Pencil Pleat Net Curtains? Quick Answer

Curtains are long gone, but look around any residential street in the UK and chances are you’ll still spot them somewhere. People find it difficult to find an alternative to curtains that lets in light, provides privacy and is not prohibitively expensive.

The main reason people use net curtains is to bring privacy into the home with light. It may be that you live on a busy road, or that you are concerned about security, or that you simply want to let as much light into your home as possible. Light is great for smaller spaces and to give the illusion of a larger living space.

So if curtains aren’t your thing, but light and privacy are, what are the options? Let’s take a look at some of the window coverings that you can use as an alternative to curtains.

Choosing an alternative to curtains at home

Frosted window films

Frosted window films have become far more popular in recent years as people look for something modern, stylish, durable and smooth to increase the privacy of their home. One of the main attractions of a frosted window film is that it still lets the light in – which is a home decor trend that never goes out of style – but keeps prying eyes away. They are great if you live in a place where a lot of people pass by as you can keep your home really private.

A privacy screen also takes minutes to install (even if you’re inexperienced), is fully customizable, and is far more affordable than alternatives like frosted glass or built-in shutters and blinds. You can get stained glass effect wraps, modern designs, and even seasonal ones. You can also change them as many times as you like, and you can even choose your own design from scratch. Want to just cover part of a window instead of the whole thing? It’s easy to do with a window film.

shutters

Shutters have become really trendy as window coverings in recent years. Although they can look great, they are often very expensive and require a specialist to fit them. They’re fully customized to fit your living space, but can be tricky if you have windows that tilt or if you want your windows to be covered quickly.

Shutters have the longest lead time of any window covering. So if you’re looking for something, you have to be prepared to wait and plan ahead. They can also be bulky and make a room appear a bit darker, so aren’t ideal for smaller spaces. If you choose shutters, also be prepared to spend some time keeping them clean, as they collect dust, dirt, and debris on a fairly regular basis.

Built-in blinds, vertical blinds or roller blinds

Recessed blinds or roller blinds are available in a number of different styles, colors and ranges making them a great choice to complement your decor. They are more expensive than curtains or frosted window film and take longer to adjust than either. They also usually need someone to adjust them unless you want to try it yourself, which can be fiddly and time-consuming. If you make a mistake, it can quickly get out of hand! Some styles of blinds are more suited to an office than the home and don’t feel like something you would necessarily have in your home. So try to make sure they go well with your existing decor.

Another concern with blinds can be safety concerns, especially if you have children or pets. The cables used are known to cause a variety of accidents in the home, so this is definitely something to consider. You must ensure that each blind meets the British Blind and Shutter Association safety guidelines.

Voiles or curtains

Voiles or curtains are probably the closest alternative to curtains (and one of the most budget-friendly), but they’re also not as trendy as some of the other options. While they don’t require any special skills to set up, you’ll need to make sure they fit in with the rest of your decor. It can look odd to have floating voiles in place when the rest of your decor is modern and minimalist.

They are also more difficult to keep clean than window films and require more regular washing. Voiles and curtains are relatively easy to change out if needed (first make sure you’re the right size and clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions). They’re not the best for privacy as you have to weigh up whether people can see how much light is entering the room. To get the light it is usually left still fairly open and people can see into your home. Maintaining privacy usually means blocking some light.

How to choose your alternative to curtains

If you’ve decided to ditch the nets, then take the time to think about what you want instead. For some options, such as B. shutters, getting rid of them once they are in place can involve a significant amount of work and damage. You need to be sure they are what you want as it can be expensive to have them removed.

What to think about when choosing your window covering

Here are some questions to think about when choosing your curtain alternative:

Why do you want to cover your window? Is it privacy, security or both?

Do you need a lot of light coming into the room?

What’s your budget?

How fast should it be done?

What is your furnishing style?

Is there anything you need to customize or that might be cumbersome?

What’s your lifestyle? Do you have children, pets, or other lifestyle factors that need to be considered?

How likely is it that you will change your mind and want to redecorate in the near future?

This should help you find the right fit for your living space and help you get rid of those scruffy curtains forever!

Do you know the difference: voile or curtains?

Voiles are a curtain style that can give a room an open, welcoming, and stylish feel; but what are they? Where are they best placed and what can they add to your interior design? These questions can go on, but in today’s blog we are going to reveal everything you need to know about voiles and how to incorporate them into your decor.

