This is a simple guide to wide width and narrow width fabrics, and why made-to-measure curtain costs are not always comparable by metre alone.

When comparing curtain fabrics, it’s natural to look first at the price per metre. But for made-to-measure curtains, that number only tells part of the story. Fabric width affects how the fabric is used, how much is needed, and how the final cost is calculated.

What Do Wide Width and Narrow Width Mean?

Some curtain fabrics are woven in a wide width, while others are produced in a narrower width. Wide width fabrics can often be used with fewer joins, while narrow width fabrics are more likely to be made from joined panels to achieve the required finished width.

Wide width fabrics are woven in a wider format, while narrow width fabrics are often made from joined panels.

A Simple Example

A fabric priced at £50 per metre may seem equally priced at first glance, whether it is 280cm wide or 140cm wide. But for made-to-measure curtains, the final quantity can work out very differently.

For a 2m wide window with 2x fullness, the total finished curtain width becomes 4m.
If the finished curtain drop is 2.5m, and we allow an extra 0.3m for hems and making-up, each drop is calculated at 2.8m.

• A 280cm wide fabric may require around 4.3m in total, depending on the make-up allowance.
• A 140cm wide fabric, using an effective width of around 1.25m per panel, may require 4 widths at 2.8m each, giving a total of 11.2m.

At £50 per metre, that works out at:

• £215 for the 280cm wide fabric
• £560 for the 140cm wide fabric

This is why curtain fabric should not be compared by price per metre alone.

Why Price Per Metre Can Be Misleading

A fabric with a lower price per metre may seem more affordable at first glance. But if it is narrow width, more panels may be needed, which can increase the total quantity required. A wide width fabric may appear more expensive per metre, yet need fewer joins and work differently overall.

What Should You Compare Instead?

Rather than looking at metre price alone, it is more helpful to consider the fabric width, the finished curtain size, the fullness required, and the final made-to-measure quotation. These give a much clearer picture of overall value.

If you are unsure how fabric width affects the final quantity and cost, our team can help you compare the options properly and choose the right fabric for your space.

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