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Our curtains arrived in less than 10 business days (The order was processed 8 business days ago) which is a pleasant surprise. I am very pleased with the quality of the curtains and thank you once again for the amazing customer service. I shall keep you in mind for the future when I wish to replace the curtains and will recommend your service to anyone in need of custom made curtains. I thank you once again.


YYD

Melbourne

Author Archives: Curtains on the Net

roller blind with curtaain online

The other stuff you’ll also need to buy when buying curtains online

As with any new project, it’s a good idea to plan the detail if you’re creating a new window treatment. For readers who are more ‘big picture’ oriented, this may prove a challenge, but if you want to save yourself time and money, it will certainly pay off in the long run. So, if you’re buying curtains onlinehere are some of the things you may well need to purchase at the same time:

Blinds

The fashion for pairing blinds with curtains continues apace, particularly as sheers are making such an impact in style circles at the moment. There are of course practical reasons for this too, such as the great potential for blocking out solar glare offered by the humble blind. So, while we’re talking about buying curtains online, let’s talk about blinds! Firstly, decide on the type of blind you want for the space. For example roller blinds pair well with curtains and provide a solid block of colour to work with. It’s important you pay attention to the colour and fabric selections, and how these work together in the room. If bright colours aren’t your thing, white or light creams for the curtains create a crisp look that works well with a variety of blind styles. If you’re going for prints, pairing curtains and blinds together looks best when a solid colour is chosen for one and a print is chosen for the other. Combining prints on both the curtains and blinds can look overdone.

Pelmet curtain online

Accessories

Looking at the wide array of visual resources for decor and ready made curtains online, it’s impossible not to feel inspired. You can use room accessories such as cushions, table runners and throws to offset your window treatment and many retailers already supply these items ready made, ensuring that you can kick-start your décor scheme with ease. In terms of the window treatment itself, tiebacks or wall-mounted metal hold-backs can add impact and create a polished look. Pelmets, once thought to be out of fashion, are another great ‘accessory’ that’s making waves again. In modern settings, because they are actually built into the architecture of a room, recessed pelmets hide the curtain tracks and operating components in the ceiling space to achieve a really sleek finish. Accessorising with pelmets also provides better insulation.

Motorisation and hardware

If you’re in the market to buy curtains online, it’s definitely worth considering motorisation. While it may not be for everyone, particularly if you’re on a budget or you’re deliberately aiming for a more low maintenance, cottagey look, motorised curtains are now commonly used in high end homes and are great for today’s wider windows. Motorising your curtains is now relatively cost effective and can also help prolong their life. Even if you’re not opting for motorisation you’ll need to work out what kind of track to buy. Among the most popular at the moment is the S-Fold track, which requires comparatively less fabric than other forms while creating a relaxed but modern look. Many suppliers will powder-coat tracks to any colour supplied, which gives the homeowner much more flexibility when trying to match colour schemes.

Custom curtains The Block

Custom curtains across the land: what’s hot and what’s not?

Across the huge landmass that is Australia, trends in custom curtains may vary slightly according to local demand, but overall they seem to unite the nation, primarily, it seems, due to the huge influence of TV shows such as The Block! Key among the demand trends are a keen interest in insulation and solar protection and a tendency towards neutral colour palettes.

One retailer in coastal Victoria confirms cooler local temperatures are impacting sales. “Drapes have certainly picked up in the last 12 months. Insulation is a big part of this and people are seeking out heavier drapes with pelmets to fend off the cold in winter. Tastes tend more to the conservative, with customers choosing natural and neutral colour palettes that will stand the test of time.”

“At the same time, sheers are also very much on trend due to the influence of TV shows like The Block, and we’re busy trying to keep up with demand.”

A retailer in Melbourne says he is catering to the rapid growth of new apartments and display homes, typically with eyelet grommet custom curtains that are both simple to look at and economical, as well as easy to install.

On the west coast, a retailer in Perth says curtains are among the strongest sellers in the company’s portfolio. “We tend to cater to a residential clientele who are quite selective and not necessarily influenced by price. Curtains are making a comeback for aesthetic reasons but one of the things we’ve noticed is that acoustic insulation is becoming increasingly important, in light of the growth of industrial harder edged looks and finishes in homes.”

