You might think that buying curtains online will make the purchasing process a lot easier than buying them through a traditional retailer, and in many respect this is true; if you buy curtains on the web, there’s a strong chance they’ll be less expensive than shop-bought products due to the reduced overheads of e-tailers. And of course, the fact that you can make your acquisition from the comfort of your home is also a plus.

However, when you buy curtains online you do need to do some serious research before purchasing, in order to avoid ending up with ill-fitting or inappropriate window coverings and the hassle of returning products that aren’t quite right. Things to think about include the style of curtain you want, including fabric and hang; for example full length sheers or window length blackouts.

A key consideration will be your curtain tracking systems. The right track, correctly fitted, will have a significant effect on the hang of your curtains and the look of your interiors. You will also want to think about whether you want cord drawn curtain tracks or hand drawn ones. Cord drawn curtain tracks are threaded with cord that connects to a system of gliders and pulleys. You open and close the curtains with a pull-cord without having to touch the curtain, making this system useful for delicate fabrics or particularly heavy curtains or large windows.

You’ll also have a choice of materials for your tracking. PVC is low cost, flexible and suitable for light or medium weight curtains, while aluminium is more expensive but stronger and more robust, as well as being easy to bend and shape. It also works well for light and medium weight fabric and gives a smooth drawing action. Steel, available from some suppliers, is suitable for heavy weight curtains.

Finally, if you’ve purchased curtains online it’s likely that you’ll be installing your own curtain tracking systems. The task may seem daunting but in fact it’s surprisingly simple as long as you keep a few key pointers in mind.

If you’re planning to go the DIY route, you’ll need screws, a drill, screw driver, laser or spirit level and saw. Wider windows, which are becoming increasingly popular in the Australian market, usually require that tracks be mounted end to end. You can either use hardware that connects the track sections, or simply align them during installation using a laser or spirit level.

Tracks and brackets should be attached to ceiling joists and wall studs, while you may need to use anchors if attaching your tracking to plasterboard. Most curtain tracking systems do not feature pre-drilled mounting holes so you will need to use a drill for this, having marked the track with the right positions. Using a small bit, drill pilot holes centred in the slot through the top of the track. Remember to take care not to damage the slot of the curtain track when drilling or mounting the track.

It’s probably fair to say that curtains still remain something of a niche product in the Australian market, which like the global market, has gradually moved away from traditional drapes towards blinds and other types of window covering over the years.

However, if you’re looking to buy curtains it’s clear you haven’t let their niche status put you off! In fact, it has perhaps surprisingly given a boost to curtains, as when people do invest in them, they are more likely to want to make a real statement through the use of quality fabrics and accessories and a really professional-looking hang. The result is that while the curtain market is fairly small, there’s a lot that’s exciting going on in it!

If you’re searching for information about “curtain au”, you’re probably just beginning to look at the various options available in the Australian market before you buy curtains. If this is the case, it’s worth carefully considering your curtains as well as the different accessories that go with them. This will allow you to create a complete look for your interior.

For example if you’re after a laid back, relaxed look, curtains with rings or tabs can be hung on a curtain rod while more formal curtains like box pleat curtains utilise curtain tape that runs on a track. The perceived length of your curtains will also influence the overall feel of the room. If you’re looking for something more grand and formal, consider how high above the window to hang your curtains. The higher the hang. the longer the curtain will appear, lending added visual height to your interior.

In terms of curtain accessories and add-ons, pelmets give a formal look and also perform a very useful function by covering the curtain fixtures at the top of a window casing. They can also conceal more than one curtain rod when hanging layers of curtains like a sheer and block out curtain. A little more feminine, valances perform the same way as pelmets but have a softer look with a gathered or pleated heading. While they are seldom used these days, they can look great in certain settings such as girls’ bedrooms.

Decorative curtain rods in materials such as bronze, silver, gold and pewter, as well as brackets, curtain hooks, curtain rings, tie backs and hold backs are just some of the other accessories available on the market that can add vibrancy to your window treatments. Meanwhile finials are the ornate pieces that attach to the rod ends and should also be selected carefully when you buy curtains depending on the look you’re after. These come in a wide variety of styles, shapes and sizes and a range of materials including timber, metal or crystal.

If you’re buying curtains online you may well be able to buy these accessories at the same time. Wherever or however you decide to purchase, bear in mind that the curtains together with the accessories are what create a whole, unified look.