Planning your interior refresh can benefit from some good timing particularly when it comes to made-to-measure window treatments. Understanding seasonal patterns in the home furnishing industry can help you avoid unnecessary waits and ensure your curtains arrive exactly when you need them. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate seasonal delays and/or unwanted delays.
Understanding Peak Seasons
The bespoke curtain industry experiences predictable busy periods throughout the year. Being aware of these can help you plan accordingly:
Pre-Christmas Rush (September-November)
Many homeowners aim to refresh their interiors before hosting holiday gatherings, creating a significant surge in orders from late September through November. Lead times can often double during this period as workshops reach maximum capacity.
New Year Home Refreshes (January-February)
After the holiday season, there's typically another spike as people implement New Year home improvement plans. January sales also drive increased demand for home furnishings, including custom window treatments.
Pre-Summer Renovations (April-May)
Spring brings another busy period as homeowners prepare for summer entertaining and longer daylight hours. Light-controlling options such as lined and interlined curtains see particular demand during this time.
Ideal Ordering Windows
To ensure timely delivery and avoid seasonal backlogs, consider these optimal ordering periods:
Mid-January to March
After the post-Christmas rush subsides but before spring renovations begin, workshops typically have more capacity. Ordering during this window often results in shorter lead times and more flexible installation dates.
June to August
Summer represents another opportunity, as many homeowners are focused on outdoor spaces rather than interior work. This period often sees the shortest lead times of the year for made-to-measure curtains.
Early Planning for Christmas Completion
If you're aiming for pre-Christmas installation, consider placing orders by late July or early August. This provides ample time for fabric selection, production, and installation before the peak season begins.
Additional Timing Considerations
Fabric Availability
Certain designer fabrics may have their own lead times before production can even begin. Limited editions or hand-printed options can add weeks to your timeline. Always enquire about fabric availability when planning your project.
Special Finishes and Treatments
More complex specifications such as hand-finished details, complicated pattern matching, or special treatments like flame retardancy can extend production times. Factor these elements into your planning.
Installation Scheduling
Remember that if you plan to use a professional installer, their services also experience seasonal demand fluctuations. Booking your installation appointment at the time of ordering is advisable, particularly during busy periods.
Planning for Property Developments
For new builds or major renovations, it's advisable to begin discussions about window treatments early in the process. While measurements can only be finalized once windows are installed, pre-selecting fabrics and styles can significantly reduce waiting times once measurements are possible.
By understanding these seasonal patterns and planning accordingly, you can ensure your made-to-measure curtains and blinds arrive precisely when you need them, without unexpected delays.