Window Curtains

5 Strategies for Cheap Curtains Online

It is easy enough to find cheap curtains online in fact there are some very cheap curtains on the web which you can find with a quick search and a little browsing. But the problem is that you don’t really want your curtains to look cheap, you want quality window curtains at a low price. There is a big difference! So you need to employ the right strategy, so you get a great deal rather than shoddy curtains. Here are five things you can do, to buy cheap window curtains that look expensive.

1. Look for Brands

One of the best ways to save money and know you are getting quality curtains is by find a brand of curtain and a design that you like in a local store and then look for it online. You will find a number of sites which specialize in offering discount curtains by well-known manufacturers and you can save over ten per cent on store retail prices without having to do too much searching and probably a lot more if you spend a little more time comparing prices.

Quality Cheap Curtains (Click image for details)

Quality Cheap Curtains - Blackout Lining - Free Shipping (Click image for details)

2. Go Sheer

If privacy is not an issue for you, then use lighter fabrics at your windows which are nearly always less expensive than heavy cotton or linen curtains especially as these are usually lined. Cheap sheer curtains can look wonderful and give your room an up to the minute romantic look. Don’t go for plain old cheap net curtains, however, choose colored sheers or sheers with a little embroidery which are still less expensive than heavier curtains. Similarly cheap lace curtains, which are now so inexpensive as the lace is made by machine, can look fantastic as long as they are kept pristine white with regular laundering.

3. Buy at Auction Sites

You will find cheap ready made curtains on many e-commerce sites on the web, but you will generally get the best discounts on auction sites such as eBay where hundreds of sellers are vying with each other for your business. You don’t have to spend your time bidding on auctions unless you have time for that as you will find many cheap curtains for sale under the “Buy it Now” system where you pay a fixed price and clinch the deal right away. Buy curtains from a seller with a good reputation and a great returns policy and you cannot go far wrong.

4. Purchase Fabric Online

Rather than buying ready made curtains, purchase cheap curtain fabric online and have this made up by a local curtain maker. This will often work out cheaper than buying curtains online, especially if the local curtain maker is you! Curtains are not difficult to make if you have basic sewing skills but don’t tackle them if you are not confident you can do a good job as that is a way to waste money rather than save it.

5. Go Full (or Less Full)

You can make a cheap window curtain look expensive by allowing extra width in the curtain panels. The cheapest fabric used lavishly looks better and costs less than an expensive curtain fabric where you can’t quite afford enough to gather the curtains properly. Instead of buying cheap curtain panels which are one and half times the width you might usually use, buy those which are twice the width for a fuller effect. Alternatively, to save money buy tab top or eyelet curtains which are not gathered as much as curtains with normal headings to be able to purchase a higher quality fabric without the curtains costing too much.

How to Buy Window Curtains

Once you have an idea of the type of window curtains you are looking for in terms of color, style, design and so on it’s time to go shopping. ( See our article on How to Choose Window Curtains if you’re still at the choosing stage). Now here’s the curtain shopping plan

1. Measure Up

Take the exact measurements of your windows and write them down to take shopping with you. Measurements with a metal tape measure are more accurate than those with a dressmakers tape measure. Whatever you do don’t try and measure your windows with a 6″ ruler as one lady did – an expensive mistake. If you want window coverings fitted inside the window frame take those measurements. If you want them on rods mounted outside the window frame take the projected length of the curtain rods (which will extend a few inches either side beyond the edge of the windows) as well as the finished length of the curtains (called the drop).

Formal Bedroom Window Curtains

Formal Bedroom Window Curtains

2. Set a Budget

Have an idea of what you’d like to spend before you get carried away with what is available. There are some truly magnificent designer curtains at magnificent prices to match. However you can also get good quality great-looking cheaper curtains. You don’t have to blow your budget on designer window treatments.

3. Browse what is available

With an idea in mind of what you are looking for, take a look online or at your local store to see the range of fabrics, colors and styles on offer. Pick out a short list of curtains you like which meet your criteria for price as well as being in keeping with your room décor.

4. Weigh up The Various Options

Go throw your short list and check

  • Are the curtains available in the right size if ready made?
  • How much would they cost to make?
  • Are the curtains within budget whether custom or ready made?
  • Is there an option for buying the fabric and making them yourself?
  • Would you be able to create a professional finish if you made them yourself?
  • Are they lined? Do you need liners? How much additional cost for lining?
  • Are they the right style for your room?
  • Are they the right color?
  • Do they coordinate with the décor and other soft furnishings or would these have to be replaced?
  • Is the fabric good quality?
  • Is the fabric washable?
  • Does it matter for the room where the curtains will be?

Remember to visualize a small sample of fabric if that is all you have as a whole expanse of curtain. If necessary hold close to a mirror to double the area on view and get a better idea.

5. Select and Order Your Curtains

Once you have selected the best window curtains for your room be sure and give accurate measurements as requested by the salesperson or online order form. Ready made curtains will normally be returnable if you have made a mistake but custom made window curtains will not!

6. Select Accessories

You may wish to order or buy coordinating items with your curtains (if available) such as valances, tiebacks and pillows or cushions. Consider whether you have the budget for these and order or buy along with your window curtains if you wish.