What are voile curtains?

Voiles are lightweight, sheer curtains that provide privacy during the day without significantly blocking natural light. A modern take on curtains, they bring a stylish, free-flowing movement to the room. Voiles are a great addition to any interior decor theme where privacy is required as the woven fabric creates a sheer screen that still floods the room with light but blocks the view of the outside world. Although light and silky to the touch, Blinds Direct voile curtains are still strong and durable while adding a softness to your decor.

What is the difference between mesh and voile curtains?

In many ways, voiles are a modern take on curtains, so we thought it would be best to explain the difference between the two. Voiles are often woven from different materials, such as cotton and linen, creating a sheer, lightweight curtain. But what distinguishes them from curtains?

Traditional curtains are knitted, creating a thicker, coarser look and feel. While the curtain star has long been popular, it has started to wane as we look to finer, more elegant home furnishings. While both options maintain privacy while still letting in light, voiles are a softer, more modern alternative that comes in a variety of colours, patterns and designs.

Ideas for using voile curtains

Finding the right space for voiles can be a challenge for many. Are they a curtain best suited for living rooms, conservatories or bedrooms? Simply put, the answer is a resounding yes, everyone!

Due to the nature of voiles, they are less of a showy addition to the room and more of a soft, elegant and practical element to add to the decor. Don’t get us wrong, they have decorative qualities, like adding an accent color or layering with shutters or roller blinds and roman shades. However, their main function is to protect privacy. So if you have a room that overlooks a busy street or into neighboring gardens then the addition of voiles is ideal as they combine both privacy and functionality.

How to add voiles to your decor

Adding voiles to the home can be an exciting process. Whether a new color is being implemented or you have the idea of ​​creating a fluid movement in space, experimenting with voiles can be a fun process.

There are a variety of ways you can incorporate voiles into your home, from layering with existing window treatments to adding a decorative touch to four poster beds, they’re an emerging trend that we love.

Layering with Voiles Layering a window is an easy and exciting way to add depth and character to your space. Whether you’re opting for a new color scheme or adding texture to the space, layering is the way to go. Luckily, voiles pair beautifully with many different styles of window decor. For example: Voiles and curtains Combining curtains with voiles is the traditional form of layering. They bring both practical and stylish elements into the room. Traditionally, voiles were covered with curtains to protect homeowners’ privacy. The sheer, lightweight fabric stayed closed throughout the day, allowing light to flood the space but obscuring the view from the outside world. Combining them with classic curtains allows you to bring a combination of textures and colors into the room, adding additional insulating properties. Voiles and Shutters Layering voiles with shutters is a great way to create a Mediterranean-inspired interior design. The silky fabric of the voile creates a contrast in texture and complements the wooden texture of the shutter, creating a stylish, textured look. With a choice of faux wood shutters and real wood shutters, you can decide how rustic you want to go with the texture combination. Voiles and Roman Shades Styling roman shades with voiles adds a delicate touch to the room. The use of two soft fabrics immediately adds comfort to the room, combining a variety of textures, patterns and colors. The soft folds of the roman drapes complement the silky texture of the voiles. Using these two window displays together will transform your home into a delicate, soothing oasis.

Voiles and blinds

When layering blinds with voiles it is important to ensure that we stick to the same color palette. Because blinds are a fabric with a narrower profile than roman blinds, it can be more difficult to perfect the combination of voiles and blinds. Therefore, when combining voiles, we suggest aiming for a color that is closest to the most dominant color within the blind. It helps the voile and blind complement each other and create a beautiful, flowing window display.

Voile curtains are a trend that’s growing in popularity, but it doesn’t end with curtains. Voile fabric can also be used in a variety of stylish blinds, from Roman shades and roller blinds to vertical and pleated blinds. These options open up a world of possibilities for you to enjoy the delicacy and privacy that voiles offer.

Shop some of our most popular voiles:

Curtain Header Styles

There are many choices for curtain headings and styles, and in fact there are entire books on the subject of curtain design. We’ve outlined our most popular designs below. Each has a different style and practical features. Please also note that different categories affect the amount of fabric required for a curtain.

Which curtain headline is the best?

