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Original poster

Curtains for large bay windows

14 replies

Shimbo · 30/01/2012 21:41

We have just moved into a house and are in desperate need of curtains for our large bay windows, especially with the weather being so cold. Can anyone please recommend a reasonably priced curtain maker (either fabric supplier and maker or just maker)? We live in Surrey if anyone has any local contacts. We would definitely rather not spend in the several £100s region - which I have been getting from quotes!

Thanks

OP posts:
narmada · 30/01/2012 22:02

It is soooooooooooo much cheaper to make your own, if you have a sewing machine that is. It's really surprisingly straightforward, I used this site to help me. IHad never made curtains before but like you was getting quotes £500+ for one window, which we just couldn't afford.

I got the material from Goldhawk Road in hammersmith. It was about a third of the price of similar material in John Lewis. Failing that, Ikea do some nice fabrics but I really don't like their ready-made curtains, they look a bit cheapy.

Don't know if that's an option for you but I thought I would mention it.

Dunelm Mill do made to measure curtains, not sure of their prices but I would imagine they are reasonable-ish, but I think made-to-measure curtains are just quite expensive things!. Dunelm Mill aren't local so you need to be sure of your measurments but they should be able to help you with that.

libelulle · 30/01/2012 22:32

Sorry for slight hijack, but on the subject of goldhawk road, I've just noticed that the local council are intending to replace the amazing fabric shops with executive flats!!! Sign here to oppose... www.ipetitions.com/petition/savegoldhawkroadshops/

Prolesworth · 30/01/2012 22:35

I've got a large bay as well. The cheapest option was to buy two pairs of best quality lined curtains from Ikea. At 3 metres long they're still slightly on the short side but there was no other way to get that quality for £100!

WellIShouldNever · 30/01/2012 23:48

I have the exact same problem which I solved todayGrin wilkinsons!! Brilliant lined curtains for £33 a pair, I needed 2 pairs. Paul Simon quoted me £555.!!!

feelinghappynow · 31/01/2012 07:09

Dunelm Mill? They have made all of ours, at a good price...although not good enough to beat Ikea...

twittertotter · 31/01/2012 07:27

I used a great online company called 247curtains. You put in the width and drop and then select whether you want pencil or pinch pleat. They also do black out lining, pelmets, tie backs, cushions etc.

I've got 3 bays which have a 350cm width and a 209cm drop... Cost per window was 250.

They send free material swatches too and have a decent range. Got them a week after ordering.

Found them after John Lewis quoted 1500 for 3 pairs!

Original poster
Shimbo · 31/01/2012 16:13

This is great, thanks, especially the 247curtains site. I have ordered some samples so fingers crossed :)

OP posts:
survivingwinter · 01/02/2012 14:36

Another vote for Dunelm Mill - they often have offers on curtains too. I got ready made blackout curtains for a long (although not bay) window for under £60 which are very good quality.

Curtains are soooo expensive - wish I could sew!!

notcitrus · 01/02/2012 15:57

There's a second-hand curtain shop in Cobham if that's any use.

For a square bay, one pair large and one narrow ready-made pair may fit pretty well.

Pannacotta · 01/02/2012 19:00

I'm also on the lookout for some curtains for a large, angled bay.

Not too keen on the fabrics at Dunelm or 247curtains, was hoping to use viscose/linen mix, does anyone know of any good suppliers of natural fabrics?

PattiMayor · 01/02/2012 19:07

OMG libelulle - signed. I used to work in one of those shops and apart from old ladies, we used to get loads of fashion students in because we sold such fab stuff at such good prices.

mashpot · 01/02/2012 19:16

I recently ordered made to measure curtains from Dunelm and curtains and a blind from 247 and the quality of finish was a lot better on the Dunelm curtains, I'm not pleased with curtains or blind from 247.

Original poster
Shimbo · 02/02/2012 21:16

Hmm mashpot, did you complain and send them back? Only asking because I am about to place an order with 247 and really hoping will be good quality.

OP posts:
mashpot · 03/02/2012 18:40

Shimbo No I didn't - I should've with the blind, its a roman blind and the material was all ruched and pulled but I needed a blind in the room for visitors coming to stay so would've been very inconvenient to return.

With the curtains there's nothing in particular wrong with them, but they arrived very creased and as its heavy fabric I haven't been able to get the creases out. I'm also not happy with the way the lining and curtains are hemmed, they don't hang well.

Sorry - would not recommend them. I was happy with the Dunelm order.

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