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Buying new curtains is quite an investment, and it can also be quite the process! Depending on the fabric and make of your curtains, the ease of installation and amount of upkeep required will vary, but there are a handful of handy tips and tricks you should know when buying new curtains. From measuring tricks before making your purchase to hanging tips once your new, quality curtains have arrived, this guide will provide you with every secret you need to know about your new interior investment.
The first step in your curtain buying process is measuring and arguably, also the most important step, especially if you are indulging in made to measure curtains that will fit your window like a glove. First and foremost, we always recommend installing a pole or track before starting any measuring for the most accurate figure. After this, our How to Measure for Curtains guide holds the key to all of the helpful tips and tricks on perfectly measuring your curtain, for your ease and our satisfaction when delivering the perfect finished product.
One of the most common obstacles to conquer when choosing your curtains is if your window is above a radiator. This can cause some commotion, as inaccurate measurement or poor decision-making when it comes to radiators can impact airflow and, in some instances, cause some hefty damage. If you’d like your curtains to hang above the radiator, you must ensure that the bottom of your curtain sits at least 4 cm above the top of the radiator and don’t tuck your curtains behind the radiator as that can harm the fabric. Always keep the curtains drawn when your radiator is on, not only for safety measures but for efficiency – this will allow air to flow freely with no obstruction.
If you prefer longer curtains and you have a radiator, it’s always wise to keep floor-length curtains drawn and tied back when the heating is on to allow the hot air to circulate within your space. Radiators aren’t prone to reaching temperatures capable of creating a fire hazard like candles or log burners, so your floor-length curtains will be fine if the heating is on, as long as they are tied back for optimal efficiency.
Once you’ve received your new curtains, you may be wondering what the best way of hanging them is. This depends on whether you’ve chosen a track or a pole, but our How to Hang Curtains guide has various options and tips for efficiency when hanging curtains. From curtains with hooks to those on an arched window, our guide has everything you need to be fully informed about hanging curtains.
Bay windows can be quite tricky to tackle and although they are very common in homes across the UK, many avoid changing their existing curtains due to being wary of their bay windows and how to accurately install curtains. Depending on what style of drapes you have chosen, you can follow our How to Hang Curtains steps, bearing in mind any overlapping tracks or poles that have 2 sections instead of a singular one.
Popular in many homes, curtain pooling or puddling refers to adding extra length to your curtains to create a gathering effect at the foot of your curtains, creating a sense of warmth and sophistication within your interior. To create the perfect pooling effect, add an extra couple of centimetres to your curtain dimensions, usually around 10 to 20 cm depending on how much you’d like your curtain to gather at the bottom. Taking your own measurements is vital, as the height of your walls and skirting boards may play a factor when it comes to deciding your pooling increments, but don’t forget to do this before you place your order.
To not many people’s knowledge – curtains can actually take some time to drape properly after being shipped in airtight packaging. One of the most popular ways of getting your curtains to drape properly is by steaming them. Use a steamer to help set the folds by continuously applying steam to the lining, then leave your curtains to hang for a few days and repeat the process for the best results. Usually, your curtains need around a week of hanging to drape properly, so they might not look their finest when initially taken out of the packaging. Steaming, adding a little weight to the hems of your curtains to help them hang or adding pleat control clips could all speed the process up to create your perfect pleats.
It can be difficult to upkeep perfect spacing between your pleats, hence why some customers employ spacers to assist in maintaining consistency. To get perfectly pleated eyelet curtains, you can also get crafty by using the so-called ‘toilet roll trick’ which adds plumpness and precision to your curtains. Simply place a cardboard toilet paper roll on the curtain pole between each eyelet to form even pleats, which will stay looking plump and full even when drawing the curtains. Made famous by Mrs Hinch, social media star and master of all-things cleaning, this trick will save you the hassle of rearranging your curtain pleats every time you move them across the pole.
The fabric that your curtain is made from is of course important, however, what is of utmost importance is its lining. The lining of a curtain can heavily affect the thermal and blackout features of your curtain, with cotton sateen being good for privacy but still allowing some light through, 100% blackout blinds giving you ultimate darkness and bonded interlining offering 100% blackout and thermal features. For a full rundown of our lining options and their benefits, read our Curtain Buying Guide and make the best choice depending on your preferences.
Unsure about which fabric to choose when ordering made to measure curtains? It’s no surprise, as the commitment to a pair of curtains is quite long-term. That’s precisely why we always recommend ordering a sample before placing your order. At Voyage Maison, you can order up to 10 fabric samples, and there are multiple ways of utilising fabric samples without letting them go to waste; from DIY projects to patchwork creations.
Now that you know all of the hints and tricks when it comes to hanging your curtains, measuring them and even placing toilet rolls behind them to create the perfect pleats, why not order your perfect made to measure curtain from Voyage Maison? Designed and manufactured in the UK, our curtains are unique and ooze elegance, elevating every space they’re placed within. Find your perfect match today.
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