Many suppliers will put dry clean only on their curtains (including the custom made ones) to protect themselves from people mishandling the fabrics and if there's a block out backing on the curtain then this might not be washable. Linen will shrink if you put it into a hot washer or dryer but as Julia has indicated linen is a beautiful fabric to use if you do the right thing by it - if your wanting linen for the block out use a fabric backing rather than a linen that has a coating and make sure that the block out fabric can be separated from your linen fabric (curtain makers will hate it as it's a nightmare double handling, but if you're going to spend a lot of money on linen and for them to be made, it's not unreasonable to request this.

Another suggestion - sheerview blinds. http://www.bosetti.com.au/index.php/interior-products/sheerview-elegance-blind/ Available from all major blind suppliers. These blinds allow you to control the light totally from sheer to block out; block out 99% UV; available in large range of colours; gives the look of shutters with the softness of sheers all in one neat product.

Hi rhododendron13, This compact guest room has a lot of potential to fit your description of a room that is elegant, tasteful and welcoming. As you mentioned in your post, curtains with a swag and tail may not have space to hang freely beside the bed, but there are several options you can go for. A curtain with details on the top half of the window would resolve the issue, with a simple tail falling beside the bed. If you were looking for options to maximise space you may want to consider some DIY options which also provide privacy and style to the room. Our Venetians and Cellular Blinds are stocked at Bunnings around Australia, and Mitre10 also stock our Rollers Blinds all of which are easy to install. The variety of material options in these styles are good for choosing one that suits your taste. I would suggest blockout roller blinds, which offer the level of privacy you would want in a guest room, while appealing to many people in its simple style and design. For your convenience I've included an example: Amor Roller Blinds Installation · [More Info[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/amor-roller-blinds-installation-contemporary-bathroom-melbourne-phvw-vp~52165450) Hope this helps - good luck with the search!

yes. stallion looks like it is in a sample hanger with all or most of the various colours available. your other photo with the 6 or so swatches looks like all warwick samples. The Bleecker pleat does look interesting. I haven't seen it in Australia. Just remember any 'different' headings will substantially increase your making cost. Making cost is usually not unreasonable in Australia in my opinion as we have regulated wages etc. so making will change depending on how much labour will be involved. the most 'flexible' cost with curtains is your fabric as fabric cost can have a very wide range as you have no doubt discovered. but the making cost is the same whether the fabric cost $25 per metre or $250. the labour is the same.