Curtain Buying Mistakes in Dubai: What Homeowners Should Avoid
Buying curtains in Dubai is not just about choosing a nice fabric or color. With extreme heat, strong sunlight, and large glass windows, the wrong curtain choice can lead to higher AC bills, poor privacy, and wasted money.
Yet, many homeowners repeat the same common mistakes — especially when choosing between ready-made and custom curtains. This guide will walk you through the most common curtain buying mistakes in Dubai and show you how to avoid them before you invest.
Mistake #1: Choosing Style Over Function
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing curtains only for looks. Yes, aesthetics matter — but in Dubai, function matters more.
Curtains here are not just décor. They play a major role in heat control, light filtering, privacy, and energy efficiency. Lightweight fabrics may look elegant, but without proper lining they allow heat and glare to enter the room, making your AC work harder.
What to do instead: Choose curtains that balance design + performance, especially for living rooms and bedrooms exposed to sunlight.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Proper Window Measurements
Many people buy ready-made curtains assuming they will “fit well enough.” In Dubai homes, this often leads to gaps on the sides, curtains that are too short, and light/heat leaking through glass edges.
This is even more common in Dubai apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors. Even small gaps can reduce heat control and privacy significantly.
What to do instead: Accurate measurements are critical. This is where custom curtains usually outperform ready-made options because they are tailored to your exact window size.
Mistake #3: Buying Ready-Made Curtains Without Checking Fabric Quality
Not all fabrics behave the same in Dubai’s climate. Thin or low-quality fabrics can fade faster, offer little insulation, and lose shape over time. Many ready-made curtains look good initially but don’t perform well long-term, especially in rooms with strong sun exposure.
What to do instead: Check fabric thickness, weave, and lining options. Thermal or blackout linings make a big difference in comfort and durability.
Mistake #4: Not Considering Sun Direction
Different rooms receive sunlight differently. West-facing windows get intense afternoon heat, bedrooms need better light control for sleep, and living rooms often need a balance of light and insulation.
What to do instead: Match curtain type to room usage and sun direction. For example:
- Bedrooms: blackout or lined curtains
- Living areas: layered curtains (sheer + lined)
Mistake #5: Skipping Professional Installation
Even high-quality curtains can fail if they are poorly installed. Common issues include incorrect curtain height, improper rod placement, and curtains not covering the window fully.
What to do instead: Professional installation ensures correct height, fullness, and coverage — especially important for large Dubai windows.
Ready-Made vs Custom Curtains: A Quick Reality Check
| Factor | Ready-Made Curtains | Custom Curtains |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Standard sizing; may create gaps | Perfect measurement; full coverage |
| Heat Control | Limited | Better with proper lining |
| Finish | Average | Premium look and drape |
| Longevity | Short-term | Long-term value |
| Dubai Suitability | Basic | Highly suitable |
How to Avoid These Curtain Buying Mistakes (Quick Checklist)
- Are my windows standard or oversized?
- Does this room receive strong sunlight?
- Do I need heat control, privacy, or both?
- Will ready-made curtains leave gaps?
- Do I want a quick fix or a long-term solution?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are custom curtains worth it in Dubai?
Yes. Due to large windows and strong sunlight, custom curtains provide better coverage, insulation, and durability in Dubai homes.
Do ready-made curtains work for apartments?
They can work for small or standard windows, but many apartments have glass walls where custom sizing performs better with fewer gaps.
What fabric is best for Dubai heat?
Thicker fabrics with thermal or blackout lining are usually best, especially for bedrooms and west-facing rooms.
Should I choose sheer or blackout curtains?
Sheer curtains are great for daylight areas. Blackout or lined curtains are better for bedrooms, privacy, and heat control.