Each curtain head has a different effect and each has its own impact on the overall decor of a room. So if you are planning new curtains, you can find out here what distinguishes the different curtain categories. There is no such thing as a “best headline” as different headlines will align with the room’s chosen style

Which curtain headline uses the least fabric?

Curtains always need more fabric than the width of a rod or rail suggests. This is called the fill level. The fullness should be at least 2 for traditional pencil head and eyelet curtains, so these designs are the most economical with fabric. Other designs require greater fullness and fabric. Your curtain maker will advise you on how much fabric to use based on the size of the curtains, the width and pattern repeat of the fabric, and your choice of curtain title.

pencil crease

Classic, simple and the slightly more elegant alternative to a condensed headline. As one of our most affordable pleated headlines, it’s not surprising that it’s also one of our most popular styles. Note: When your curtains are delivered, you will need to pull the cord ties at the end to form the pleats. Suitable for both poles and tracks. Curtains need to be hung and tightened skillfully to ensure a quality appearance.

Triple fold (French fold):

The classic headline! French fold or tri-fold is a chic formal classic. The curtain falls in very elegant folds that are easy to pull up. Our triple folds are typically 5 inches deep. If your curtains are very long, we will make the 6″ pleat to keep the proportions of your curtains perfect. Suitable for both poles and tracks. Double and triple pleat curtains use more fabric and are fuller than pencil pleats. They also work best with full-length curtains.

double fold

A more relaxed cousin of the triple fold. Traditional but a little less formal than the tri-fold. If your curtains are very long, we can make deeper pleats to keep the proportions of your curtains perfect. Suitable for both poles and tracks. Requires a “Stabber” pin hook in each fold.

Simple crease

An economical design that uses less fabric than its bigger brothers.

Heading Chalice Curtain

Chalices are a very elegant headline for longer lengths and heavier fabrics. They create a formal luxurious look and are therefore best created with opulent fabrics. Suitable for lanes or poles, although the oversized poles can create the greatest visual impact. For a more professional finish, these headings can be handcrafted. Although it is very time consuming, it is worth the extra effort. The finished width is critical and not easily adjusted on the finished curtain, so accurate width measurement is required. Chalices also need more room to stack them back up against the side of the window.

Gathered Headline, Gathered Pleat, Ruffled Headline

Classic simple relaxed style. With its ruffled top, this heading makes for easy, understated drapery. Suitable for both poles and tracks. Note: When your curtains are delivered, you will need to pull the cord ties at the end to form the pleats. This can create the illusion of height when space is at a premium.

Box pleat with buttons

A decoratively upgraded version of the standard pleat. Buttons can be in a contrasting fabric.

Heading eyelet curtain

Modern, no frills and extremely well maintained. With its regular, even folds, this heading takes up the least amount of space on either side of the window to stack back. The standard eyelet size is 40mm and will fit any bar up to 35mm in diameter. Only suitable for rods. We only use eyelet inserts with a professional high pressure tool as these are far superior to hand fitted plastic inserts. Metal inserts are available in multiple finishes to coordinate with your rod of choice. Metal grommets are better than plastic and we recommend using metal bars. Curtains must not overlap in the middle, so center pole support should be avoided whenever possible. The drop of eyelet curtains must be accurately measured as no vertical adjustment is possible except by repositioning the rod on the wall.

Six inch pencil crease

Better for longer curtains as it helps with visual proportions.

tab above

Simple, airy and relaxed. Too much fullness will cause puckering and spoil the simplicity of the curtains. The tab size should be scaled to match the diameter of the intended mast. Only suitable for rods. Note that curtains made from this style are not as easy to open and close as other header styles due to the tab taking up a lot of space and the fabric rubbing against the rod (especially wooden rods). Tabs can be made in contrasting fabric on request.

Attached flounce with contrasting draping

pencil fold heading

Pencil pleats are the traditional standard heading for curtains and valances. It uses a 7.5 cm (3 inch) wide strap with three hook positions to suit all types of rails and bars. The curtains are supplied undrawn so you can gather them to the required width hanging.

For tips on measuring pencil pleat curtains, go to the measuring page.

