There’s a reason curtains have endured as a window treatment for centuries — nothing else adds warmth, texture, and personality to a room quite like a beautifully made curtain. But in 2025, the humble curtain has evolved significantly. From sleek S-fold sheers to motorised blockout systems, today’s custom curtains are as functional as they are beautiful.
Whether you’re furnishing a new home in Geelong’s southern suburbs, renovating a heritage property in Ballarat, updating a modern home in Shepparton, or refreshing a property in Albury, Wagga Wagga, or Griffith — this guide will help you make the right choices for your space, your lifestyle, and your budget.
1. Fabric First: The Most Important Decision
Sheer fabrics: Lightweight, translucent fabrics that filter natural light while maintaining privacy from the street. Perfect for the bright climates across inland regional Victoria and NSW. Sheer curtains soften harsh afternoon sun while keeping rooms bright and airy.
Blockout fabrics: Lined or coated fabrics that block all light. Essential for bedrooms across all our service regions, and ideal for home theatres and media rooms. Blockout fabrics also provide excellent thermal insulation — highly valued in Ballarat and Canberra where winter nights can be very cold.
Linen: A natural, textured fabric that works beautifully in contemporary and country-style homes. Linen curtains in Shepparton or Griffith add a relaxed, relaxed aesthetic that complements regional lifestyle and interiors.
Velvet: A rich, heavy fabric that adds luxury and warmth. Popular in Ballarat’s period homes and in Canberra’s cold-climate homes where thermal insulation is a priority.
Dual/combined systems: Many homeowners choose a sheer curtain paired with a separate blockout blind or curtain on the same track — getting the best of both worlds throughout the day.
2. Heading Styles: How Your Curtains Look at the Top
S-Fold (Wave Fold): The most popular contemporary style in Australia. The fabric hangs in consistent, elegant S-shaped waves. Works best with sheer and mid-weight fabrics. Very popular in Melbourne, Geelong, and new builds across all our service regions.
Pinch Pleat: A classic, tailored style with evenly spaced pleated folds. Suits period homes in Ballarat, Bendigo, and Albury. More formal than S-fold.
Eyelet: Metal rings (eyelets) at the top of the curtain through which the rod passes. Creates a relaxed, informal ripple. Popular in regional homes across Victoria and NSW.
Pencil Pleat: A traditional style with densely gathered fabric at the top. Very flexible — can be used on most track types and creates a full, lush look.
3. Track and Rod Systems
Motorised track systems: The premium option — control your curtains with a remote, app, or voice assistant. Popular in new builds across Melbourne, Canberra, and Geelong. Motorised curtains are particularly popular for floor-to-ceiling glass windows that are difficult to reach manually.
Ripple/wave tracks: Specifically designed for S-fold curtains. The track has evenly spaced gliders that keep the waves consistent. Creates that clean, high-end look.
Standard curtain rods: For eyelet and tab-top curtains. Simple, stylish, and cost-effective for rooms where the rod will be visible as a design feature.
Ceiling-mounted tracks: Create the illusion of height and add a luxurious, hotel-like feel. Popular in apartments and renovated homes across Geelong and Canberra.
4. Curtains by Climate: Regional Considerations
Geelong: Variable coastal climate means layered systems work best — sheer for daytime and blockout for night-time privacy and winter insulation.
Ballarat: One of Victoria’s coldest towns. Heavy blockout or thermal-lined curtains are essential for any room you want to keep warm. Ceiling-to-floor length maximises the insulating effect.
Shepparton, Griffith & Inland NSW: Hot summers and cool winters make dual systems highly practical. Light sheers for summer days; blockout for cold nights.
Albury & Wagga Wagga: The NSW-Victoria border climate is unpredictable. Thermally lined blockout curtains deliver year-round comfort.
Canberra: Some of Australia’s coldest winters. Heavy blockout or thermal-lined curtains are essential. Ceiling-to-floor length maximises the insulating effect.
Melbourne & Adelaide: Variable climates mean layered systems work best — sheer for daytime and blockout for night-time privacy and winter insulation.
5. Curtain Pricing Guide
- Sheer curtains (per panel): from $120–$350
- Blockout curtains (per panel): from $180–$500
- Motorised curtain track (per window): add $400–$800
- Full room installation (typical 3-bedroom home): from $2,000–$6,000 depending on fabric, heading style, and window count
Custom-made curtains are a long-term investment. Unlike cheap ready-made options, they’re built to last, fit perfectly, and look professional from day one.
Ready for beautiful custom curtains? Shayona Blinds offers free in-home measure and quote across Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, Townsville, Shepparton, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Geelong and Ballarat. Call 1300 162 223 today.
