Advice & inspiration
#loveleekes
Advice & inspiration
#loveleekes
Inspiring heat, a cosy atmosphere, intimacy and style to your home, curtains play a major role in our interiors. Whether you choose practical features such as blackout or insulating, or more decorative options such as voile, there are a wide selection of curtains available to adorn your room. Follow our practical guide below and discover how to choose your new curtains with advice on everything from header type to sizes, materials and accessories.
Measuring
The first step is to measure the window where you want to install your curtain. Length-wise and width-wise, it will be a matter of taste: some customers like to see their curtains brush the floor, while others prefer to see them shorter. The main thing is to remember that the pole is installed 15 cm (6 inches) above the window so that the curtains do not get stuck in it, so don’t forget to add this number to the measurements. Same principle for the width, it will be necessary to add an extra 30 cm (12 inches) as the curtain pole will be wider than the window on each side.
Sizing
The width is always the first measurement given, for example 168x 137cm (66″ x 54″) means that each curtain is 168cm (66 inches) wide by 137cm (54 inches) drop. Sizing is per curtain and all curtains are sold as a pair unless stated otherwise.
We would recommend you use the following guide line:
| Standard ready made curtain drop in Inches | 46″ | 54″ | 66″ | 72″ | 90″ | 108″ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ready made curtain drop in Cm | 117cm | 137cm | 167cm | 180cm | 229cm | 274cm |
If you require a custom curtain size and you are having trouble converting inches to cm and vice versa, use the simple calculation formula:
| Metric | Calculation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cm to Inches | Divide by 2.54 | 100cm / 2.54 = 39.37 inches |
| Inches to Cm | Multiply by 2.54 | 50 inches x 2.54 = 127cm |
Blackout
Ideal for bedrooms, their function is simple: block out the light. Blackout curtains are great if you are a light sleeper and hate catching a glimpse of daylight early in the mornings or if you want to avoid the bright beams from street lights late at night. Both aesthetically pleasing and practical a blackout curtain is heavier than a standard lined curtains so ensure you sturdy fixings. We recommend eyelet as a header type.
Insulating
Great for keeping the warmth in, insulating curtains with thermal linings are ideal if you feel the cold in your home during the winter months and also work in the reverse during the summer meaning you can keep your room nice and cool. Their extra lining also includes black out properties meaning you can keep the light out. Again, these are an ideal option for the bedroom but also the living room.
Standard
If you do not require any features like blackout or additional insulation then opt for a standard lined curtain. We would always recommend a lined curtain to block out more light and for additional privacy. Standard lined curtains are available in a wide selection of materials, textures and finishes. Decorative curtains are also a great way of adding colour to your room whilst keeping the rest of the room neutral.
Voile
Voile is a great option if you want to ensure that you get the maximum amount of light in to your room and have no reason to close curtains at all. Ideal for kitchens or as additional decoration when dressing your windows, voiles can look great when combined with vertical blinds. You can also use voile similar to a traditional netted curtain for additional privacy and as an alternative to a heavy duty blind if you are combining with other curtains.
Eyelet
Very common but also very practical, this curtain heading slides perfectly on the pole thanks to its wide metal rings. They are generally preferred for heavy curtains, they guarantee regular waves and a nice fabric drop.
Pencil pleat
Original and decorative, these curtains consist of three rows of string and three hook positions to suits all types of tracks and poles. Use curtain rings to fit to a pole.
Slot top
A real brain-teaser to install but a guaranteed aesthetic effect. Without hooks, the pleats create waves which are ideal for a fabric that flutters regularly.
Recess bracket
Our roller blinds are fitted inside or outside a recess bracket. This system is very easy to install, and use. You can choose whether to have the floating pulley system on the left or right side.
Holdbacks
Round rods have the advantage of being able to be customised with stylish bits. Our selection of curtain holdbacks comes in different colours and is perfect for those who love to look after their decoration in every detail.
Tiebacks
Depending on the material of your curtains and the drop you want to give them, you may need curtain tiebacks. They allow you to attach your curtain to the sides. We offer tasseled tiebacks and linen tiebacks matching our curtains.
Curtain rings
Curtain rings and fixings are not only essential for completing your window dressing in style, getting the right type is also essential for making sure your curtains hang properly. To seamlessly match a metal curtain pole, you will want to get brass, silver or chrome curtain rings. Wooden curtain pole rings will perfectly complement natural wooden curtain poles.
Observe your home
Deciding to update your curtains is a great start but it is important that the curtains you choose are suitable for the room you’re updating. To find the most suitable curtains, you should take inspiration from the atmosphere of your room and what you are wanting to achieve.
– Identify which curtain colours can go with the colour of the walls and floor.
– Look at what materials and colours cover the sofa and the surrounding furniture.
Set a budget
This is a decisive point when buying your curtains. From one brand to another, prices vary… and so do the materials. 100% cotton curtains will vary in starting price from 100% velvet or linen curtains. Expect to spend from £32 for polyester curtains, from £54 for cotton curtains, and from £75 for velvet curtains. Prices will also vary depending on the width and drop. Another decisive point to remember: accessories. If you want to accessorise your curtains, it will increase your budget. Rods, holdbacks, tiebacks… there are plenty for you to choose from.
Decide on the material
Depending on the style of your room but also your budget, you will have to choose the material of your curtains. Here are some tips to avoid making mistakes: For a contemporary design: choose cotton or polyester. For a countryside/nature atmosphere: opt for linen or cotton. For a bourgeois/charming atmosphere: opt for silk or velvet.
Curtain folds are dust nests, and are sometimes responsible for allergies. The maintenance of your curtains must therefore be carried out regularly. Cotton, polyester, or velvet… follow our care guide to learn how to wash and care for your curtains, according to the material.
Cotton
They should be washed at 30 °C to prevent them from shrinking. Also avoid the tumble dryer. They usually do not need to be ironed. All you have to do is rehang them directly back to the pole and let them dry naturally.
Polyester
Synthetics are washed by hand in warm water with household soap. You can put the curtains in the washing machine with a soft program (30°, wool), without spin drying. A natural drying is usually enough for the curtains to take their shape, provided you hang them well. If they come out of the machine creased, you can consider ironing them at a low temperature.
Velvet
Start by vacuuming them with the soft brush accessory to dust them off. If washing is allowed (refer to the care instructions on the label), wash the curtains by hand in a bathtub filled with warm water and household soap. Make sure you rinse them several times. Refrain from ironing velvet and instead gently steam the fabric using a hand steamer or the steam from an iron.
Silk
Silk is a sensitive material that requires special care. If the curtains are washable, clean them with warm soapy water (never boiling) Never rub them or soak them for more than 5 minutes. Rinse the curtains in cold water, and soak up the excess water quickly between two towels, lay them flat if possible and never in the sun. You can iron them when still damp, upside down and at a low temperature.