Curtain Style Guide

Curtains Buying Guide

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with expert advice on everything you need to know about purchasing curtains. We’ll cover:

  • Which type of curtain do I need?
  • What are the different curtain headers?
  • Which curtain lining should I choose?
  • Ready-made or Made to Measure curtains?
  • What curtain collections are available?

 

Which type of curtain do I need?

 

When considering the type of curtains you need, several factors come into play. The primary consideration will be the room the curtain is intended for. For instance, blackout and thermal curtains are versatile options for any room, as they excel at maintaining warmth in winter and coolness in summer.1 Conversely, voiles and nets are excellent for adding daytime privacy to any room while allowing natural light, serving as an additional layer for a window.2

 

Beyond the room, the style of the window itself is crucial: a bay window will necessitate a very different curtain solution compared to a small, single bedroom window. We also offer door curtains specifically designed to prevent draughts in exposed doorways.

Here are the main types of curtains we stock:

  • Door curtains: Sold as a single panel, door curtains are an effective way to block draughts and unwanted light from entering your home through exposed doorways. We offer a diverse range of door curtains in various colours and styles.
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  • Voiles & Net curtains: These are a popular choice for those who desire daytime privacy while still enjoying ample natural daylight within their home.3

     

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  • Blackout curtains: As their name suggests, blackout curtains completely block out light.4 Beyond this, they also offer the same benefits as thermal curtains, making a room warmer in winter and cooler in summer. They are ideal for bedrooms, particularly children’s rooms, but can be hung in any room where you wish to prevent light intrusion.

     

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  • Thermal curtains: Thermal curtains are designed to provide maximum insulation during the colder, winter months.5 They can be utilized in any room within your home that experiences unwanted draughts, effectively helping to keep you warm throughout winter.

     

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What style of curtain should I choose?

 

The type of curtain header you select will often largely determine the overall style and aesthetic of your curtains, making it a decision worth careful consideration. Are you aiming for a modern or a more traditional feel? Do you prefer something subtle or a statement piece? We stock six distinct types of curtain headers, ensuring you’ll find one that perfectly suits your preferences and home decor.

  • Eyelet curtains: One of the most popular curtain headers, eyelet curtains eliminate the need for curtain rings as they are threaded directly onto a pole via the curtain’s integrated ‘eyes’ or holes.6 This design creates deep, uniform folds from top to bottom, resulting in a modern and sleek finish.

     

  • Pencil pleat curtains: Offering a traditional curtain header, pencil pleat curtains are attached to a curtain track or pole using hooks or rings.7 You can achieve your desired amount of gather by adjusting the curtain header’s strings. The end result is neat, pencil-like pleats that complement a wide range of decors.

     

  • Pinch pleat headings: These headings are gathered in a series of elegant bunches and meticulously stitched together to create an ornate, decorative finish.8 Unlike pencil pleats, once stitched, the design is permanent and cannot be altered. Pinch pleat curtains can be used with either poles or tracks and produce dramatic, elegant folds that cascade gracefully down to the floor.9 Please note: our pinch pleat curtains are exclusively available through our Made to Measure service.

     

  • Slot Top curtains: Slot Top curtains are designed to be hung exclusively on curtain poles, utilizing a single slot along the top edge of the fabric.10 They are most commonly found on voile panels or net curtains, though occasionally thicker curtain fabrics may also feature slot top headers.

     

  • Tab Top header curtains: Tab Top curtains are hung on a curtain pole via fabric loops positioned along the top of the curtain.11 These loops wrap around the pole and support the curtain’s weight, imbuing windows with a charming, vintage feel. These curtains beautifully complement a traditional aesthetic and are an excellent way to showcase statement curtain fabrics or designs.

     

 

Which curtain lining should I choose?

 

While the curtain lining itself is not typically visible, it can profoundly impact both the appearance of your curtains and the overall effect they create in a room. Linings with blackout and thermal properties offer clear practical benefits, while the decision to line your curtains at all will alter their appearance, resulting in fuller, thicker curtains or those with a light and airy feel. Any form of lining will also provide crucial protection for your curtain fabrics, preventing them from fading due to sun exposure.12

 

  • Blackout lining: This lining is rapidly gaining popularity, particularly for bedrooms, as it completely blocks out light and effectively reduces outside noise.13 This lining also offers the added advantage of being thermal, keeping rooms cool in summer and warm in winter, and is especially effective at preventing fabric fading.

     

  • Thermal lining: Use this lining on curtains in particularly draughty and cold rooms to significantly help retain warmth within the space.
  • Lined curtains: These curtains feature an additional layer of fabric behind the main, room-facing material. This lining can help block out a certain amount of daylight. In addition to standard lining, you also have the option of choosing blackout or thermal linings.
  • Unlined curtains: Often sheer in appearance, net and voile curtains typically fall into this category. As they lack a lining, these curtains create a light, airy effect and are ideal for summer months or warmer climates.
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Should I choose ready-made or Made to Measure curtains?

 

The style and size of your windows will likely be the determining factor in whether you opt for our ready-made or Made to Measure service. Our ready-made curtains are available in three different standard widths and lengths, designed to cover most common window sizes. However, if your windows fall outside these standard dimensions, we offer the option of utilizing our Made to Measure curtains. This bespoke service provides an unlimited number of sizes, ensuring your curtains are crafted to fit your windows perfectly. It also caters specifically for unique window styles, such as bay windows and conservatory windows, among others.

  • Ready-made curtains:
    • We offer hundreds of ready-made curtains for you to choose from, available in a variety of standard curtain sizes.
    • Our ready-made curtain widths typically measure 117 cm, 168 cm, and 228 cm, with lengths available in 137 cm, 182 cm, and 228 cm.14

       

    • For some of our curtains, we also provide wider widths and longer drops beyond these standard measurements. Simply measure your windows at home using our handy curtain measuring guide, and you’re ready to select your preferred curtain style and fabric.
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  • Made to Measure curtains:
    • If your windows are a little unconventional, our Made to Measure service provides the flexibility you need to achieve the perfect fit.
    • Simply provide us with your measurements, and we will collaborate with you to create the perfect bespoke curtains for your space.
    • We meticulously double-check your measurements and handle the entire fitting process for you. We can even expertly tweak pre-made curtains that aren’t quite the right fit.
    • In addition to thousands of fabrics to choose from, you’ll also have a wide selection of matching accessories, such as curtain poles, tie-backs, and finials.
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What else should I consider when picking my curtains?

 

Our diverse curtain collections enable you to curate a cohesive and complete look for your home. Each collection is centered around a particular design or pattern and is available in a range of colourways, ensuring you can find the fabric and shade that best complements your existing decor. Additionally, there’s a selection of matching accessories, including tie-backs and poles, allowing you to ensure the final result is precisely what you envisioned.15