5 Types of Made-to-Measure Curtains Best for a Living Room

Made-to-measure curtains are an easy way to give your space a tailored finish and plenty of personality. They aren’t just about looks—the right curtains help control light, keep out drafts, and create the atmosphere you want. With custom sizing and a huge range of materials, custom-made curtains bring new style into any living room.

Choosing the Right Custom Curtains for Your Living Room

Why settle for one-size-fits-most when customized curtains can do so much more? From fabric, panel width and length, to heading styles, they are all made to your requirements and showcase your style. Made-to-measure curtains fit your windows perfectly. A tailored fit means you’ll avoid awkward gaps or sagging bottoms, no matter how unconventional your window sizes might be. They look intentional and sophisticated, instead of “close enough.”

Quality is front and center with custom curtains. You pick the fabric, the lining, and details like pleats or trim. Want to block out light for movie nights or layer sheers for a soft, filtered glow? The choice is yours. Materials like linen, cotton blends, velvet, or silk offer different moods and levels of durability.

With custom sizing, you can follow design best practices—such as hanging curtains close to the ceiling and wider than the window—for maximum visual impact. This stretches the room and draws your eye upward, adding instant drama and making ceilings feel taller. Pairing privacy and style gets easier when you control the fabric weight and lining, from airy sheers to thermal blackouts.

What’s trending? Sustainable and textured materials, smart controls for automation, and bold patterns for a pop of personality. Whatever your style, made-to-measure curtains can match it while boosting energy efficiency and privacy.

5 Types of Custom Drapes Perfect for Living Rooms

Linen Curtains

Linen never goes out of style. These curtains feel breezy and natural, but they’re tough enough to hold up to daily life. Linen’s open weave lets in gentle, dappled light while keeping glare at bay. Meanwhile, made of faux linen fabric, it is organic, environmentally friendly, and skin-friendly—perfect for bedrooms and nursery rooms.

This fabric suits almost any living room style. You’ll see linen in casual family spaces and sleek, modern setups alike. Because they come in a wide range of shades—from soft ivory to graphite gray—linen curtains are easy to match with furniture, rugs, or accent pillows.

Key strengths of linen:

• Good airflow, so rooms never feel stuffy.

• Natural texture adds dimension without overpowering your décor.

• Available in soft neutrals, rich earth tones, and even subtle patterns.

• Pairs well with blackout lining for extra privacy and sleep-friendly spaces.

If you love a laid-back feel with just enough polish, linen is your go-to choice.

Sheer Curtains

Want softness and plenty of light? Sheer curtains are your friend. These lightweight panels create the look of privacy while letting sunlight pour in, making small living rooms feel bigger and more open.

Layer sheers behind heavier drapes for flexibility, or use them alone if you love a bright, cheerful space. Because they’re so light, sheers flutter in the breeze and add movement to the room.

Sheer curtain highlights:

• Great for layering, mixing privacy and sunshine on your terms.

• Suits everything from airy, minimal spaces to romantic, vintage-inspired rooms.

• Ideal for large windows or floor-to-ceiling glass—think city apartments or sunrooms.

• Available in crisp white, soft gray, pastels, or even subtle shimmer.

Sheer made-to-measure curtains turn the window into a work of art without crowding the space.

Patterned Curtains

A room feels complete with the right touch of pattern. Go bold with dramatic florals or geometric shapes, or keep it subtle with pinstripes or tone-on-tone prints. Patterned curtains add character even if the rest of your décor is simple.

Custom sizing ensures the pattern always lines up beautifully, avoiding the awkward, bunched-up look that comes from standard cuts. Designers recommend mixing patterns carefully—combine large-scale prints with smaller accents, or let your curtains be the star while keeping the rest of the room neutral.

Smart tips with patterns:

• Use as the main accent if your furniture and walls are plain.

• Repeat a single color from the curtain elsewhere in the room for cohesion.

• For a modern look, pair graphic prints with metal curtain rods or minimalist finials.

• Patterned curtains on a large window can anchor the whole room.

Patterned, made-to-measure options ensure you get exactly the look you want—sized to perfection.

Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains

Go tall or go home. Floor-to-ceiling curtains transform a basic window into a showstopper. Because these panels run from right under the ceiling to the floor (or even skim the floor), they stretch the room visually and make ceilings seem higher.

Use a single wide panel or pairs for a grand, hotel-luxe effect. Lined or unlined, these curtains can block out light, insulate rooms, and create a peaceful retreat from the outside world.

Why they work so well:

• Make rooms seem larger instantly.

• Cover awkward windows or glass doors in open living areas.

• Boost privacy and energy efficiency by sealing out drafts along the frame.

• Add instant glamour, especially when paired with plush fabrics like velvet or heavy cotton.

For those who love drama or have tall windows, this is a classic look that never fails.

Side Panel Curtains

Side panels don’t always close, as their main job is to decorate the window, not cover it. These stationary panels give living rooms structure and symmetry, especially on either side of a picture window.

Side panel curtains look best layered with blinds or sheers, adding a decorative element that softens hard edges. Think of them like eyebrows for your room—they finish the look.

Perks of side panels:

• Ideal for rooms where privacy isn’t a top concern.

• Add color, texture, or pattern while letting light pour in.

• Can use bold trims, tassels, or contrast linings for a tailored effect.

• Support layered designs—pair with Roman shades or woven woods.

Made-to-measure side panels mean the length and width always fit, keeping the look crisp and intentional.

Pro tip: Before installing new custom drapes in your living room, check if the windows are in good shape. Not sure how? Check the 10 signs if you should replace them.

Final Thoughts

The living room is where life happens—game nights, celebrations, quiet mornings with coffee. The right made-to-measure curtains can set the mood for all of it. They let you show off your personality, make smart use of light, and help your space feel “just right” every day.

Think about what your living room needs—cozy privacy or airy openness? A splash of color or soft, calming neutrals? With so many made-to-measure options—linen, sheer, patterned, floor-to-ceiling, or side panels—you’ll find a style that does more than decorate. It brings your space to life.