely contemporary: clean, architectural, without visible pleats.
- Recommended fullness: 2 times the track width (fixed, determined by the track)
- Mood: modern, minimalist, architectural
- Best for: contemporary apartments, open-plan spaces, large glazed doors
- Recommended fabric: textured plain, Orla Kiely, lightweight structured fabrics
Technical note: wave heading requires a dedicated wave track. If you are using a standard decorative pole, opt for pencil pleat or pinch pleat instead.
Eyelet Heading
The eyelet heading is the simplest to hang and the most relaxed in appearance. Metal rings punch through the fabric and thread directly onto the pole. The folds are wide and regular, with a natural, easy movement.
- Recommended fullness: 1.8 to 2 times the pole width
- Mood: relaxed, natural, contemporary casual
- Best for: bedrooms, informal dining rooms, country houses
- Recommended fabric: linen, woven cotton, medium-weight textured plains
At a Glance
| Heading | Mood | Ideal fabric | Hanging difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pencil pleat | Classic French | Linen, velvet | Most involved |
| Pinch pleat | High decoration | William Morris, velvet | Intermediate |
| Wave | Contemporary | Textured plains, Orla Kiely | Dedicated track required |
| Eyelet | Casual natural | Linen, cotton | Easy |
Linings: Drape, Comfort and Insulation
Lining is what turns a beautiful fabric into a curtain that truly performs. It improves the drape, protects the face fabric from UV fading, and adds thermal and acoustic insulation. We offer three lining options, all available in ivory or white, with interlining available as an additional upgrade on any of the three.
| Lining | Characteristics | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Premier | Entry-level lining, lightweight and reliable | All curtains, value-conscious projects |
| Satin | Slightly heavier, smoother handle, premium finish | Living rooms, bedrooms, characterful fabrics |
| Blockout | Blocks light effectively | Bedrooms and spaces where darkness is a priority |
Interlining option: available as an add-on with any of the three linings above. Interlining is a layer of bump wadding inserted between the face fabric and the lining. It gives the curtain a sumptuous volume and a heavier, more luxurious drop, and significantly improves thermal insulation. Recommended for large windows, tall rooms, and any William Morris or velvet fabric.
Worth noting: well-lined curtains can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 30%, making interlining a practical consideration for older French properties undergoing renovation.réduire les pertes de chaleur par les fenêtres jusqu’à 30 %, un argument de poids pour les rénovations de logements anciens, très présents dans le parc immobilier français.
Shop Made-to-Measure Curtains
Our curtains are available to order directly from our online shop. Browse the illumin8 range, choose your fabric, configure your heading and lining, and receive your order made to your exact window dimensions.
Working on a larger project, furnishing several rooms, or would you like advice before you commit? Contact our team for personalised guidance.
