Where to start with curtains

Need curtains but not sure where to start? I provide a full curtain service, from measurements, fabric and style consultation to delivery and installation.

To help you make an informed decision, here are some of the important factors to take into consideration when getting a quote for your curtains.

• The amount of fabric used makes a difference between a curtain looking full and luxurious or skimped and lifeless. In my quotes, I allow for 100% fullness unless otherwise specified.

• The tape or heading gives you the overall style and look you want to achieve. I can show you the latest styles and types of headings for your curtains. 

• The lining is your curtains’ main protector from the sun and provides insulation for your room. I use a high-quality blackout lining that provides both of these features. This is vital to protecting fabrics from fading, and improving acoustics and blackout properties. A quality lining will make your curtain hang with a sense of substance and it will last longer too.  

• For an even greater level of insulation, you can also add a bumph (filler fabric) between the curtain and lining.

My bespoke curtain service includes these options:

• Free measure and quote for all types of curtains and blinds

• Fully lined curtain

• Curtains with bumph interlining

• Blackout curtain

• Dim out / triple weave curtain

• Sheer / net curtain

• Shower curtain

• Curtain fabric

• Our own local sewing room

• Installation service

Measuring Curtains

Step 1: Measure the width first, allowing 200-300mm each size of the window for curtains or 150mm per width of fabric to allow the curtains to be pulled off the window to allow in more light.

Step 2: Measure the length (or drop). First, you need to decide how long you want the curtains to be. To measure the length, you need to measure from the top of the track or architrave to the required length. Measure both sides of the window and if the floor is uneven, take the longer length.

Details to note:

Typical lengths can be just above the floor (measure to the floor then minus 10mm) or puddling on the floor 300mm longer than to floor-length.

When measuring a whole house, always start at the entrance and work around the building in an anti-clockwise direction. Then measure the drop from where the track will be hung to where the completed curtain will finish.

When measuring for a bent track take all the measurements including the inside and outside bends and use an angle divisor to ensure you have the right degree angle, then draw the track shape on your measure sheet including the stack back at either side.

Note down how many curtains you want on each window and which way they are to stack.