Why choose made to measure curtains?
If you aspire to a designer finish well beyond home sewn or ready mades, our professionally pleated curtains provide the same product as your local curtain store with significant savings. Wallet friendly prices plus on-trend quality textiles. Our collections include economical polyesters, blockout coloured linings, designer linens and eco - recycled fabrics. They are designed specifically to fit your windows and doors.
Are Design Curtains within my budget? ...using the calculator
Prices are reflective of a fully finished set of curtains with tracks. With an option to upgrade to designer round rods.
For a rapid price check, do a rough measure of all curtain tracks in every room. Add up the total track meterage, Select a fabric, and pop your total into our online calculator.
Our most cost effective sheer/midweight fabrics are Flow and Balmoral. For economy blackout curtains - coloured linings look impressive once invert pleated.
If you are shopping for an elegant designer look we have many indulgent options, including our fabric of the month. Our higher end fabrics are priced at 30% - 50% under curtain store pricing.
Our curtains are priced by the width of the “track” and for no extra charge the drop can be up to a maximum of 2600 mm high.
How easy is it to DIY? ...measure and install
- Step 1: Do a rough measure first to check that our curtain pricing suits your budget.
- Step 2: Order a loan sample kit. Inside the kit, we provide measuring tools and detailed measuring instructions to set you up for an order.
- Step 3: Book a 40 minute consult – we can zoom into your windows, discuss your fabrics, and advise on final measure. During your consult ask us about our NZ network of independent curtain installers.
Picking the right fabric and style
Your choice of fabric and style can completely change the vibe of your room. Here’s how to pick the best option:
Firstly decide if you need daytime privacy, sun shading or Blockout. The ultimate way to curtain is to have two sets of curtains which glide separately on two rows of tracks. We call these double curtains on double tracks.
Track one: Daytime privacy and shade
Track Two: Blockout and night privacy (blockout liner sits behind the daytime sheer/privacy)
In our calculator there are three options for sewing the curtain fabric which you have chosen.
- No lining
- Sewn in Lining
- Separate Lining (i.e. double curtains on double tracks – blockout on back track)
The most deluxe finish is to layer your curtains. Layering means that you choose a sewn in lining for the curtain on the front track and a sheer on the back track. Our Blockout Lining: Our Blockout linings have a thermal layer on the back of the lining to help keep your home insulated and energy-efficient. Blockout refers to no light passing through the fabric. It does not mean that your room will be 100% blacked out with a curtain. In a consult, we can explain how to optimise the best possible blackout of your room.
Sun and shade: We recommend you choose a fabric with 100% polyester or a high polyester content if the curtains are used in high sun areas. Natural fibres such as linen and cotton generally fade and deteriorate quicker than polyester.
Blockout Roller Blinds: We have also included in your sample kit some blockout roller fabrics as an alternative to using curtain linings. Rollers team well with stylish sheer curtains and are a very cost effective way to add nighttime privacy. We regularly fit blockout rollers inside the doors and windows, then add a layer of soft sheer curtains above the doors. Rollers & Sheers are a good solution for small rooms, or doors with limited wall on each side.
Our Invert Pleat Curtains
- Pleats: Our custom curtains are made with invert pleats. Inverts are a timeless favourite with our clients, and stack back more tightly than a drawstring pleat.
Design curtains are sewn in professional “trade only” sewing rooms, with the following details:
- Top of curtain – Sewn in Invert pleats ( box pleats) using 10cm white Bikram tape
- Side hems are overlocked and have a double turn up fold with invisible stitching.
- Bottom hems are overlocked and have a double turn up hem with invisible stitching.
- Sewn in Lining – Blockout thermal lining is sewn into the top pleats of the curtain. The bottom hem of the lining sits slightly higher than the front fabric. The lining is attached to the curtain down each side with plastic pin hooks.
- Coloured lining is sewn so that the coloured side is facing towards the room. The other (back) side of the lining is white, and faces the glass. The white side shows when you are outside the house looking in the window. Using coloured linings is a great way to create a subtle change to the look of your chosen fabric. Test your chosen fabrics with our different lining colours to see which look you prefer.
Our tracks and rods – max width 580cm
Tracks: Our plain tracks look streamlined and are simple to install. The curtain sits at the top of the track, and when the curtains are pulled close, the curtain covers the track. Each track comes with brackets which are mounted on the wall. The tracks give a premium finish when fitted hard up against the ceiling. When fitted at ceiling height, the curtain almost touches the ceiling and you almost achieve a “floor to ceiling” finish.
Choosing Plain Tracks also provide you some wiggle room with measurements. You can lift the curtain up higher or drop it lower. (2cm up or down) Plain tracks help to de-risk your measuring and adjust the hem length.
Double Tracks: for two layers of curtains we supply two matching plain tracks with longer brackets to hold both tracks.
Round Designer Rods: Our round rod is popular and simple to install. The curtain hangs under the rod as the rod is part of your curtain feature. Rods look best if mounting just above the door/window. They have a more decorative look. Using rods means that the curtain cannot be lowered or lifted to adjust the hem length of the curtain.
Double Rods: for two layers of curtains we supply a rod and track system with longer brackets. The round rod sits at the front with the main curtain hung under the rod. A small track ( smaller than our plain track) is fitted on the back and the small track holds the lining or the sheer.
If you require a rod/track wider than 5.8 metres, let us know and we can supply two pieces of track and joiners for you to join onsite.
Wood – Tracks need solid fixings
Curtain brackets must be drilled into wood. If you are building new, and the gib is not yet on, we can take a look at your framing during a consult. And provide direction for your builder. If you are in an existing house, and are not sure where the wood is behind the walls, we include detailed instructions in our sample kit. The kit’s measuring and install instructions include where, and how to find wood framing behind your walls. Disclaimer: we are not responsible for inadequate fixings or lack of solid wood for your installation.
Why choose Design Curtains by Nysa Léon?
At Design Curtains, we believe every home deserves curtains that are as unique as the people who live there. With over 18 years of experience, we specialise in creating made to measure curtains that fit perfectly, look stunning, and reflect your personal style. Plus, we’re passionate about working with natural fabrics and sustainable materials, inspired by the beauty of Wānaka and the surrounding landscape.
How to get started
- Order a Loan Sample kit
- Pick your fabric: Choose from our range of gorgeous materials.
- Measure your space: Use our simple measuring tips or let us help.
- Book a consultation: Let’s chat about your needs and take a look at your windows/doors
- Place your order: We’ll take care of the rest.
- Fit your tracks/rods and hang your curtains with easy instructions, then sit back and admire the finished look!
Why made to measure curtains are worth it
Made to measure curtains aren’t just a practical solution - they’re an opportunity to add style, comfort, and personality to your home. Whether you’re looking for a bold statement or a subtle touch of elegance, Design Curtains by Nysa Léon is here to help bring your vision to life.
Let’s make your windows as unique as your home. Get in touch with us today to start your DIY journey.
