Where to start when choosing made to order blinds and curtains

When you decide to have a room makeover, curtains and blinds are one of the most important aspects to think about. Both practical and aesthetically pleasing – the right window treatments will transform any space dramatically. It all comes down to things such as colour and fabric, length, and lining, and bespoke versus off-the-shelf. Whilst a plethora of styles exist, none quite hit the mark than your own special, custom-made curtains or blinds. With so much choice on offer, it is easy become overwhelmed. Our experts have done all the hard work for you and narrowed down the options, to make your decision easier.

Made-To-Measure

Bespoke window treatments allow you to tailor every last detail, down to the fabric, style, pattern and colour. Whilst ready-made curtains and blinds come in standard sizes, windows do not, especially in period homes. Opting for a custom-made service means you can be confident that you will have the best fit for your window. Having a broader choice of materials means you have more room to have your own signature style. Plus, you can add in additional features such as extra lining, tiebacks, and headings, to get your desired look. We recommend customising a design that will stand the test of time, to validate the higher cost compared to ready-made options.

Curtains vs Blinds

When deciding between curtains or blinds, or both, whilst it is mostly personal preference, there are a few pointers to consider based on the room in question. Blinds are typically cheaper and easier to maintain than curtains. At the same time, they could be more limited in terms of designs. Curtains work to add instant flair and texture and the flowy fabric makes the room feel snug. Blinds make the space feel more open and airier due to their less invasive design. So, the window treatment you choose depends on which of these characteristics you want your room to exude.

If you want the best of both worlds, bringing in practicality with blinds, and style with curtains, then why not utilise both? All you need to make sure is that the room you use both in is big, otherwise it could tip the balance.

If you are not sure what your style is, why not take a quiz to find out?

Fabric

Choosing the right fabric when it comes to curtains is crucial. This is because the material will determine how well they work and hold up over time. If they are too bulky, they may not fold neatly when drawn; too light and they may not fall properly. To find the right balance, we recommend holding fabrics up to a window, pleat it at the top and then let it fall. If it starts to crinkle and fold, then this indicates it will not drape nicely on your window.

If you opt for curtains, consider the mood you want to establish which will then point you towards the right material. If you are trying to recreate luxury, silk or velvet are wonderful options, as well as being great insulators. For a more relaxed look, cotton and wool work well with all types of décor, to create a fresh and simple ambiance.

When it comes to blinds, natural materials like wood can make a room feel more welcoming. To add instant warmth and texture to your kitchen or living room, take a look through our wooden blinds collection. They can be customised to a colour that matches your walls and current colour scheme. So, if you have a minimalist, contemporary aesthetic, why not opt for our Wood Essence blind in black, for an ultra-stylish timber look.

Colour

Walls and window dressings should work together harmoniously. Therefore, it is essential to think about colours to achieve a unified appearance. A wall colour that is not complementary will only take away the beauty of your window treatments. There is an abundance of choice. However, it ultimately comes down to how you want the room to feel.

If you want your curtains to blend with rest of the room, it should be the same colour as the wall, but go a couple shades darker, or pick a non-dominant subtle accent colour. For example, this could be a soft hue from a rug. For those who are feeling a little more daring, bold colours will add the wow factor. The Satin Made To Measure curtains in sorbet pink will look stunning in bigger rooms, and function largely like a feature wall. If you want to play it safe, opt for neutral hues, as they work well with most wall colours, wallpapers, and furnishings. Remember – sunlight causes fabric colours to fade over time. If the room in question brings in a lot of light, it is best to avoid bright shades, as they are more likely to discolour quicker. Make sure you consider the current décor, and whether you plan to change it soon. There is no point purchasing bespoke window treatments, which could look out of place if you decide to have a room makeover.

Roller blinds often come in vivid colours that will be sure to inject personality into a plain room, as well as sprucing up your window. Alternatively, if stylish and minimalist is more suited to your taste, you can opt for simple colours in quality materials like wood.

Pattern

A general rule of thumb is if you have patterned furniture or bedding, stick with solid curtains, and vice versa. If you want to incorporate just a subtle dash of style, opt for a small, neutral pattern, for example spotted, which highlights texture delicately. Having said that, using bold prints is nothing to be afraid of. Patterned curtains or blinds can look remarkable in tropical hues like hot pinks, electric blues, and cheerful yellows. To stop it from becoming overpowering, cool things down with white walls and neutral flooring. This will guarantee your bold pattern steals the show. This season’s go to pattern has been florals, so you can either create a cottage feel, or bring a small touch of nature to your room. Our Orla Kiely floral blinds are the perfect way to introduce scenery into your kitchen. Likewise, our Wiltshire flowery made to measure curtains exude a lovely, cheerful design to brighten any room.

Special finishes

Curtains and blinds can be both be finished in ways which give them additional features. Blackout options are perfect for bedrooms. Most blinds have been produced with a blackout finish, so no light can stream through it, ensuring you have a peaceful slumber. It can also be used to line custom-made curtains if that is your preferred window treatment.

If insulation is an area of concern for you, we recommend interlined curtains or roman blinds, as they are exceptionally effective for this purpose. Not to mention, an interlining will often support thinner fabrics better, in the way that it falls.

Are you ready to revamp your home with our window styling tips? After a year spent mostly indoors, it is time to refresh your window treatments. With many ways to style custom-made curtains and blinds, the world is your oyster, and our design ideas will take your décor to the next level! If you are still on the fence, contact our expert customer service team for more advice.