Having Curtains Made in Dakar

Blackout curtains, sheer voiles and cushions: how to choose fabric, take the right measurements and have curtains made in Dakar without surprises.

Having Curtains Made in Dakar

With strong sunlight pouring through windows for much of the year, choosing the right curtains in Dakar is not just a decoration question. Between blackout curtains, light sheer voiles and matching cushions, the right fabric and tailoring choice truly changes how comfortable a room feels.

Blackout Curtains Against the Heat

For bedrooms facing direct sun or rooms facing the street, a thick blackout curtain limits incoming heat and also protects the household's privacy. Lined, heavier fabrics offer the best insulation, but they need more regular upkeep since they collect more dust, common in Dakar during the dry season. For living rooms, many families prefer pairing a light sheer voile, which lets light in while filtering views from outside, with a thicker blackout curtain to close during the day. This combination also gives flexibility across the day, closing the heavier curtain only when the sun is strongest and leaving the voile for the rest of the time.

Choosing Fabric and Taking Accurate Measurements

Before choosing a fabric, think about its purpose: a heavy fabric suits blackout curtains, while a light, airy fabric works better for a sheer voile or decorative cushions. For measurements, always take the exact width and height of the window or the rod, adding a margin for the folds that give the finished curtain some volume. A common mistake is underestimating this margin, which results in a curtain that looks flat once hung. Measuring twice, ideally with the rod already fitted in its final position, avoids most of these surprises once the fabric comes back from the workshop.

Tailor or Decorator: Which to Choose

A neighborhood tailor can make simple curtains at an affordable rate, while a decorator or a specialized workshop often offers more complete support, from fabric selection through to fitting the rods. For a simple project, a trusted tailor is usually enough, and asking to see a previous finished curtain helps gauge the quality of the stitching beforehand. For an entire room to rethink, with matching cushions and careful finishing, a decorator can help bring the whole style of the home together.

Rods, Upkeep and Budget

The choice of rod matters too: a sturdy rod, properly fixed to the wall, keeps the curtain from sagging under the weight of a heavy fabric. For upkeep, regular dusting with a vacuum, alongside normal washing, limits the dust buildup typical of the dry season, and checking the fabric for fading near the window every few months helps catch wear early. On budget, making a simple curtain generally costs between 5,000 and 15,000 FCFA per window depending on fabric and width, rising for a lined model or elaborate finishing. To compare several tailors and decorators, the Dakar services directory lists several specialized providers.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

For more options, see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

Route planner to organize a trip around fabric shops.
FCFA currency converter, handy for comparing quotes in other currencies.
List your business for tailors and decorators.

For more, read our guide to interior decoration in Dakar and our article on where to buy wax fabric in Dakar.

Frequently asked questions

What fabric should I choose for a blackout curtain?

A thick, lined fabric offers the best insulation against heat and light, but needs more regular upkeep against dust.

How much margin should I add when measuring for a curtain?

Add a margin to the window or rod width to give the finished curtain some volume and folds once hung.

Should I use a tailor or a decorator?

A neighborhood tailor suits simple curtains, while a decorator helps more with a full room project involving matching cushions and finishing.