Why do stores sell most curtains per- panel instead of by the pair and why are curtains so expensive?

Question

I am needing to find some nice curtians. I also have large windows so this does not help. I don't understand why they are so expensive! When I worked at JC Penny they were outragously priced!! Even blinds such as the rolling bamboo one's are expensive!

Answer 1

I would get some fabric (cheap on the sale table) and make them. So many don't really need to be sewn. Put up blinds....or bamboo roll up shades for privacy and then get a piece of fabric; sheet, etc. Make a scarf...very easy and no sewing needed. Use straight pins....works for me. Go to thrift stores and look for sheer panels to use as scarfs...or you may find curtains there. I don't buy shower curtains. I bye panels at yard sales, thrift stores and tie them back and use a plastic liner. Looks great.
Use you imagination and good luck.
Check out www.hgtv.com Great ideas!!!!

Answer 2

I, too, have been annoyed at the price of buying a single curtain panel. If you don't want to sew, there are ways to make no-sew curtains using hem tape and curtain rings. Very simple.

You could also try a discount store like Target, Walmart or Kmart. I was surprised to see decent curtains in Walmart -- even a few years back their selection was not that great. Sometimes you can find curtains in pairs at these stores. You may also want to try Ikea -- they almost always sell curtains in pairs and their prices are good. For bamboo blinds, you can't beat Ikea. Dirt cheap, decent quality and a variety of sizes. I have bought these myself and was pleasantly surprised about the quality.

One last place to try is Lowes. Unlike other home improvement box stores, Lowes actually has home decorating items and they have some nice curtains. Usually cheaper than department stores, but a bit more expensive than discount stores. They also have a nice selection of rods and curtain rings at good prices.

Answer 3

Curtain are sold in panels for a few different reasons. You may have one large window that needs four panels and another smaller window that just need one... Also for the look you want on the window. The more panels you use the fuller the look. Generally giving you a more elegant look. Less panels give youa more relaxed look.

Yes curtains are way to expensive. Curtains are really very easy to make. Yet still the cost of material is going up as well. If you need curtains for a large window, even making them can be expensive. Probably $75 or more for a drapery material.

Answer 4

They sell them per panel because it is undetermined how many panels the customer actually needs. For example someone may only need one or two but on a big window you might need three. I do agree they are too expensive. I have a Roses store near me that has some good buys on curtains though. Have you thought of making your own? You can save a lot of money that way and get what you really want. Shop around for the best buys and try an outlet store. Drapes are the worst for cost and lots of times I see drapes for cheap at the Goodwill store.

Answer 5

I have always wondered this also. When I was younger i knew they did, but those days are long gone. The prices have also gone wild as the prints have also. I finally gave up and made my own until I could save up for the pair I really wanted. I went to Ross's or anywhere else where they sell cheap sheets and things. Found the sheets I liked the best. You can sew them by hand or by machine (i had to do by hand as I didn't have a sewing machine) This has been 15 years ago, and I haven't ever went and bought those curtains as I love the curtains I made!
Sorry not much help but hopefully someone will come up with a better reply to your question. Have a wonderful day!

Answer 6

Alot of times Wal-mart will have curtains in their clearence aisles but then the problem is you may not be able to find two of the same kind or three whatever # you may need! I would go with the bed sheets - I have done this and I also use sheets to slipcover my couch! With sheets for curtains- sometimes you don't even have to sew- the wide hemmed part could be open so you can just slip a curtain rod into it or you may have to cut a few threads on each end to open it- then just find some pretty ribbon or scarfs to use for tie-backs and your done!

Answer 7

You did not say what state you lived in, but in New York,
I go to Marburn Curtains, and they have fabulous deals.
I rarely pay more than $14.50 per panel. A curtain discount place is what you need. Good Luck.

Answer 8

most people have a family dollar store near them... i know some of these stores are a wreck but they do have really nice domestics , curtains bedspreads and rugs not to mention, shelves and lamps and things ,some of these items are from warehouses that sell the same identical items from stores like jc penny ,sears
etc. i know cos i have seen the same items in both stores same packaging and all. but much cheaper i was suprised. burlington gets alot of the same items as family dollar.

Answer 9

I sew my own. I can sometimes find inexpensive material at estate auctions that the owner was a quilter---lots of material. Also Walmarts has a great selection of the finer fabrics.

Answer 10

if you can't afford new and aren't too proud , i suggest you keep an eye out for garage sales.
also checkout your local salvation army store.
there's plenty to be had out there for the price of a song (or two)
...not to mention the fact it's where recycling begins