Pencil Pleated curtain size guide (for pairs of curtains) width from

Curtain rod up to 147 cm

(57″) 147-219cm

(57-86″) 219-289cm

(86-113″) 289-370cm

(113-145″) 370-420cm

(145-165″) curtain width

(each curtain) 127cm

(50″) 193cm

(76″) 260cm

(102″) 329 cm

(130″) 398cm

(156″) valance width 264 cm

(104″) 398cm

(156″) 533 cm

(210″) 667cm

(262″) 802 cm

(316″)

Collect default heading

Standard gathering is a traditional but informal style that is ideal for curtains with a shorter drape. Gathering required is the same as for the pencil fold heading (see above). This head can be used with rails or rods and has a number of pockets for the curtain hooks.

Pinch pleated heading

Inverted pleat is a decorative heading for curtains that is suitable for all fabrics. Crush creases use more fabric and are fuller than pencil creases. The pleats are hand sewn and permanently fixed for a more luxurious, tailored look.

Because the gusset is a fixed, sewn-in heading, it is important that you provide an accurate rail/bar width when ordering the gussets. This allows us to gather your curtains to the correct width. Please note that the size and spacing of the pleats may vary slightly from the image shown depending on the track/rod width as all inverted pleated curtains are hand pleated specifically to meet your needs.

Pinch pleated curtains come with pin hooks and detailed instructions. Please read our guide to hanging inverted pleat head curtains.

Our system determines the correct size for your window. See the size chart below.

Pleated Curtains Size Chart (for curtain pairs) Curtain rod width Up to 120 cm (47″) 120-178 cm (47-70″) 178-238 cm (70-93″) 238-305 cm (93-120″) 305 – 356cm(120-140″) Curtain width (each curtain) 127cm(50″) 193cm(76″) 260cm(102″) 329cm(130″) 398cm(156″) Valance width 264cm(104″) 398cm(156″) ) 533cm (210″) 667cm(262″) 802cm(316″)

Chalice Heading

Goblet is a formal, handcrafted headline style.

Like the inverted pleat header, the goblet header uses more fabric and is fuller than the pencil pleat header. Pleats are sewn in and permanently fixed for a more luxurious, tailored look

Because the goblet is a fixed, sewn-in head, it is important that you provide an accurate rail/bar width when ordering this style. This allows us to gather your curtains to the correct width. Please note that as all goblet pleated curtains are hand pleated specifically to your requirements, the size and spacing of the pleats may vary slightly from the image shown depending on track/rod width.

eyelet head

As a decorative alternative to curtain rods, eyelet heads are suitable for all curtain fabrics. Eyelet curtains are very easy to hang. Grommets are available in 6 colors shown below. The rings have an inner diameter of 40mm and are suitable for rods with a diameter of up to 30mm. When measuring for eyelet curtains, measure from the top of the rod to where you want the curtains to end and add 3cm for the distance from the eyelet to the top of the curtain (see diagram below).

Eyelet Curtains Size Guide (For Pairs Of Curtains) Curtain Rod Width Up To 147 cm (57″) 147-219 cm (57-86″) 219-289 cm (86-113″) 289-370 cm (113-145″) 370- 420cm (145-165″) curtain width (each curtain) 127cm (50″) 193cm (76″) 260cm (102″) 329cm (130″) 398cm (156″)

From left to right: antique copper, brass, black, antique gold, satin silver, chrome.

tab above

Tab Top is a contemporary headline suitable for all fabrics.

Quilted curtains are suitable for all curtain rods with a diameter of up to 45 mm (1¾”). Tabs are always made of the same fabric as the curtains.

To allow the curtains to be stacked back from the window, we recommend gathering them only 1½ times for the tab head heading.

Here are some frequently asked questions about rails and bars:

Do I need a track or a pole?

This depends on the header of the curtain you are hanging:

Pencil pleat curtains can be hung on a track or rod.

Loop and eyelet curtains must be hung on a rod.

Pinch and Goblet pleated curtains can be hung from a track or rod, but since they hang underneath, the track or rod is fully visible to allow the curtains to retract properly. Therefore, they can look more elegant when hung on a decorative pole.

Which rod do I need for eyelet curtains?

When purchasing eyelet curtains, a metal rod will withstand the wear and tear caused by the eyelets better than a wooden rod. It’s a good idea to choose the bar that’s closest in color to the grommets.

How should I hang curtains?

Curtains are traditionally hung from a netting wire or rod. They come standard with a slotted head. However, if you decide to order pencil pleats for your nets you can also use the webbing loops on the back of the headband to insert hooks and you can then hang them from a rail or pole.

