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    Curtains Buying New Banner

    Guide to Buying Curtains

    Picking new curtains can be fun. Curtains are a fast (and easy) way to change the look of any room… but with so many fabrics, styles, and colours, it’s understandable to feel a bit unsure where to start.

    Should you go for blackout curtains or light voiles? Eyelets or pencil pleats? And is lining really worth paying extra for? So many things to consider… who knew!

    This handy guide covers everything you need to know - helping you choose curtains that suit your home and your style!

    Before You Buy

    Before picking your perfect colour or fabric, think about what you need your curtains to do.
     

    For instance, think about whether you want more privacy. Better sleep? Extra warmth during the colder months? Or are you simply updating your room to give it the it factor?
     

    This makes the decision much simpler and helps narrow down your options.

    Sheer Voile Curtain - White

    Choosing the Right Fabric

    The fabric impacts far more than just the way the curtains look. It affects how your curtains hang, how much light they filter, how well they insulate and how much care they'll need.

    Linen Curtains

    Linen is great for relaxed interiors and brings plenty of natural character. It lets soft daylight into a room while creating an elegant, effortless look.

    Pros

    •     Natural texture
    •     Breathable
    •     Elegant drape
    •     Timeless style

    Cons

    •     Creases easily
    •     Can be more expensive
    •     May require professional cleaning
       

    Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms and home offices.

    Velvet Curtains

    If warmth and comfort are top of your list, then velvet is a great choice. The heavier fabric blocks more light than many alternatives while helping to reduce draughts and outside noise - perfect for cosy evenings!

    Pros

    Cons

    Best for: Bedrooms and formal living rooms.

    Cotton Curtains

    Cotton remains one of the UK's most popular curtain fabrics because it offers a good balance of practicality, affordability and style - a win, win, win!

    Pros

    Cons

    Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms and children's rooms.

    Synthetic Fabrics

    Polyester blends are designed for everyday use. They're durable, easy to care for, ideal for busy households, plus super affordable!
    Pros

    Cons

    Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms.

    Hatfield Check Blackout Curtains

    Should You Choose Lined Curtains?

    Lining helps curtains hang neatly while improving insulation, increasing privacy and giving better control over natural light. It also helps protect the fabric from fading in strong sunlight.

    For bedrooms, thermal or blackout lining can make a noticeable difference to comfort throughout the year and offers a shield against pesky street lamps or being rudely awoken by the early sunrise on summer mornings. 

    Choosing the Right Length

    Curtain length has a big effect on the finished look and vibe of a room.
     

    Sill-length curtains are practical where space is limited or where furniture sits beneath the window, making them great for kitchens and bathrooms.
     

    Below-sill curtains fall around 15 to 20cm below the window and work well in children's rooms or smaller bedrooms.
     

    Floor-length curtains are by far the most popular choice. They create clean lines and suit almost any style of home.
     

    Puddled curtains extend onto the floor, creating a more luxurious look that's often seen in large bedrooms and lounges to give that real wow factor! 

    Chenille Taped Curtains

    Choosing the Right Colour

    Lighter shades help smaller spaces feel brighter and more open. Whilst darker colours create warmth and a cosier vibe ready for snuggle season.
     

    You’ll want to think about wall colour, flooring, furniture and the amount of natural light the room receives before picking the perfect pair.
     

    If you're unsure, neutral colours are a solid choice. They work with changing décor and are less likely to go out of style - work smarter, not harder! 

    Curtain Heading Styles

    The heading changes both the look of your curtains and how they operate (sounds more complicated than it is).
     

    Eyelet curtains create neat, even folds and slide smoothly on a curtain pole, making them a popular choice for modern homes.
     

    Pencil pleat curtains are one of the most versatile options because they work with both poles and tracks.
     

    Pinch pleat curtains provide a tailored, premium appearance with structured folds.
     

    Tab top curtains have a relaxed look but don't slide as easily, so they're often better suited to decorative curtains.
     

    Wave curtains create soft, continuous folds and are particularly effective on wide windows and bi-fold doors.

    Astra Jacquard Voile Curtain - White

    Best Curtains for Each Room

    Different rooms have different priorities.
     

    Living rooms suit linen, velvet, eyelet or pinch pleat curtains that create an attractive focal point.
     

    Bedrooms benefit from blackout curtains, thermal lining and heavier fabrics that help improve comfort and reduce unwanted light.
     

    In kitchens, washable cotton or polyester blends are usually the most practical option. Bathrooms are better suited to lightweight, moisture-resistant fabrics that dry quickly.

    Curtain Buying Checklist

    Before ordering, check that you've:
     

    •     Measured your window
    •     Choose a curtain pole or track
    •     Selected the right heading style
    •     Picked the correct length
    •     Choose a suitable fabric
    •     Decided whether lining is needed
       

    Taking a few minutes to check these details can help avoid expensive mistakes later!

    Pembury Slub Voile Panel - White and Charcoal

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What curtains make a room look bigger?

    Floor-length curtains hung above the window frame draw the eye upwards, making ceilings appear higher. Light-coloured fabrics also help create a greater sense of space.

    Should curtains touch the floor?

    In most homes, yes. Curtains that finish just above the floor create a neat, tailored appearance without collecting unnecessary dust.

    Are blackout curtains worth it?

    For many homes, yes. They're particularly useful in bedrooms because they reduce outside light, improve insulation and can help lower heating costs.

    Which curtain fabric is easiest to maintain?

    Polyester and cotton blends are generally the easiest fabrics to care for. They're durable, machine washable and well suited to everyday family life.

    What is the most popular curtain heading?

    Eyelet curtains remain one of the UK's most popular modern styles because they're simple to hang and easy to use. Pencil pleat curtains continue to be a favourite in more traditional interiors.

    Explore Our Curtain Collection

    Whether you're looking for relaxed linen, luxurious velvet or practical everyday curtains, choosing the right combination of fabric, heading, and length will help you get the best result.

    Browse our collection and find curtains that complement your home and work for the way you live.

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