Splash out on curtains for daughter's bedroom

[scorpiogirly]

I'm in the process of decorating a bedroom for my daughter to move into. I've gone to town on it, had it plastered, I'm in the process of sanding the dark stain off the skirting and door frames, new carpet etc...

I've been looking to order everything I need for it. I cannot find a pair of curtains I like anywhere, that was until I stumbled upon a made to order site. The fabric is lovely, fairies mushrooms and other woodland bits.

Trouble is, when I entered the rough details for the quote, it came up as £172. I'm sure I underestimated the size too as I want to curtains to go to the floor.

Is it crazy to pay this much money for a pair of curtains? She will be 4 in July and has slept with me since birth so this will be her first bedroom.

A child won't care that much what her curtains look like. I wouldn't spend so much when you can find something she'll be just as happy with for a fraction of that price. Save the money for something else she'll enjoy more than curtains.

Honestly OP - my daughter wanted a fairy theme and we went to town. Within a few months of it being done she decided it was babyish (she was 5!) and wanted a different theme. I think it's better to get a plain colour curtain that will last for years and then use fairy transfers on the walls etc.

@SolasAnla what are these metal hopp things you talk of?

Thank you all. I think I'll continue to look for something else. It's a fairly large window so depending on the price of others I may consider it. That quote included black out lining too.

Hi OP a you any good at sewing?
www.empressmills.co.uk/lweight-furn-fairytale-104113
This is your fabric for £12.50 per meter. So depending on how much you need might be cheaper.
Also great idea from pp about using this fabric for tie backs and cushions and matching with plainer, cheaper curtains.

Wow thank you. I have been known to sew, don't think I could be trusted to make a pair of curtains though. Although I could try my hand at a cushion!

This type of hook but bigger/stronger to carry the weight of fully lined curtains.
www.amazon.co.uk/LumenTY-Curtain-Tieback-Holdback-Holdbacks/dp/B08MDQG795/ref=mp_s_a_1_20?keywords=curtain+tie+back+hook&qid=1650701222&sr=8-20

If you mount them at about door handle hight you can artfully drape the curtain or plonk the bottom end of the curtin over the hoop to lift it off the floor. Proper heavy duty screws are essential as it carrys about 1/3 of the curtin weight.

If you can sow a straight line to hem you can do curtains. Most of the work is the measurements so having the floor space and a good quality dressmakers chalk and a long ruler. The lining should be slightly wider that the curtin front at the bottom.

And pro tip plan the sowing so that the bulk of the material is on the outside otherwise known as Oh Fuck that wont work😫😊.

I think that’s too much money for curtains. Sorry.
I tend to buy from Wayfair or Dunelm. Check out their websites.

I'd buy some thermal blackout curtains (never had then before and I am amazed how much they help) and use the fabric for furnishings - you could make a quilt cover and pillowcase - and what I'd do is sew velcro at the bottom instead of adding buttons. Or sew on poppers.

We had fairly light coloured (plain) curtains for DD and had to get additional blackout as it was way too light. Our curtains were darker than what you are looking at.
I also agree with PP in that get plain curtains and then get other things such as bedding or decals on the wall - she'll more than likely not like them / grow out of them far too quickly.

I don't think it is so much money for curtains. If you love them and have the money to spare, why not?

Yes, she will outgrow them. But I have fond memories of the Rupert Bear curtains in my childhood room. And my Paddington Bear duvet set. And my brothers' star wars duvet sets. And my friend's Pierrot wallpaper and Victoria Plum curtains.

We all chose different stuff when we were older, but it is the early stuff I remember with fondness.

I have a daughter and I’ve just had to replace her lovely girly curtains with plain white as she hates the ‘babyish’ ones now. If i were you, I’d get plain curtains and get 1 or 2m of the fabric you love and make yourself a couple of cushion covers. Find a YouTube video for envelope cushions - it is super easy and no zip needed.