What should I use to hang voile curtains?

The pre-made voile panels are finished with a mesh pleated tape sewn on the back; So you can use a mesh wire or a rod as well as a rail or a rod.

Tailored slit top voiles can be hung from a rod or wire. If you choose a pencil pleat head, you can also hang them on a rail or pole.

How far above the window should I mount the pole?

We recommend mounting your track or rod four to six inches above the window opening.

If you have a short window that you want to extend, you can go even higher.

How far on each side of the window should I attach my track or rod?

We recommend adding six to eight inches to the rail or bar on either side of the window. This allows the curtains to be pushed back, away from the window, without blocking too much light or obscuring the view.

If you’re ordering heavy or thick quilted curtains, we recommend going much wider on both sides.

If your window is very wide and requires a lot of curtain retraction, we again recommend further extending the track on each side.

How to order We will guide you through the ordering process step by step Click here

Are you mystified by curtains? Not quite sure what they are for or where to put them?

Here’s a quick guide to the benefits of curtains:

1. Privacy: If you live on a busy street with lots of pedestrians, you might feel like you’re in a goldfish bowl. Sheer curtains have the magical ability to let you see out the window while also creating an impenetrable privacy screen for those outside trying to peer in.

2. Protection from Sunlight: Perhaps your window faces south and the sun streams in all day, fading your carpet and furniture. Transparent curtains create a privacy screen that allows you to still feel the warmth of the sun, but at the same time filters out the harmful harshness.

3. Conceal an unattractive view: Sheer curtains can provide an attractive alternative to an unattractive view. Sometimes windows overlook brick walls or a messy neighbor’s yard. A pretty piece of sheer curtain with good full ruching will completely block out the view.

4. Dress up a window: Maybe you don’t need curtains but want to soften a room. Adding a floor-length drop of sheer white voile curtains won’t dominate the interior but will add a touch of softness.

5. Stores can be very budget-friendly. With our cheapest Store Foxley, from £1.25 per metre, you can dress up an entire house for under £40.

6. Because drapes are highly visible from the outside of the home, the look of your home can be refreshed instantly for a fraction of the cost and hassle of, say, repainting the windows and doors.

If you need help measuring and ordering, links to all information are on the left side of this page. There is also a handy step-by-step guide to ordering curtains which you can access by clicking on the banner at the top of this page.

Curtains are a no-go, but when you live in the city it’s nice to maintain privacy at home while letting in as much natural light as possible.

1. If you want something less fussy than curtains – and these days most of us do – how about frosted window film? This film is sticky on one side for a sleek, modern finish both inside and out. The effect is the same in daylight and at night when the light is on in the room, giving you total privacy. The only real downside is that you can’t see through the film, so while you can’t see in, you can’t see out either.

2. Frosted film works well on sash windows when confined to the bottom window, but if you don’t have sashes you can just frost the bottom of the glass and leave some of it uncovered. Another option is to use a theme such as B. rows of cut out circles or squares, into the movie, which makes it more interesting and allows you to see outside (and the people outside see inside) just a little bit. However, patterned film is more expensive and difficult to apply.

3. Blinds are another popular and obvious solution to privacy issues. Although quite expensive, bottom-up blinds are the best. These are blinds that go up from the window sill rather than down from the top of the window, allowing you to cover as much glass as you like. Opt for a sheer fabric and you can see out, but not the other way around (unless the light is on).

4. Some people like blinds because they provide privacy during the day (provided the slats are angled in the right direction) and at night (provided the slats are closed). However, plantation blinds, which look similar but more elegant and contemporary, have become more popular than venetian blinds in recent years.

5. Roller shutters are placed on the window and therefore block more light than blinds when the slats are closed (assuming the roller shutters cover the entire window). However, when the slats are open, they let in less light because they are framed. These shutters come in panels so you can fold them to the side and are made of wood or imitation wood in a variety of designs. Although not cheap, roller shutters enhance the space and can even add value.

How to measure curtains for the perfect fit

If you’ve ever wanted to buy new curtains for your home, you know how difficult it can be to get it right. In this post, we will show you the best way to measure curtains so you get the perfect fit for your windows.

Depending on the windows you have there are only a few different ways to measure curtains and that is why we have tried to include as many different options as possible below. If you are still having trouble after reading this article, please feel free to get in touch with us using the contact information at the bottom of this page.