Meanwhile in regional New South Wales, one retailer says the local cold winters and hot summers have created demand for custom curtains that offer both block out and insulation properties, creating highly versatile window treatments that serve homeowners well throughout the year.

Custom curtains with bulkhead

There’s also a fashion element to it too, with many homeowners opting for the recessed look that’s seen in new builds and hotels, where there’s a bulkhead and the curtain is hung behind it. And if that isn’t achievable, they’ll invest in the next best thing, which is to install a sleek slimline pelmet to achieve a similar contemporary, pared back look.

Indeed while drapes are essentially a ‘traditional’ window furnishing, many homeowners are finding ways to inject them with new life and modernity. That’s one reason why S-fold hangs for custom curtains are a sought after look that’s also significantly cheaper to achieve, requiring a lot less fabric than other types of curtain hang.

One high end retailer in Queensland echoes widespread sentiment about the market influence of certain TV shows. “People are indeed watching The Block and it’s definitely led to more curtain sales,” he says. Given Queensland’s warmer climate, lighter looking custom curtains such as sheers are a particularly strong seller, although homeowners will often opt for another block out curtain behind the sheer for added protection from solar glare when needed.

custom made curtains

The secrets of great custom made curtains: your questions answered

Investing in custom made curtains can have a huge impact on the overall look and function of your home. Curtains not only work as ‘fashion’ for your windows, they also have important functional benefits. So it’s no surprise that customers are often full of questions about how to get the most out of their custom made curtains. Here at Curtains On The Net we get a lot of queries from customers about fabric and hang. Here are some examples and some of our tips in response.

What kind of fabrics should I use for my custom made curtains?

Weight is an important consideration when choosing your fabrics. Lighter weight or sheer curtains create a breezy ambience and are generally more affordable for the average homemaker. Disadvantages include that they can also let too much light into a room. Meanwhile medium to heavier weighted curtain fabrics add a classy appearance to a room and work well in formal areas such as a living room or dining room. Lightweight curtains might be made of cotton, muslin or silk, while medium weight custom made curtains might work well in chambray, damask, brocade or jacquard, and heavyweight curtains might be made from lined velvet.

custom made curtains

How much should I spend on fabric for my custom made curtains? 

Of course this is a bit like the “How long is a piece of string?” question; it all depends on your budget and requirements. However if your budget is limited then as a rule you don’t need expensive fabric for custom made curtains as they don’t undergo much wear and tear compared to say floor coverings or soft seating items such as armchairs, ottomans and couches. Linen look curtains are particularly strong sellers at the moment; the linen look is very on trend, but it also ties in with a timeless neutral aesthetic that won’t go out of fashion. By contrast, it’s advisable to avoid high maintenance fabrics such as dark velvets that will fade unless lined. Shiny fabrics like satins or silks can also be demanding to maintain and hang.

Having said that, there is a school of thought that suggests if you’re investing in custom made curtains it’s worth spending your money on something truly unique! It might be worth considering a daring print inspired by classic design. Even if you end up opting for something more neutral, at least you’ve explored all the options.

How do I know how much fabric to use?

It’s usually best to assume that each panel is around 275 cm for a standard height window of 200 cm or so, allowing extra for generous hems at the top and bottom. If you want pleating to add more volume you should probably double these dimensions, but again, this should be carefully considered if you are on a budget.

What kind of pleats work best for custom made curtains?

There are a number of commonly chosen options in terms of pleats. Pencil pleat curtains are a classic and work well in a wide range of fabrics including full blockout. Pinch pleat curtains add style to any window offering a traditional look that’s also very elegant. Box pleat curtains or inverted box pleat curtains create a clean modern look and suit most window sizes. Meanwhile for a more functional, less fussy look, many customers opt for simple eyelet curtains, which are a very affordable form of custom made curtains and can be made to fit any rod width and height.

custom made curtains

A note about pleating for your custom made curtains

If you are opting for a tightly pleated hang, a word of warning about how the pleats affect the look of your fabric. Ideally most suppliers of custom made curtains should consider attention to detail very important; pleating to the design of the fabric is one example of this kind of perfectionism that can make a significant difference to the look of the final product.

