Click here to see a list of blind and curtain suppliers

---

Choosing curtains and blinds

Right now the look for window dressings is simple, relaxed and pared-down. But how do you choose the right style? Our handy tips will put you on the right track.

Choosing the look

Before you come to choose window dressings for your home, it’s important to really examine your needs. What exactly are the requirements of the room? For example, in a bedroom you may want dark, lined curtains or blinds that keep the light out, whereas in the kitchen you might want café curtains or a simple roller blind.
Once you have decided on the type of window dressing you actually need, you can turn your attention to style and cost. Do you want to achieve a fashionable double-layered look, for example, with fine diaphanous voile curtains overlaid with heavy fully-lined curtains? Or, if you have budgetary constraints you may prefer a pair of simple cotton tab top curtains or an inexpensive paper blind. Another increasingly popular option is to change your curtains with the seasons, choosing thick, insulating curtains for the colder months and fine, floaty curtains that allow the light to flood in during the summer months. Think carefully about colour and pattern too. Do you want something neutral that you can live with comfortably for years, or are you looking for an injection of bold colour that will breathe life into your room?

Measuring up

The next step on the road to choosing window dressings is to measure your windows and remember to take notes along with you when you go shopping! As well as ensuring that you have the correct drop, by measuring from the pole or track, to the required length, it is also important to choose the right width. As a general rule pencil pleated curtains should be 1.5 times as wide as the windows. Tab-top curtains on the other hand just need to lay flat when pulled across the window. When it comes to blinds you will need to decide whether you want your blinds to fit into the window recess or stand proud, before making a purchase. It is also worth remembering that many blinds can be trimmed to fit your exact window size.

Ready made curtains

These come in a variety of different styles to suit all price ranges. Lightweight voile panels are available, either patterned or plain in a choice of easy care polycotton or fine cotton. Sold singly, these great value curtains are suitable for use with rod or track and can also look terrific when hung from trendy curtain clips. If you prefer a smart, tailored look, check out the ready-made pencil pleat curtains, which come either lined or unlined. Alternatively, for something a little less formal choose fashionable tab top curtains that can be hung from a pole in seconds.
There is a vast selection of fabrics to choose from when it comes to selecting curtains. Smart cotton sateens, thick textural chenilles, classic checks, plain cottons and understated self-patterned fabrics are just some of the styles available.
Most ready-made curtains are available in a range of standard sizes, the maximum drop being around 230cm. Matching tie-backs are also available in many ranges to help you achieve a totally co-ordinated look.

Blinds

Just as with curtains, blinds vary enormously in price and style. Inexpensive paper or bamboo roll-up blinds are great if you are just setting up home, as they’ll look good without costing the earth. Smart PVC venetian blinds, available in a wide range of colours, are also good value for money. For a relaxed, contemporary look, Roman blinds in simple cotton and canvas are hard to beat. Special dim-out blinds, designed to cut out the light, are ideal for kids rooms. For humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms roller blinds made from manmade fabrics which help reduce mould growth make a practical choice.

Feature: Erica Miller, Homebase.

Click here to see a list of blind and curtain suppliers

---