Curtains

NEED TO KNOW

Our onsite measuring and advisory service We will be delighted to send our design team to take measurements for curtaining. Whilst they are with you, they can also advise on the many different methods of hanging your window treatments. Our professionals can also advise on the provision of black-out curtains, sheers and blinds; also on the selection of wallpapers, furniture, lighting and accessories. If you’d like to book a visit from our team click here

PLANNING A VISIT TO OUR DESIGN CENTRE

AIf you’re planning a visit to our Design Centre, you may find it useful to bring some rough measurements with you – such as the size (width and height) of your windows. You could also bring along some snap shots of your spaces, or perhaps some images from interior design journals that appeal to you.

HOW TO MEASURE FOR CURTAINS

Curtain widths should typically be about 1 1/2 to 3 times the final width measurement of your window. However, the fullness you choose will ultimately define the style you want to achieve. Fuller curtains lend a richer feel to your windows while curtains with a shorter width create a more tailored look. Window treatments are most commonly measured width by length, where length is the distance from the rod pocket to the very bottom of the panel. The length you choose for your curtains will also ultimately depend on your hanging method and desired look.
To measure: Place the measuring tape at the top of the window frame or in the top inside corner and measure down to your desired length. For a higher curtain placement, measure up from the top window frame 20 inches to achieve an elongated appearance.On most curtains & window treatments, it takes two to three times more material/curtain to provide the proper fullness in appearance when installed/hanging on rod than the actual window width.
Measure the width of the rod from left to right. A common rule for displaying curtains properly says the curtains finished width should be at least 2 times the width of your window (if not more - sheers can be 3 times the window width) to achieve a look of proper fullness.
Example: If your window measures 36" wide (window width x 2 = 72"), you need curtains that will give a minimum width of 72" or 2 panels for that window. In this case 2 panels will give about 100" to 120" of width which will deliver a more generous look. As a rough rule of thumb. For Standard fullness multiply by 2, for luxurious fullness multiply 2.5 and for ultimate abundance multiply by 3.

LENGTH

Measure the length of the window or area you want to cover from top to bottom. Overall curtain length, anywhere from the sill to the apron or to the floor is a personal preference and need not be exact. By moving your rod up or down a little you can adjust the position of the curtain at your window. If sill length is desired, just below the bottom of the sill is correct. Other hanging styles bring the curtain to the floor in order to “puddle"

TO LINE OR NOT TO LINE?

In order to decide whether to line your curtains or not – consider the following points:

In favour of lining

A lining gives a curtain a much better and fuller look.

Lining looks good from the outside.

Lining protects the fabric.

Lining excludes damaging ultraviolet rays – which can rot fabrics.

Lining prevents fading

Lining adds weight and anchors the curtains

Blackout linings in bedrooms provide total darkness for optimum sleep.

AGAINST LINING

Lining is more expensive – in terms of fabric and make up charges

If you want to create a romantic effect with a soft-filter of light – don’t line.

If you want to create curtains that billow – don’t line.

HEADINGS

The tops of curtains are known as headings: choose from:

1: Basic Heading with hooks
A traditional flat heading that attaches to the rod via rings stitched into its top hem or, sometimes, drapery hooks (the rings attach to the hooks). With either setup, the curtains move easily.

2: Rod-Pocket Heading
A channel along the top holds the rod and creates a casual, gathered effect. A nice choice for curtains that will stay put, because shimmying the fabric back and forth can be difficult.

3: Pleated Heading
There are many styles, from narrow pencil pleats to wide, flat box pleats. Because they’re structured, these panels read more formal than do other types. Pleated curtains generally operate with drapery hooks and rings.

4: Tab-Top Heading
Flat loops of fabric hang on the rod. This can look relaxed with sheers or buttoned-up with stiffer fabrics. A variation on this theme is tie-tops, with bows instead of flat loops—still casual but more feminine and romantic.

The dynamics of curtain hanging
Generally, hanging curtain brackets on the wall above and outside the window molding looks best; it allows fabric to fall gracefully. However, consider the two interior design tricks below:

Make your windows look longer
To create the illusion of a taller window, mount the rod four to six inches above the window frame—or halfway between the frame and the ceiling molding. A track mounted on the ceiling also lengthens windows. Be sure to account for the extra fabric when measuring.
Make your windows look wider
Extending the rod three to six inches beyond the frame on each side makes a window feel grander and allows extra light to stream in when the curtains are open (the fabric hangs against the wall without blocking the glass).