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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that curtains and radiators are a minefield

21 replies

Escapefromhell · 16/07/2023 23:46

Just that really. What is the best solution? I am trying to make my house look good so it sells.

So the consensus seems to be that it is naff to have a radiator cover… and naff to have curtains that don’t reach the floor. But if the curtains cover the radiator they will smother it and the room won’t be warm.

And curtains… that subject seems to be its own minefield. Is it possible for them to look posh without being expensive?

So as the radiators are beneath the windows, what is the answer? I haven’t got much money to spend, so can’t afford to make it look rubbish.

OP posts:
Loulovescake · 16/07/2023 23:50

You have a blind for practical purposes and curtains for decoration

Viewfrommyhouse · 16/07/2023 23:51

Roman blinds would be ideal

LaughterTitsoff · 16/07/2023 23:52

Stop worrying about 'the consensus'

I've never heard of the 'curtains must touch floor' thing and I'm sure plenty of others haven't either.

Plus, curtains can be changed by any prospective buyers.

Pollymollydolly · 16/07/2023 23:55

Roman blinds are the answer - readymade ones as made to measure vcan be very pricey. Good deals to be had in the sales.

roller blinds can look good too if you have a pelmet to cover the top of the window so you don’t see the roller bit. Easy to make a pelmet with thin ply, wadding, fabric and a staple gun. If you use a patterned fabric You can add coordinating detail to plain colour roller blinds with a glue gun and upholstery trims - Pom Pom, fringing etc. bit of a faff but v cost effective and looks good.

good luck with the house sale.

WeetabixTowels · 17/07/2023 00:30

Loulovescake · 16/07/2023 23:50

You have a blind for practical purposes and curtains for decoration

Nah. We have curtains because the blinds don’t block anything out!

Indont I’d errand radiator covers. They look naff, and I don’t see what is offensive about a radiator that it has to be covered

Mmhmmn · 17/07/2023 01:23

Escapefromhell · 16/07/2023 23:46

Just that really. What is the best solution? I am trying to make my house look good so it sells.

So the consensus seems to be that it is naff to have a radiator cover… and naff to have curtains that don’t reach the floor. But if the curtains cover the radiator they will smother it and the room won’t be warm.

And curtains… that subject seems to be its own minefield. Is it possible for them to look posh without being expensive?

So as the radiators are beneath the windows, what is the answer? I haven’t got much money to spend, so can’t afford to make it look rubbish.

I do think curtains should reach the floor. Short curtains can look crap but it prob depends on the window as well.

Mmhmmn · 17/07/2023 01:26

You could look at listings of other houses that have sold quickly or listings for new homes that have been styled for ideas on how to make your place appealing.

KajsaKavat · 17/07/2023 01:30

Curtains should reach the floor I agree but tie them back or have only half the width and blinds behind.
mid you’re selling though… does it matter?

saltinesandcoffeecups · 17/07/2023 01:52

For a showing you want windows clear and as much light as possible so it doesn’t really matter it the are short or long. Nothing to add on the radiators as they aren’t typical where I’m from but I’d have to imagine they are pretty innocuous and not really that noticeable.

Anyotherdude · 17/07/2023 05:02

Could you just paint the radiator? Then you wouldn’t have to hide it with long curtains…

sashh · 17/07/2023 06:28

I have curtains that are never closed and a blind to keep out the light.

I have no idea when this trend for radiators under windows started. Back in the 1970s my dad started selling central heating, the best place for most radiators is on the wall opposite a window so the warm air flows across the room.

WeWereInParis · 17/07/2023 06:38

I think if you looked on Rightmove, short curtains that finish above a radiator would be the norm.

If you need to make changes to your house to sell it, and haven't got much money to do that with, buying floor lengths curtains wouldn't be where I would spend it.

gogomoto · 17/07/2023 06:43

3/4 length curtains are better than floor length so they don't get as messy. Dunelm is good for curtains. BUT don't buy things if you are selling, honestly people see through it

DappledThings · 17/07/2023 06:46

Nobody ever chose to not make an offer on a house because the curtains didn't reach the floor. Curtains to just below the sill is totally normal whether there is a radiator there or not. Curtains to the floor is also normal. Blinds are normal too.

Personally I hate blinds and would never not have curtains but it wouldn't affect my viewing of a house that had them.

SheldontheWonderSchlong · 17/07/2023 06:48

gogomoto · 17/07/2023 06:43

3/4 length curtains are better than floor length so they don't get as messy. Dunelm is good for curtains. BUT don't buy things if you are selling, honestly people see through it

Hard disagree about the 3/4 length. If you have to, get windowsill length (floor length is preferable) but 3/4 length just look like you can't be bothered to shorten them or you haven't given it any thought. It looks messy.
The other two lengths look like you've done it on purpose, which is always better.

PinkPlantCase · 17/07/2023 06:50

I would be very surprised if the whole curtain/radiator things will be the part of the house you need to spend money on to help it sell.

Unless you have empty curtain rails or very ugly curtains at the moment then it really doesn’t matter. They will be open for photos and viewings and new owners will put up their own.

Same for radiators, if you have a radiator in bad condition then paint it, replace it or cover it up. But aside from that don’t bother.

Redshoeblueshoe · 17/07/2023 06:51

AS you are selling it really doesn't matter. Round here houses are selling very quickly.

Anyotherdude · 17/07/2023 08:36

sashh · 17/07/2023 06:28

I have curtains that are never closed and a blind to keep out the light.

I have no idea when this trend for radiators under windows started. Back in the 1970s my dad started selling central heating, the best place for most radiators is on the wall opposite a window so the warm air flows across the room.

I think that central heating radiators are normally placed under windows in a lounge/living room - maybe in a bay window - because that’s typically a wall space where you wouldn’t have furniture against the wall…

Peony654 · 17/07/2023 08:52

Honestly as a buyer, I wouldn't even look at the radiators and curtains as surely you'd take the curtains. The house will sell for the right price, don't get obsessed with styling it.

YukoandHiro · 17/07/2023 08:54

I've got window length curtains. Floor length ones make some rooms look like you're sitting in a theatre.

Go with what suits your room, not what you think you should have

Original poster
Escapefromhell · 18/07/2023 19:55

Thank you so much everyone who has replied. I am just having a melt down trying to get the house ready. I am getting everything out of perspective as I am not normally in to ‘interiors’ and it is all new to me! Thank you so much

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