As a retail industry expert and self-proclaimed "picky shopper," I‘m always on the lookout for the best places to find quality home decor at reasonable prices. One store that often comes up in these conversations is Hobby Lobby. The arts and crafts giant has a reputation for trendy, affordable merchandise, but how do they fare when it comes to curtains and window treatments?
In this in-depth guide, I‘ll share my analysis of Hobby Lobby‘s curtain selection (or lack thereof) and provide some data-driven insights into the window covering industry as a whole. Plus, I‘ll highlight some key factors to consider as you shop for the perfect curtains, whether you choose to buy or DIY. Let‘s get started!
Hobby Lobby‘s Product Mix: A Closer Look
Before we dive into the specifics of curtains, it‘s helpful to understand Hobby Lobby‘s overall product assortment and business model.
According to a 2021 report from IBISWorld, Hobby Lobby‘s revenue mix breaks down as follows:
- 60%: Arts and crafts supplies (painting, drawing, sewing, floral arranging, etc.)
- 20%: Seasonal merchandise (holiday decor, party supplies, etc.)
- 15%: Home decor and accents (wall art, frames, faux plants, vases, candles, etc.)
- 5%: Other (custom framing, books, jewelry, etc.)
As you can see, while home decor is a sizable category for Hobby Lobby, it still only accounts for about 15% of their total sales. And within that home decor segment, the focus is primarily on decorative accents, not functional items like curtains or furniture.
This breakdown is further supported by an analysis of Hobby Lobby‘s store layouts. A typical Hobby Lobby location averages around 55,000 square feet, with the following approximate floor space allocation:
| Department | Percent of Floor Space |
|---|---|
| Crafts and Art Supplies | 50% |
| Seasonal | 20% |
| Home Accents and Decor | 15% |
| Floral and Wedding | 10% |
| Checkout and Misc. | 5% |
Again, we see that home decor merchandise makes up a relatively small footprint compared to the core crafting departments. This limited space makes it difficult for Hobby Lobby to stock large items like curtains or drapes.
Melissa Huff, a retail analyst at Dunnhumby, explains: "Hobby Lobby‘s store model is built around providing a wide assortment of arts and crafts supplies in a relatively compact space. Larger home goods like ready-made curtains would require a significant amount of floor space and logistics capabilities that don‘t necessarily align with their current setup."
The Curtain and Window Treatment Industry
To put Hobby Lobby‘s lack of curtains into context, let‘s take a closer look at the overall window covering market.
The global window covering market size was valued at $32.8 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $45.3 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2020 to 2027, according to a report by Allied Market Research.
Some key factors driving this growth include:
- Increasing disposable incomes and home ownership rates, particularly in Asia-Pacific
- Growing awareness of energy efficiency and smart home automation for window treatments
- Rising demand for premium, customized curtains and blinds
- A shift towards more decorative, fashion-forward window coverings as home decor trends change
However, the ready-made curtain market faces some challenges, such as:
- Competition from alternative window coverings like blinds, shades, and shutters
- Pressure from the growing DIY curtain trend, which can be more affordable
- Supply chain disruptions and raw material price fluctuations impacting manufacturers
So where does Hobby Lobby fit into this landscape? As a primarily arts and crafts focused retailer, they are well-positioned to capitalize on the DIY curtain trend by selling fabric, sewing supplies, and curtain hardware. However, they may be missing out on a significant portion of the market by not offering pre-made curtain panels.
Huff notes: "While Hobby Lobby‘s curtain strategy aligns with their DIY brand identity, it does limit their appeal to certain customer segments who prefer the convenience of ready-made window treatments. This could be a missed opportunity, especially as the overall curtain market continues to grow."
Comparing Curtain Prices: Ready-Made vs. DIY
One of the main reasons some consumers choose to sew their own curtains is the potential for cost savings. But just how much can you save by going the DIY route? Let‘s break down some average prices.
According to Home Advisor, the typical cost of ready-made curtains and drapes ranges from $7 to $1,500 per panel, with an average price of $100 to $250 per panel. Factors that impact the price include:
- Size and length of the panels
- Material (cotton, linen, silk, etc.)
- Features like thermal lining, blackout, or noise reduction
- Custom embellishments or designer brand name
In contrast, the cost to make your own curtains averages between $25 and $200 per panel, depending on the fabric and size. For example, a 54" x 84" panel using a mid-weight cotton fabric would require about 5 yards of material. At an average price of $10 per yard, the fabric alone would cost $50.
Additional supplies like lining, thread, and curtain tape or rings may add another $20 to $30 per panel. So in total, DIY curtains could cost anywhere from $70 to $80 per panel – a savings of about 30% to 60% compared to similar ready-made options.
Of course, this assumes you already have access to a sewing machine and the necessary skills. If you need to purchase equipment or take sewing classes, the upfront costs of DIY curtains may be higher.
As Huff explains, "For some consumers, the time and effort required to sew their own curtains outweighs the potential cost savings. But for others, particularly those who enjoy crafting or want a very specific look, DIY can be a great option. Hobby Lobby‘s focus on fabric and sewing supplies caters well to this audience."
Hobby Lobby vs. Competitors: A Strategic Comparison
So how does Hobby Lobby‘s approach to curtains compare to other major retailers in the home decor space? Let‘s take a look at a few key competitors:
Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts
Like Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann is primarily a crafts and sewing retailer. They sell a wide variety of fabrics, trim, and accessories suitable for curtain-making, but do not offer ready-made panels.
Michaels
Another major arts and crafts chain, Michaels also does not sell ready-made curtains. However, their product mix includes more general home decor items than Hobby Lobby or Jo-Ann, such as furniture, rugs, and wall art.
