Wondering whether to go for sheer curtains, blockout curtains or blinds?
We understand this conundrum all too well. And over time, we’ve found that the most common reason for this is that old-school charm curtains have. They exude effortless glamour and look so chic, elevating any space from drab to fab. However, curtains are also touted to be more expensive than their blind counterparts. So they tend to be overlooked most of the time. That is, until now.
If you’re considering some home improvements, you might be able to achieve what you’re after by simply updating your window furnishings with curtains, both blockout and sheer.
Available in a wide range of colours, fabrics, patterns and styles, today’s curtains are a class above. We have a tempting selection, at incredibly affordable prices as well.
So how can you go about the process without ripping your hair out? Let’s find out.
1. To line or not to line your curtains?
Lining curtains does have many benefits. For one thing, it can make the curtain look instantly fuller and richer. They hang differently too, as the lining makes it heavier and therefore drape luxuriously.
Aside from this, they also then have the ability to help maintain a constant room temperature by blocking out the heat and cold.
Last but not least, lining helps protect the curtain fabric, ensuring its longevity and durability.
Features and Benefits:
- Lining prevents fabric fading from the sun
- Fabric flows and falls more evenly
- Helps keep out noise, sunlight, heat and provide more privacy
2. Colours and fabrics for curtains
Now the fun begins. Picking and choosing fabrics and colours is exciting, and can be made easier if you have a few tips handy.
Here, the first step comes into play. If you’ve already assessed the room, you will know how much sunlight you’re up against on a daily basis. The reason this is important, is because a room that receives a lot of light everyday will eventually fade the curtain especially if the colour is bright.
However, if you’re the type to update your window furnishings more often, this may not necessarily be a big problem for you.
You should most definitely also consider how the colours you select complement the style of your room. So take into consideration things like wall colour and other soft furnishings like carpets. If the setting is already bright and busy with patterns, it’s a good idea to stick to something neutral to balance it all out.
Naturally, when we talk about fabrics we can’t skip over the two mains: Blockout and Sheer. So let’s take a look:
Blockout
Features and Benefits:
- Ideal for bedrooms and spaces where you want full privacy and light blockout
- Provides UV protection & insulation
- Reduces energy bills
- Blocks out unwanted light and noise from outside
- Thick lining helps to regulate the temperature in your home
Sheer
Features and Benefits:
- Adds softness and and a sense of comfort to any space
- Sheer fabric allows for some privacy while still filtering sunlight
- Combine with blockout blinds or curtains for the best of both worlds
Double Curtains (usually a sheer and blockout curtain installed on a double-track)
Features and Benefits:
- One window. Double the benefits
- More insulation at night time + daytime privacy
- Blocks out sunlight and unwanted noise
- Diffused natural light and filtered view for ambience
- Typically the combination here includes a sheer curtain backed by a full blockout curtain
- Lining is usually layered behind sheers or uncoated fabrics
3. Measuring
Ah the bane of DIY. Or so it was anyway. We’ve made the all-dreaded process of measuring as easy as it can be.
When you’re opting for custom curtains, your measurements are key. We also understand that DIY isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, which is why we’ve made specific guides available. This includes curtains. Our guides are designed to help you get accurate measurements, making the installation a breeze. After all, the whole point is to get that elusive perfect fit right?
Two important things to consider before measuring:
1. Where will the curtains be mounted from?
There are two standard options:
A Face Fix mounts the curtains onto the wall.
- A Top Fix mounts them to the ceiling.
The best height at which to hang your curtains depends on the size of the window, the height of the ceiling and the style you want.
2. How do you want your curtains to open?
The curtains can stack on the left, on the right, or on either side with an opening in the centre. You can even go for an offset pair, with an uneven amount of opening on either side.
Using this information, go ahead and measure the exact width and height of your curtain treatment in millimetres.
Need help deciding on that perfect fit? Get in touch and send us some photos via email so we can get a better idea of your space and make the right recommendation for your home.
OUTSIDE WINDOW FRAME
INSIDE WINDOW FRAME
Note: Always measure in millimetres only.
WIDTH
a) Measure the exact width you would like the blind to cover.
b) Measure to the outside of the architrave or at least 50mm past the window opening.
HEIGHT
a) Measure the exact height you would like the blind to cover.
b) Measure outside of the architrave or at least 50mm past the window opening.
NOTE: The blind will be supplied at the sizes provided (we won’t make any deductions).
Note: Always measure in millimetres only.
DEPTH
Measure the depth of the window frame to ensure you have enough space for the blind to operate.
WIDTH
a) Measure the width inside the window frame in 3 places from left to right.
b) Make a note of the smallest measurement.
HEIGHT
a) Measure the height inside the window frame in 3 places from top to bottom.
b) Make a note of the smallest measurement.
NOTE: We’ll make slight deductions to ensure the blind fits your window.
You will find that if you follow this accordingly, the end result will give you custom fit roller blinds for your intended space.
4. Pairing With Blinds
While curtains are fabulous all on their own, they can also be combined with equally amazing blinds for a very personalised look.
It’s certainly possible to layer them; for example, you could have timber-look venetian blinds under sheer curtains for a classic, elegant look. You could open up your blinds and leave the sheers closed this way as well. These are roller blinds under these beautiful, black sheer curtains.
With a wide range of options to choose from, the possibilities are endless. You can create your very own, custom look and achieve functionality that’s right for you.
And if you thought all this was going to set you back a pretty penny, it won’t. With a little help from DIY, bespoke, luxury window furnishings are now a reality thanks to their cost-effectiveness.
