Having curtains shortened: cost, measuring and tips
How the price per metre works, how to measure the new length and which mistakes leave curtains too short.
How much does it cost to shorten curtains?
We charge per metre of curtain width – because that is how long the new hem will be. How many centimetres come off makes no difference to the price.
| Work | Price |
|---|---|
| Shorten the length | CHF 27.– per metre of width |
| Adjust the width | CHF 20.– per metre |
| Made-to-measure curtains | by arrangement |
Worked examples: A curtain panel 1.4 m wide costs 1.4 × 27 = CHF 37.80. Two curtains of 2 m each for a window front: 4 × 27 = CHF 108.–. We give you the exact price once we have seen the curtains – weight tape, lining or decoration change the amount of work. All prices: price list.
How to measure the right length
- Fit the track or pole first. Measure from the actual hanging point – not from the ceiling and not from the window frame.
- Find the hanging point: with gliders and hooks, the bottom edge of the hook; with eyelets, the top edge of the pole; with tab tops, the top edge of the pole.
- Measure down to the floor – in at least three places. Floors and ceilings in older buildings are rarely level.
- Subtract the gap you want (see below) and note down the finished length.
Easiest of all: hang the curtain, pin the length you want and bring it in like that.
Floating, floor-length or pooling?
- Floating (1–2 cm above the floor): the most practical option. The hem stays clean and robot vacuums can get through.
- Floor-length (just touching the floor): looks calm and high-quality, but needs accurate measuring.
- Pooling (2–5 cm of fabric on the floor): the elegant, slightly lavish look for living rooms and bedrooms – but it collects dust.
Wash first, then shorten
Linen, cotton and many natural fibres can shrink by a few per cent in the first wash – on a 2.5 m drop that quickly adds up to several centimetres. New curtains made of natural fibres should therefore be washed or cleaned before shortening. Synthetic sheers (polyester) usually keep their shape.
Heavy velvet or lined curtains don’t belong in a household washing machine. We clean them at our dry cleaner’s and shorten them afterwards – so the length is still right after washing.
Weight tape, eyelets, tab tops: what happens when we shorten
Weight tape (lead tape) makes sheer curtains hang straight. We take it out and put it back into the new hem.
Eyelet and tab-top curtains are shortened at the bottom, so the heading with the eyelets stays unchanged.
Patterns and borders: If the curtain has a decorative border at the bottom, it may make sense to shorten it at the top instead. We discuss this when you drop it off.
More about our curtain service: Curtain shortening in Lucerne.
Frequently asked questions
Contact →How much does it cost to have curtains shortened in Switzerland?
At Zekos Express in Lucerne, CHF 27.– per metre of curtain width for the length and CHF 20.– per metre for the width. A curtain 1.5 m wide therefore costs around CHF 40.–.
How do you measure curtain length correctly?
With the track or pole fitted, measure from the hanging point (hook, top edge of the pole) to the floor in at least three places, then subtract the gap you want above the floor.
Should you wash curtains before shortening them?
Yes, if they are made of natural fibres such as linen and cotton. They can shrink in the first wash. Polyester sheers usually keep their shape.
Is the weight tape kept when curtains are shortened?
Yes. The weight tape is taken out and put back into the new hem so the curtain still hangs straight.
Can eyelet curtains be shortened?
Yes. Eyelet curtains are shortened at the bottom; the heading with the eyelets stays unchanged.
Do you make made-to-measure curtains?
Yes, we make curtains to measure on request. The price depends on the fabric and the work involved.
