Window Curtains

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.

Window Curtains Online

Welcome to Window Curtains Online where you will find all kinds of help with choosing the right curtains for your windows.

Choosing curtains is not easy. There are so many variations of curtains to choose from and so many decisions to make that it is difficult to know where to start. Everywhere you look you will see rows and rows of fabrics and curtain options in various sizes and styles. And making a decision is doubly stressful when you know that any mistakes are expensive to put right.

So we have put together some easy guidelines to help you in your choice of window treatments. Whether you want plain or patterned curtains, silk or cotton, lined or unlined or you have no idea whatsoever we can help with our articles and check lists.

Designer drapes in delicate fabric

Designer drapes in delicate fabric

One of the best things to do when you know you need to buy curtains is to start browsing around looking for ideas. Always have your home and the rooms you want to decorate in mind as well as the kind of colors you are looking for. This will help you filter when you do your browsing and cut down your task a bit though it will not stop you noticing anything that you really love.

You do not have to have your full decorating scheme worked out before you choose window coverings because in many cases it is  easier to choose a curtain fabric and then create a color scheme based on the various shades in the material rather than the other way around however it helps to know the kind of colors you like and which may suit your room and to bear in mind any particular theme you might choose such as retro or kids’ novelty theme.

Once you have an idea in your head of the look you want, start viewing websites, take trips to look at fabrics in shops, and flick through some interior design magazines and books and look at the various window treatments.

Chances are you will find a lot of inspiration in these places and you will often come across a fabric or a curtain design that you fall in love with. At that point you normally find out it is way over budget. (Believe me I have been there!) However it’s the inspiration that is important – you have got plenty of ideas and then you can go shopping to get a similar look at a price you can afford.

My recommendation is to shop online for the lowest prices for window curtains – you will also get the best selection of fabrics and curtain options and you can probably recreate the look you fell in love with at a fraction of the price.

Here’s to beautiful window curtains!