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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To not have curtains? (Picture)

66 replies

KeepYourCup · 30/10/2019 17:09

I have a lovely flat with a big bay window. LL had blue Ikea things that looked like shower curtains up, which I replaced with less offensive voiles just to dress the window a little.

Now that its colder, am I losing a fuck-tonne of heat by not having proper curtains? Also, I hate the look of short curtains but long ones would cover the radiator.

I also feel like decent, lined curtains will cost a small fortune for the size of the window. Have attached a picture, I think it looks ok without proper curtains.

OP posts:

Original poster

KeepYourCup · 30/10/2019 17:10

Excuse the bunting - it was DS' birthday when I took the picture

OP posts:

MrsCasares · 30/10/2019 17:15

I think it looks lovely. It looks cosy enough with your blinds. So long as it’s not cold.

Legomadx2 · 30/10/2019 17:19

fully lined curtains for those windows would cost a fortune - not something you'd want to pay for if you're only renting.

It looks very pretty. I'd keep the bunting up!

LellyMcKelly · 30/10/2019 17:21

Look out for curtains in Charity shops or ebay. You can dye or bleach so of them too.

DDiva · 30/10/2019 17:22

I think the blinds would help reduce heat loss if put down....

We have huge patio doors and its freezing sitting next to them....

Ginfordinner · 30/10/2019 17:30

IMO curtains do make a difference to heat loss. I can tell the difference in the morning when I open the curtains by the sliding glass doors in the living room. Charity shops are a good place to look for inexpensive curtains.

Original poster

KeepYourCup · 30/10/2019 17:32

I actually liked the bunting too, its down now bit I might try and find something more seasonal to put there.

I've had a nosey round the charity shops here but haven't had much luck, theyre mostly clothes and toys. Will try ebay!

I have a sewing machine but wasn't sure if making my own was worth the faff.

OP posts:

Cheesymonster · 30/10/2019 17:34

Totally off subject, sorry - but where is your wooden furniture from?!

Velveteenfruitbowl · 30/10/2019 17:37

Honey comb blinds will be the best for reducing heat loss. Alternatively it’s quite easy to make curtains out of wool.

Wheat2Harvest · 30/10/2019 17:38

You don't say what floor you're on.

If the flat is on the ground floor, or the second floor if you're directly opposite another building or on a double decker bus route, aren't you concerned about people seeing in when the light's on?

Celeriacacaca · 30/10/2019 17:46

Curtains do keep heat in/cold out, as long as they're lined. Maybe look for a second hand curtain shop. This would save a fortune if you do decide to get them. You could always get them altered? Your room looks lovely and cosy!

AgeShallNotWitherHer · 30/10/2019 17:46

We had this problem in our last rental. It was freezing and the LL had put up voiles. I bought thermal linings and it made a huge difference. If you can sew you can do it from the basic fabric for less.

ShirleyPhallus · 30/10/2019 17:49

I’d get second hand curtains

What’s the wooden round thing on the floor?

bridgetreilly · 30/10/2019 17:52

Curtains make a HUGE difference to heat loss. I would definitely get some.

BarbourellaTheCoatzilla · 30/10/2019 17:53

We moved into our bay fronted last year. We don’t have curtains just white wooden blinds. The old lady who lived here previous had thick fully lined curtains which we left for one winter and took down and replaced with the blinds. I was worried about the cold but it’s not made much of a difference. She did also have a very heavy curtain over the two back doors which we took down (as they were disgusting with food stains and cat hair) and that has really made a difference. Though the doors are really in need of replacement and metal, plus no radiator in the kitchen.

In short I think it only makes a difference if the windows / area they cover isn’t great. If the windows are draughty then the room will be colder.

BarbourellaTheCoatzilla · 30/10/2019 17:53

Not last year, almost 3 years now. One winter with curtains one without and this one coming up will be 2nd not that it matters

Billiboo · 30/10/2019 17:54

Op please tell us what the round wooden thing is on the floor!

Legomadx2 · 30/10/2019 18:03

I wondered if it was a cat toy?

(I don't know the first thing about cats but friends who have them have all sorts of weird things for them that look a bit like that)

rosamacrose · 30/10/2019 18:04

Your place looks so nice that I think this must be a stealth boast
I've just had Venetian blinds fitted for my front rooms.
Early days to notice any heat loss and I love the clean unfussy lines of it.
Think you window looks lovely and your room warm and welcoming.

EveryFlightBeginsWithAFall · 30/10/2019 18:05

My friend has the same window and has done exactly the same as you! I think it looks really nice. I have thick curtains bit don't think.my house is any warmer than her flat

Oldraver · 30/10/2019 18:07

Surely curtains are irrevelevent when you have a piece of furniture against the radiator ?

MitziK · 30/10/2019 18:29

IKEA do huge curtains for not very much money. They would make a massive difference in winter and, if you needed extra insulation on top, you could pin their cheap fleece blankets on the insides.

I've got a large bay window and I'd love to put curtains up as well, as you can really feel the drop of cold air - but some builder twat decided to construct it in such a way that it is physically impossible to put a pole or wire up either on the wall or the ceiling. I put the IKEA curtains upstairs, though, and they make a huge difference, so much so that you can sleep with both windows open even in winter.

madcatladyforever · 30/10/2019 18:32

It looks great as is but if it's cold why not make some? i always make my own about 3 inches thick cos I live in a very old houses and I'd freeze to death without them. I sew an old blanket between the layers. You can always take them down in summer.

avosalad · 30/10/2019 18:35

That’s a lovely living room OP! Looks very relaxing I think it’s perfect you don’t need curtains if you don’t want them

Original poster

KeepYourCup · 30/10/2019 18:41

Thanks all. I'm pleased you think it looks nice, this is the first place I've been able to really make my own.

We're on the second floor and not particularly bothered about anyone seeing in - the two flats directly opposite are empty for now, plus I can shut the blinds.

Its not overly cold at the moment, but when the temperature drops further I dont want to be losing lots of heat. I can move the blanket box out of the way if I need to.

The thing on the floor is my cat's cardboard scratchy tunnel thing and my furniture is Oak Furniture Land who I wouldn't reccomment even though the furniture looks lovely, that's the third set they had to deliver as the first two had several items arrive damaged.

I think I might have a look and see what fabric I can find to make some. I was thinking a check might be nice.

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