When you've invested in beautiful made-to-measure curtains for your home, proper storage is essential to maintain their quality when they're not hanging. Whether you're redecorating, moving house, or simply changing your window treatments with the seasons, knowing how to store your bespoke curtains correctly will ensure they remain in pristine condition for years to come.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Made-to-measure curtains are a significant investment, crafted to your exact specifications with premium fabrics and expert craftsmanship. Improper storage can lead to permanent creasing, fabric damage, mould growth, and colour fading—issues that are particularly problematic for custom window treatments that cannot be easily replaced.
Before Storage: Cleaning Essentials
Before storing your curtains, ensure they're properly cleaned:
- Check the fabric care label for specific instructions
- Most curtains benefit from professional dry cleaning rather than machine washing
- Allow curtains to fully air dry before storage to prevent mildew
- Avoid folding curtains when damp as this can cause permanent creasing
Best Storage Practices
Hanging Storage (Ideal Method)
Whenever possible, store curtains hanging:
- Use a spare rail, clothing rack or dedicated curtain storage rack
- Keep curtains fully extended to avoid creases
- Cover with breathable cotton sheets or dedicated curtain bags to protect from dust
- Ensure the storage area is dry and away from direct sunlight
Rolling Method
For longer-term storage when hanging isn't possible:
- Lay curtains flat on a clean surface
- Place acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creasing
- Gently roll curtains around a cardboard tube (similar to a wrapping paper tube)
- Wrap the rolled curtains in acid-free tissue paper before placing in storage
Folding (Last Resort)
If you must fold your curtains:
- Place acid-free tissue paper at each fold to prevent sharp creases
- Avoid folding in the same place repeatedly to prevent permanent damage
- Store folded curtains in breathable cotton storage bags, not plastic, to avoid damp issues.
- Place heavier curtains at the bottom of storage containers
Choosing the Right Storage Location
The environment where you store your curtains is crucial:
- Select a cool, dry area with stable temperature
- Avoid attics, garages, or basements which may have humidity fluctuations, to avoid damp related problems.
- Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Ensure adequate air circulation around the storage
- Consider using dehumidifiers in naturally damp spaces
Special Considerations for Different Fabrics
Delicate Fabrics (Silk, Velvet)
These require extra care with minimal handling and ideally should be stored hanging.
Lined Curtains
Take care not to create pressure points where lining meets face fabric during storage, as it may leave creases in your fabric.
Thermal or Blackout Curtains
The special coatings on blackout and thermal lining may crack if folded incorrectly; rolling is strongly recommended.
Rehanging Curtains to Windows
When taking curtains out of storage:
- Allow them to hang for several days before expecting wrinkles to drop out
- Use a hand steamer rather than iron for stubborn wrinkles
- Steam from the back of the fabric, working from bottom to top
Final Tips
- Label storage containers clearly with room locations and window measurements
- Keep curtain hooks, rings and other hardware together in labelled bags
- Store the original receipt and fabric information with your curtains
- Check stored curtains every few months for signs of damage or pests
By following these storage guidelines, your made-to-measure curtains will remain in excellent condition, ready to enhance your home whenever you choose to hang them again.