Step 1. Measure the width

The first thing you need to do is measure the width of the window you want to buy curtains for. You need to think about how you want the curtains to sit in your window.

Should they hang on the window?

Or would you rather have them hanging away from the window?

If it’s the second option, you’ll need to measure the width of the window including the extra space on either side where you’re going to hang it. Otherwise you only need to measure the actual width of the window.

Once you have the window width measurement, you need to decide how much gathering you want the curtains to have.

In order for curtains to offer effective privacy protection, we recommend that you at least double the width of your window. This gives the curtains enough width to gather nicely at the window and prevents people from looking in during the day.

Some people may want more than double the gathering and may prefer 2.5 or even 3 times the width of their windows to really add some fullness to the curtains that increases privacy.

However, ordering more than 2x width sometimes may be too much and make the curtains look a bit messy or ruin the pattern effect of the nets. We would not recommend ordering more than double the width unless you are sure you know what you are getting and are happy with it.

Step 2. Measure the drop

The next step is to measure the drop (or length) of the curtains for your window.

The trick here is to consider not only where you are hanging the curtains, but also how you want to hang them. Here are some of the options to consider:

Most people who hang nets near their windows want the nets to end just above the window sill. This allows the nets to be hung correctly and kept clean.

You should measure the length of the window and subtract an inch or two from the drop measurement (2 inches = 5 cm). This will leave a little space at the bottom of the curtain and your curtain will hang straight.

The next option is if you hang nets away from your window. This can be the case if you have a reset window, such as B. a bay window, or if you just do not want to hang the curtains on the window frame.

If that’s the case, you need to figure out how you want your nets to hang and then measure the drop size. Please also note that the largest drop we can offer is currently 108 inches (274 cm).

Some people may prefer to let their curtains hang lower than their window sill and possibly even to the floor, similar to regular drapes. Some people even like having their webs draped on the floor.

If this is the case, you’ll need to recalculate how long you want the curtains to be and take the measurement up to a maximum of 108 inches (274 cm).

Step 3. Measure curtain wire

If you want to hang your nets, you’ll need some curtain wire!

When measuring the curtain wire, remember that you don’t need the same width that you ordered for your netting, just the actual width of the window (or the width of the area your curtains will cover). Again, you don’t need to include any gathering for curtain wire.

Our curtain wire comes with hooks and eyes so you can hang the curtains anywhere. Simply screw the hooks into the wall and then screw the grommets into the ends of the wire and hook.

We hope this helps you measure your curtains. If you need further assistance or need help ordering your curtains you can email us at [email protected] or call us on 0115 9222672.

You can see our full range of curtains by clicking here. We also stock a range of voile panel curtains and ready made curtains.

Here are some frequently asked questions about rails and bars:

Do I need a track or a pole?

This depends on the header of the curtain you are hanging:

Pencil pleat curtains can be hung on a track or rod.

Loop and eyelet curtains must be hung on a rod.

Pinch and Goblet pleated curtains can be hung from a track or rod, but since they hang underneath, the track or rod is fully visible to allow the curtains to retract properly. Therefore, they can look more elegant when hung on a decorative pole.

Which rod do I need for eyelet curtains?

When purchasing eyelet curtains, a metal rod will withstand the wear and tear caused by the eyelets better than a wooden rod. It’s a good idea to choose the bar that’s closest in color to the grommets.

How should I hang curtains?

Curtains are traditionally hung from a netting wire or rod. They come standard with a slotted head. However, if you decide to order pencil pleats for your nets you can also use the webbing loops on the back of the headband to insert hooks and you can then hang them from a rail or pole.

What should I use to hang voile curtains?

The pre-made voile panels are finished with a mesh pleated tape sewn on the back; So you can use a mesh wire or a rod as well as a rail or a rod.

Tailored slit top voiles can be hung from a rod or wire. If you choose a pencil pleat head, you can also hang them on a rail or pole.

How far above the window should I mount the pole?

We recommend mounting your track or rod four to six inches above the window opening.

If you have a short window that you want to extend, you can go even higher.

How far on each side of the window should I attach my track or rod?

We recommend adding six to eight inches to the rail or bar on either side of the window. This allows the curtains to be pushed back, away from the window, without blocking too much light or obscuring the view.