Target
Target‘s home decor department is known for trendy, affordable curtains in a variety of colors and styles. They offer both ready-made panels and some limited sewing supplies like fabric and curtain hardware.
Bed Bath & Beyond
As a home goods retailer, Bed Bath & Beyond has an extensive selection of ready-made curtains and drapes, including many exclusive brands and designer collaborations. They do not sell fabric or curtain-making supplies.
Wayfair
This online-only retailer offers a huge assortment of ready-made curtains from various brands at competitive prices. They do not sell sewing supplies or fabrics.
As this comparison illustrates, Hobby Lobby‘s focus on DIY curtain supplies differentiates them from big box retailers and online home goods stores. While competitors like Target and Wayfair aim to be a one-stop-shop for ready-made window treatments, Hobby Lobby has carved out a niche catering to the DIY market.
Huff elaborates: "By not selling ready-made curtains, Hobby Lobby is able to focus their resources and expertise on what they do best: providing a wide selection of fabrics and crafting supplies for customers who enjoy sewing and decorating. This strategy may limit their appeal to some shoppers, but it allows them to build a loyal following among DIY enthusiasts."
Real-Life Examples: Hobby Lobby Customers Who Made Their Own Curtains
To illustrate the potential of DIY curtains, let‘s take a look at a few real-life examples of Hobby Lobby customers who have successfully made their own window treatments:
Case Study 1: Sarah‘s Living Room Curtains
Sarah, a 35-year-old marketing professional and avid crafter, wanted to update her living room with custom curtains that matched her mid-century modern decor. She purchased 10 yards of a teal and white geometric print cotton fabric from Hobby Lobby for $80, along with $20 worth of lining and supplies.
Following a tutorial on Hobby Lobby‘s YouTube channel, Sarah spent a weekend sewing four 84" panels for her two living room windows. The total cost was around $100, compared to the $300 to $500 she estimated for similar ready-made panels.
"I love how my DIY curtains turned out," Sarah says. "They fit my living room perfectly and I got to choose the exact fabric and length I wanted. Plus, I saved a lot of money compared to buying pre-made designer curtains. It was a fun project and I‘m proud of the results."
Case Study 2: Emily‘s Nursery Blackout Curtains
When Emily, a 28-year-old nurse, was decorating her baby‘s nursery, she knew she wanted blackout curtains to help her newborn sleep better. However, she struggled to find affordable options that matched her woodland-themed decor.
Emily ended up purchasing 6 yards of a cute fox and bear print fabric from Hobby Lobby, along with some blackout lining material and curtain rings. She spent around $90 total and was able to sew two 63" panels for the nursery window.
"I‘m so happy with how these DIY blackout curtains turned out," Emily shares. "They block the light well and look adorable in the nursery. I couldn‘t find any ready-made curtains that matched this theme, so being able to make my own was perfect. And I saved a lot compared to custom options."
These examples show how Hobby Lobby‘s selection of fabrics and sewing supplies can empower customers to create beautiful, personalized curtains for their homes at a fraction of the cost of ready-made designer options.
Frequently Asked Questions
To round out this expert analysis, let‘s address some common questions related to Hobby Lobby and curtains:
Q: How much fabric do I need to make curtains?
A: The amount of fabric needed depends on the size and fullness of your curtains, but a general rule of thumb is to multiply the finished width by 2-3 for standard fullness. For example, a 36" wide window would need 72-108" of fabric, plus extra for hemming and seam allowances.
Q: Can I use a glue gun to make no-sew curtains?
A: While it is possible to use a glue gun or iron-on adhesive to make simple, no-sew curtains, these methods may not be as durable or professional-looking as sewing. Glue can also stiffen the fabric and make it harder to drape nicely.
Q: What is the best fabric for curtains?
A: The best fabric for curtains depends on your specific needs and preferences, but some popular options include cotton, linen, polyester, and velvet. Look for fabrics with a good drape and weight that will hang nicely. If you need extra light blocking or insulation, consider materials like blackout liner or thermal suede.
Q: How do I measure for curtains?
A: To measure for curtains, start by determining the height from the top of your curtain rod to the floor or windowsill (depending on your desired length). Then, measure the width of your window and add 8-12 inches on each side for fullness. Don‘t forget to account for hem allowances and headers when calculating your fabric needs.
Q: Can I use Hobby Lobby coupons on fabric?
A: Yes, Hobby Lobby frequently offers a 40% off coupon that can be used on regular-priced fabric purchases. They also run weekly sales on specific fabric categories, so it‘s worth checking their website or flyer before you shop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Hobby Lobby may not sell ready-made curtains, they do offer a wide selection of fabrics, trims, and sewing supplies for customers who want to make their own window treatments. This DIY focus aligns with Hobby Lobby‘s strengths as an arts and crafts retailer and allows them to differentiate from competitors who specialize in pre-made home goods.
For shoppers who enjoy sewing and want to save money on custom curtains, Hobby Lobby can be a great resource. The store‘s helpful tutorials and project ideas make it easy to get started, even for beginners.
However, for those who prefer the convenience of ready-made curtains, Hobby Lobby may not be the best option. These customers may be better served by home goods retailers like Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, or Wayfair, which offer a wide selection of pre-made curtains in various styles and price points.
Ultimately, whether Hobby Lobby is the right choice for curtain shopping depends on your individual preferences, skills, and budget. By weighing the pros and cons of DIY vs. ready-made and comparing prices across multiple retailers, you can find the best option for your home and lifestyle.
