Which Curtains?

Beautifully made curtains add another layer of texture and interest to a room, as well as providing privacy and warmth. Our made to order service allows you to choose from more than 400 fabrics and a variety of styles so that you can select a bespoke design that perfectly suits your room scheme.

Measuring your window

It is important that you provide the correct measurements so that your curtains look exactly how you want them to. For ease and to ensure accuracy, it is advisable to measure with the help of another person, and always use a metal tape measure, as fabric or plastic tape may stretch. If you have a number of windows, measure each one separately, even if they appear to be the same size, and always double check all your measurements.

Pole or track

Before you measure you need to decide whether you are having a curtain pole or a track. Poles can enhance the look of a room in their own right, especially if you opt for decorative finials on the ends. They can also support a wider variety of headings, from tab tops and eyelets to pencil or pinch pleats for a more traditional look. Curtain tracks are usually hidden behind the curtain heading and give a more sophisticated, finished look to a room. They can only be used with pencil pleat or pinch pleat headings.

Fix the pole or track

Before taking any measurements, you need to fix your pole or track. As a general rule, this should extend 15cm on either side of the window frame to allow the curtains to be pulled back during the day. A good point to fix the pole or track is 15cm above the window, but you can opt for a higher point if you want to try to correct the proportion of the window, for example.

Measuring the width

Measure the track or pole, not the window.

For tracks, measure the width from end to end (fig 1). If the track overlaps in the middle, measure each track and combine the dimensions for an overall width
(fig 2).

For poles, measure the width between the decorative finials (fig 3).

Measuring the length

For tracks, measure from the top of the track, so that it will be hidden by the curtains (fig 4).

For poles, measure from the bottom of the curtain ring so that the pole will be seen above the curtains (fig 5).

For eyelet curtains, measure from the top of the pole and add 4cm.

Choosing your length

For sill length curtains, measure to 1cm above the sill. For below-sill length, measure to your required length below the sill. For floor length curtains, measure to 1cm above the floor (fig 6).

Pelmets

You can only opt for a pelmet if you are using a curtain track (rather than a pole) and you will need to have a valance track that runs in front of the curtain track from which you can hang your pelmet. We offer three types of pelmet: one straight, and two curved, in a choice of either pencil pleat or pinch pleat headings (this is available with or without covered buttons). Pelmets can also be lined.

Measuring the pelmet width

To find the total width of the pelmet, measure the distance from the wall to the front of the pelmet track (a), double it and add it to the width of the pelmet track (b) (fig 7).

Measuring the pelmet drop

The ideal drop for a straight pelmet is 1/6 of the overall length of the curtains, but it can be anything from 25cm to 36cm (fig 8).

If you prefer a shaped pelmet, we offer two choices: side length 40cm by centre length 28cm, or side length 51cm by centre length 30cm (fig 9).

Go to measuring Video

With a choice of more than 400 fabrics available, we offer a design for everyone, whether you love high glamour or simple sophistication.

View your fabric

You can see the swatches online – they are grouped by colour for ease – or visit one of more than 500 stores to see the fabrics. Whichever option you choose, we suggest that you view the fabric in the room so that you can see how it looks in different light and how it will work with the rest of your colour scheme. You can order up to 6 free fabric swatches delivered within 5 working days by calling 08457 624 624.

Consider other patterns and colours in the scheme

Remember to check how your curtain fabric will work with everything else in the room, including any other upholstery fabrics, plus your wall and floor treatments.

Extra fabric

For a truly bespoke feel, you can order fabric by the metre, as well as cushions and tie backs – see step 4 for more details.

Go to fabric swatches

We offer three different styles of curtain heading:

Pencil pleat A classic heading style, this features uniform pleats that give good fullness to the curtain.

Pinch pleats A decorative heading, this is perfect for creating a more formal feel. It is available with or without matching fabric-covered buttons.

Eyelets This style is perfect for creating a contemporary, relaxed feel. Eyelet headings can only be used with a curtain pole, not a track, and are available in six colours – old copper, satin silver, brass, old gold, nickel or gunmetal – so you can match the eyelet to the colour of your pole or your fabric.

Our service includes other bespoke items for a truly polished finish.

Lining This protects the curtain fabric from sunlight and helps the curtain to hang well. It also gives a pleasing uniformity when curtains are viewed from the outside of the house.

You can choose from the following: cotton twill, a great everyday choice in 50% cotton, 50% polyester; Solprufe, which is 100% cotton with a special smooth finish; blackout, which is 70% polyester and 30% cotton and specially coated to block out the light, so is particularly good for bedrooms; thermal, a mix of 52% polyester and 48% cotton specially coated on the reverse to retain heat and keep out the cold; and thinsulate which is a sateen twill with a unique polyester microfibre layer that gives exceptional heat retention. This interlined style provides extra insulation and gives the curtain a plush, thick appearance. Not only does it retain heat in winter, in summer it can serve to prevent the room from becoming too hot.

Tie backs These pull curtains aside to let in more light, and can be ordered in a matching fabric.

Cushions Perfect for creating a coordinated feel, cushions in a matching fabric can be ordered in a choice of three sizes (43 x 43cm, 48 x 48cm, 60 x 40cm).

Fabric by the metre To create other bespoke pieces, you can purchase your chosen fabric by the metre.

To order online, download the order form, fill it in and post it to the address shown. You will then receive a phone call to confirm the details and to give you a quote. Alternatively, visit any store offering the Made to Order curtains and blinds service or call 0845 603 1 603 and a trained advisor will guide you through the ordering process. Your curtains will be ready in 10 working days.

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