Pleating to the design of the fabric ensures that the repeat pattern on your custom made curtains will be shown to best effect; in other words if the pattern consists of red and pink flowers, the pleat will show these evenly distributed across the width of the window. A poorly pleated curtain might hang in such a way that only the red flowers are visible. Correct pleating does cost more, as it requires more fullness than the normal amount, sometimes as much as three times fullness.

The idea is that every fold of fabric within in the curtain falls in exactly the same part of the pattern, particularly important when using a fabric like a stripe. Not pleating to the design of the fabric can result in unsightly and slightly chaotic looking curtains.

Should I use trimmings and tiebacks for my custom made curtains?

True enough, Victorian opulence has not been in style for some time, however there’s a new interest in luxury and exoticism in some quarters of interior design that lends itself well to add-ons such as trimmings and tiebacks. In terms of the strongest selling products, tie-backs are still in demand, because they play a specific role in holding your custom made curtains open! If heavy brocades, silk ropes and tassels aren’t your style, there are more pared back alternatives available; coarse natural rope on a linen curtain can look eye catching and very on trend.

Interest in opulent drapes and trimmings to match is very much in line with a move back towards a more formal look in the home, with the emphasis on warmth, colour and texture. Tassel fringing and bullion fringing for curtains and cords and brush fringes for cushions are making a comeback in some areas, while for more modern tastes there are alternatives; beads, feathers, crystals and anything ‘bling’ are certain to attract interest and enthusiasm. Tiebacks can also be custom made from drapery fabrics to match your custom made curtains, with the fabric also frequently echoed in other smaller soft furnishing items such as cushions.

Sheer taste custom made curtains online

6 great inspirational ideas for your custom made curtains online

While you may well be saving money by buying custom made curtains online, there’s no need to assume that you need to skimp on creativity! Whether it’s an unusual location for a certain type of curtain treatment or a new way of thinking about a traditional hang, there are plenty of ways to add a surprise element to your curtains. Here are six of the best:

1. Sheer taste (see top image)

Who would have thought that sheer curtains could be a great way to style an upscale kitchen? Looking for custom made curtains online took us to the great houzz.com and a great example of how this treatment can really work when approached the right way. It’s a particularly successful look if you want to create an element of the unexpected by offsetting the more functional aspects of this area of the home, in other words cooking, cleaning and workaday eating, with a cosy yet elegant vibe. Light diffusing neutral coloured sheers looks great set against the earthy timber and polished hard surfaces of this contemporary fit out and work well with that other soft furnishing element, the seat set against the wall, perfect for guests or lazier members of the family to chat, sip and maybe taste an appetiser while watching the kitchen jockey toil! Clearly this approach only really works if your kitchen shouts ‘designer’. If you team sheers with that relic from the ‘80s that you’re yet to renovate, they may be more trouble than they’re worth. It’s also worth noting that they look particularly great over full length windows; positioning them over the kitchen sink may not be so easy on the eye.

//www.houzz.com.au/photos/336789/the-home-of-geert-and-cecilia-contemporary-kitchen-amsterdam

2. From ready-mades to custom made curtains

From ready mades to custom made curtains online

A wise person once said that we don’t always get exactly what we want in life; the trick is to make the best of what we already have. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate custom made curtains online to co-ordinate with your existing décor scheme and haven’t found perfection, now may be the time to follow that wisdom by customising your ready made curtains. The clever treatment found on pinterest (see below) shows how, by adding accent fabric that co-ordinates with other elements of your interior, you’re can achieve a number of goals. Firstly you’re saving money by revamping existing curtains or readymades you’ve purchased online; secondly you’re turning a plain curtain into a print design statement and thirdly you’re creating floor to ceiling drapes that will create real impact and add visual height to your interiors.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/138696863501892615/

3. In the zone

In the zone curtains online

If you live in a smaller house or apartment, or even a larger home with an open plan layout, the way you decorate different zones makes a real difference in creating a sense of flow while also subtly emphasising the different function and aesthetics of a given area. And of course, the right window treatment can create a visual focal point to underpin each zone. The example pictured shows perfectly how well this idea can work if executed effectively. A harder, more functional yet light diffusing blind treatment in a charcoal grey adorns the kitchen zone of this open plan set-up, while wave-fold curtains in a complementary charcoal grey and white pattern create a softer, more welcoming look for the dining zone. The cool of the charcoal grey is nicely offset by the timber fittings and the statement pendant lamp, which also echoes the geometric design of the drapes. Geometrics are big in custom made curtains online right now, so this look wouldn’t be too hard to reproduce.

