Home Curtain Business — Side Business Guide for the UK
Startup Cost: £50–£300 | Difficulty: Beginner | Time to Start: 7 Days | Business Type: Local
Plenty of UK homeowners still want simple made-to-measure curtains after a move or a quick refresh. You can handle the measuring, sewing and fitting from a spare room without renting space.
What is Home Curtain Business?
A home curtain business means taking orders locally, cutting fabric to size, sewing headings and hems, then fitting the finished panels. Work stays small at first and grows only when repeat jobs and referrals appear.
Video Breakdown
The video walks through fabric buying, basic machine setup and first customer calls. Watch the full video on YouTube for the full walkthrough.
Key Takeaways
- Start with one decent sewing machine and a tape measure.
- Charge £150–£300 per pair once you can fit as well as make.
- Target new-build estates and rental turnovers within a ten-mile radius.
- Keep first orders under six windows to control fabric spend.
- Use free local Facebook groups before paying for ads.
- Track every measurement on paper; photos help avoid repeat visits.
Startup Costs in the UK
Keep the first spend under £300 by buying second-hand where possible.
| Item | Approx. Cost (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Second-hand sewing machine | £40–£80 | Check local Facebook Marketplace or charity shops. |
| Basic fabrics and lining | £30–£60 | Start with three neutral colours only. |
| Measuring and cutting tools | £15–£30 | Tape, scissors, pins and weights. |
| Business cards and simple invoice template | £0–£25 | Print at home or use free Canva files. |
| Public liability insurance (first year) | £80–£120 | Essential before entering customer homes. |
Total outlay lands between £100 and £250 before your first paid job.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Domestic sewing machine with straight and zigzag stitch.
- Metal tape measure and notepad.
- Sharp fabric scissors and pinking shears.
- Iron and ironing board for pressing seams.
- Curtain hooks, track samples and heading tape.
- Simple contract template covering measurements and payment terms.
How to Start
- Register as self-employed with HMRC on GOV.UK before taking money.
- Buy the machine and test it on scrap fabric for two evenings.
- Measure your own windows first to practise the process.
- Post clear photos of finished samples in local Facebook groups.
- Offer free quotes within a set postcode area only.
- Take a 50% deposit before cutting any fabric.
- Collect payment on completion and ask for a short review.
Earnings & Scaling
Expect £400–£800 in the first month if you complete four to six small jobs. Steady local work can reach £1,800–£2,500 once you fit as well as sew. Growth comes from referrals and repeat landlord work rather than paid ads.
Pros, Cons and Risks
Pros:
- Low kit cost and work from home.
- Constant demand from moves and refurbishments.
- Can raise prices once fitting skills improve.
Cons:
- Physical work carrying poles and fabric.
- Customers often change their mind on fabric after seeing samples.
- Seasonal dips in January and February.
Risks:
- Wrong measurements mean wasted fabric and refunds.
- Damage to customer walls or floors during fitting.
- Price competition from online ready-made suppliers.
UK-Specific Tips
- Carry public liability insurance before any home visit.
- Check lease terms if you live in a flat; some ban commercial sewing machines.
- Use local estate agents for landlord introductions rather than cold calls.
- Keep VAT records once turnover passes the threshold.
FAQ
Do I need a van?
A small hatchback works for the first year; most jobs fit in the boot.
How do I price a job?
Double the fabric cost and add £25–£35 per hour for your time plus fitting.
Can I start without sewing experience?
Basic straight seams are enough for simple pencil pleat curtains; practise on cheap lining first.
Is insurance really necessary?
Yes. One accidental mark on a carpet can cost more than the annual premium.
Conclusion
Curtain work stays steady because windows do not disappear. Start small, measure twice and keep records. browse more ideas on MicroBiz365.