If you’re ordering heavy or thick quilted curtains, we recommend going much wider on both sides.

If your window is very wide and requires a lot of curtain retraction, we again recommend further extending the track on each side.

How to measure curtains for the perfect fit

If you’ve ever wanted to buy new curtains for your home, you know how difficult it can be to get it right. In this post, we will show you the best way to measure curtains so you get the perfect fit for your windows.

Depending on the windows you have there are only a few different ways to measure curtains and that is why we have tried to include as many different options as possible below. If you are still having trouble after reading this article, please feel free to get in touch with us using the contact information at the bottom of this page.

Step 1. Measure the width

The first thing you need to do is measure the width of the window you want to buy curtains for. You need to think about how you want the curtains to sit in your window.

Should they hang on the window?

Or would you rather have them hanging away from the window?

If it’s the second option, you’ll need to measure the width of the window including the extra space on either side where you’re going to hang it. Otherwise you only need to measure the actual width of the window.

Once you have the window width measurement, you need to decide how much gathering you want the curtains to have.

In order for curtains to offer effective privacy protection, we recommend that you at least double the width of your window. This gives the curtains enough width to gather nicely at the window and prevents people from looking in during the day.

Some people may want more than double the gathering and may prefer 2.5 or even 3 times the width of their windows to really add some fullness to the curtains that increases privacy.

However, ordering more than 2x width sometimes may be too much and make the curtains look a bit messy or ruin the pattern effect of the nets. We would not recommend ordering more than double the width unless you are sure you know what you are getting and are happy with it.

Step 2. Measure the drop

The next step is to measure the drop (or length) of the curtains for your window.

The trick here is to consider not only where you are hanging the curtains, but also how you want to hang them. Here are some of the options to consider:

Most people who hang nets near their windows want the nets to end just above the window sill. This allows the nets to be hung correctly and kept clean.

You should measure the length of the window and subtract an inch or two from the drop measurement (2 inches = 5 cm). This will leave a little space at the bottom of the curtain and your curtain will hang straight.

The next option is if you hang nets away from your window. This can be the case if you have a reset window, such as B. a bay window, or if you just do not want to hang the curtains on the window frame.

If that’s the case, you need to figure out how you want your nets to hang and then measure the drop size. Please also note that the largest drop we can offer is currently 108 inches (274 cm).

Some people may prefer to let their curtains hang lower than their window sill and possibly even to the floor, similar to regular drapes. Some people even like having their webs draped on the floor.

If this is the case, you’ll need to recalculate how long you want the curtains to be and take the measurement up to a maximum of 108 inches (274 cm).

Step 3. Measure curtain wire

If you want to hang your nets, you’ll need some curtain wire!

When measuring the curtain wire, remember that you don’t need the same width that you ordered for your netting, just the actual width of the window (or the width of the area your curtains will cover). Again, you don’t need to include any gathering for curtain wire.

Our curtain wire comes with hooks and eyes so you can hang the curtains anywhere. Simply screw the hooks into the wall and then screw the grommets into the ends of the wire and hook.

We hope this helps you measure your curtains. If you need further assistance or need help ordering your curtains you can email us at [email protected] or call us on 0115 9222672.

You can see our full range of curtains by clicking here. We also stock a range of voile panel curtains and ready made curtains.

Disclosure: We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

When decorating with curtains, there is often a plain side and a more fashionable or decorative side. However, both sides are visible (one from inside and the other from outside the house). So which way should you orient the curtains? Who can enjoy the glamorous side and who can enjoy boring white?

While one option is to select double-sided curtains and avoid the problem entirely, the more attractive or patterned side of a curtain always faces the room. The smooth side faces the street.

Read on to learn how to use curtains in your decor, rules for using blackout curtains, how to use curtains with blinds, and more.

Which way do curtains face (and why?)

Curtains face the room with the decorative side and face the street with the plain side. The fact is, you spend a lot more time in your home (the same goes for any guests you entertain). Since it’s the page that gets viewed the most, you should focus on creating an appealing look from the inside. The few occasions people are outside or walking past your home cannot justify framing the most pleasant view in their favor.

Double-sided curtains are of course always available. Since both sides show the pattern or color, you don’t have to give anyone the “blunt” side.

How can curtains change the look of a room?

