Curtains

[Theironfistofarkus]

I have never bought curtains before but have heard that best way to get some inexpensively is to buy fabric and get a seamstress to make them. Has anyone done that and got any tips or recommendations of who to use?

[shoom]

There are lots of websites that tell you how to measure for curtains and explain the different styles e.g. pencil pleat, eyelet etc, how much gather is best for each style... Curtain rails are often 10-15cm above the window, position them so ready made curtains will hang nicely. Pinterest is good for inspiration on the style that may suit each room. Once you've got an idea of size and style it is probably cheapest to buy ready made ones. Places like supermarkets, Argos and Ikea sell them cheaply.

[Theironfistofarkus]

Thanks shoom. Would that be cheaper than getting them made up by someone on ebay do you think?

[MrsSteptoe]

Yes, IMO. Decent curtain-makers aren't all that cheap, and sloppy ones aren't worth the money.

[shoom]

I've just entered the world of curtains myself recently. I found this website really informative- this is the first in a series of guides to measuring and buying curtains
www.curtainscurtainscurtains.co.uk/how-to-buy-curtains-part-one-measuring-bgid13.html

I'd go for ready made curtains unless your windows aren't suitable (unlikely unless you've unusual windows) or you really want something specific.

I found john Lewis good. They have ready made plus thousands of fabrics for made to measure, so you can get a lot of inspiration just looking at fabrics in that one shop. They also have lots of voile, tie backs and they also have materials to make your own tie backs. Some of the staff are extremely helpful. If you take photos of your rooms they can give you advice and there's no hard sell. (I don't work there, honest!)

[shoom]

Plus if you buy ready made curtains you can hang them and decide if you're happy with the look, length and lining (e.g. if you want blackout curtains). Check first with the shop if they're happy to accept returns and don't pull the strings on pencil pleat curtains.

[Theironfistofarkus]

Cheers shoom. You are a star