Carefully chosen curtains can make a large or imposing room feel cozy. You can also make a small room look bigger by using bright colors. Visual tricks like vertical lines (especially thin ones) can make the ceiling appear higher. Read more about Can curtains make a room look smaller? and which colored curtains make a room appear larger.

The look of the room is influenced not only by curtains, but also by how these curtains are hung. Hanging the curtains a few inches wider and higher than the actual window makes them (and the room) appear larger. Using three curtain panels instead of the typical 2 to cover multiple adjacent window panes softens the look.

In addition to creating the right aesthetic for any space, your curtain choices can also help block noise, retain heat, and create privacy. A layered look of sheer and solid curtains offers a variety of light and privacy options. Read more about curtain options here: 30 Different Ways To Hang Curtains [Picture Inspiration]

Should curtains be light or dark?

Light and dark curtains both have their place in home decor. The advantages of light curtains include:

Sun fading is less obvious.

Small rooms appear more open and bright with lighter curtains.

Doesn’t absorb the sun’s heat like dark curtains

Advantages of dark curtains are:

A large room or one with a lot of open space can appear fuller and cozier with dark curtains.

Dirt and grime hide better in dark curtains (Read more: Do Curtains Attract Dust? [And How To Keep Them Dust Free])

Dark curtains can create a striking visual contrast between the walls and the curtains.

Choose a color that complements the wall color for an instant ambiance with little effort. Alternatively, choosing curtains in the same color family as the walls is a modern and popular choice, although you should choose curtains that are a shade lighter or darker.

Which side of the blackout fabric faces the window?

Blackout curtains are often sewn directly into the curtain as a liner. When attached to the curtain, the blackout liner faces the window.

When sold as a separate material (not sewn into the curtain), blackout curtains have a fabric side and a coated side. The orientation of the curtains does not affect their performance (they work the same regardless of which side is turned out). But the fabric side (also known as the woven or rough side) is made to face the window for durability. Face the fabric side out to avoid yellowing or sun damage, which will extend the life of your curtains.

Should I draw curtains over blinds?

Absolutely! There’s no reason why you can’t use curtains and blinds together. Done well, this can create a nice focal point or make a small window appear larger. Read more about how to pair curtains and blinds here: Do curtains and blinds go together?

Another benefit of layered window treatments is that they offer more lighting and privacy options, and the extra layer provides insulation.

What curtains look good with blinds?

There are two broad categories for blinds and blinds – hard or soft window treatments. Hard window treatments like shutters or wooden blinds can be used with any type of curtain. With soft window treatments (e.g. Roman blinds) you simply must avoid mixing patterns as the effect can be visually confusing or cluttered. For patterned shades, choose a solid color curtain. If the screen is solid color, you are welcome to choose a pattern for the curtain.

As a rule, it is easiest to choose the curtain first, and then choose a shade in the matching or neutral color.

Pair it with a neutral shade

Featuring a textured geometry print, this curtain would pair well with a cell or honeycomb shade in a neutral tan color.

Click here to see Textured Geometry Lattice Grommet Window Treatment on Amazon.

These curtains pair perfectly with a simple roller blind, come in a range of colors and even come with two matching throw pillows. Could decorating be easier?

Click here to see Dikart’s Teal Blackout Curtains with Throw Pillows on Amazon.

Pair it with a bold shade

The strong pressure immediately catches the eye. Follow with a tonal Roman shade for the best look. Available in 6 colors.

To see KGORGE Herbal Leaf Pattern Curtains on Amazon, click here.

For vertical shading

Available in 4 neutral stripe patterns, the transparent lines complement a vertical hue.

To see Central Park’s Gray and White Striped Viscose Blend Farmhouse Curtains on Amazon, click here.

Use with wooden blinds or shutters.

Paired with wooden or bamboo screens or shutters, this rustic western style curtain solidifies any room. You will feel like you are living right on the ranch.

Click here for Rustic Western Southwestern Utah Indian Set in Turquoise Blue and Brown.

A colorful choice for the free spirits among us, what could be more fitting than coordinating this curtain with a bamboo or wooden screen?

Click here to see colorful boho window curtains on Amazon.

Finally

Curtains offer several ways to change the look of a room, such as: B. the color, length and even the way they are hung. While you can arrange the curtains however you like to reflect your style (including by combining them with blinds or roller blinds), the smooth side of the curtain always faces the street. The decorated curtain track is directed into the room.