4. Layering

Layering curtains online

If you’re purchasing custom curtains online there are great ways to dress them up that don’t need to cost the earth. For example, installing a valance or pelmet along with a blind and curtain combination is a great way to create depth and texture and a complete, professional finish for your décor scheme, as the treatment below, also on pinterest, shows. If you’re brave enough, there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube on how to make your own DIY pelmet or valance. This more formal style of treatment would probably work best in larger rooms, although a smaller room such as a dining room or study where a sense of elegance and order is the desired look could probably also carry it effectively.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/487936940856343073/

5. Neutrals with colour

Neutrals with colour curtains online

Let’s face it, while magazines abound with rich colour palettes, the reality is that when we get down to the nitty gritty, most homeowners want an overall scheme throughout their home that won’t date too quickly or be too overpowering, meaning neutrals usually get the upper hand. Some more confined rooms can then be used as ‘colour hotspots’, for example a study or work room in dusty Wedgewood that continues to pick up the neutral theme in certain elements, or of course, as in this example found on houzz.com, a girls room with a serious dose of PINK! Edging plain custom made curtains with a decorative element allows you to tie pops of colour in with a more neutral décor. Adding bedding and accessories, not to mention a sumptuous magenta ceiling, completes the colour theme while also allowing it to be neutralised over time once pink is no longer the occupant’s passion!

//www.houzz.com.au/photos/139013/tineke-triggs-transitional-bedroom-san-francisco

6. Branching out

Branching out curtains online

This radical approach to window treatments takes the idea of earthiness to new heights and is clearly not going to work in applications where a smooth drawing action is required! But how great an idea is it for say, a whimsical child’s bedroom or even a grown-up’s haven in a rustic country getaway? Here the choice of fabric is critical though – you’d need to consider having your custom made curtains put together in a lightweight sheer or possibly a neutral linen fabric. A minimal pattern like the polka dots on this version or floral sheer devoré will also work well if you’re looking for an element of ornamentation that still retains a lightness of touch. This look will work particularly well with timber flooring, rough-hewn, weathered wooden furniture and washed out accessories such as curtains and rugs.

custom made curtains

Five fail safe tips for the perfect custom made curtains

If you’re buying custom made curtains it’s well worth investing some time and thought before taking the plunge. After all, once your curtains are in situ, it’s harder to rectify mistakes or issues that you might have overlooked. To make the groundwork easier, we’ve put together five key tips for shoppers, particularly useful for those purchasing custom curtains online.

ONE: Why curtains as opposed to blinds?

While blinds have been popular in recent times, curtains, previously seen as something of a ‘nanna option’, are definitely getting their groove back thanks to the abundance of exciting new fabrics hitting the market and a new taste for luxury. With a wide range of styles to choose from, curtains are great choice for lounges and living areas; and are of course also very well suited to bedrooms. For rooms that are smaller, they can even add depth and height by mounting curtains just below the ceiling to “cheat” a window up, creating the effect of a taller ceiling. They can also be styled to co-ordinate with any décor and can be dressed up with pelmets or headings.

The insulation and blockout properties of curtains
Aside from their aesthetic merits, extensive experiments have shown that heavy-duty curtains offer the best overall results for insulating properties. In winter a house loses heat from glass windows while in summer, outdoor heat radiates inwards. The right custom made curtains improve insulation because they create airspace between the glass and the window covering, and the thicker the curtain covering, the better. It makes sense therefore that the best result comes with heavier, tighter fitting window coverings to prevent convection of air between the window covering and the glass of the window.

For summer insulation, increasing numbers of consumers are opting for blockout curtains.Blockout curtains are treated with specialised coating to prevent light transference through the fabric and are a great way of keeping light and heat out during Australia’s scorching summers. (They can also trap heat during the winter, reducing heat loss by as much as 25 per cent.) Blockout curtains are hung wide and high, ensuring the fabric at the top of the curtain is placed so that it blocks the light effectively.

custom made curtains

TWO: Consider the different styles of custom curtains

Eyelets, through to long drops and pencil pleats – the choices are virtually endless. However if we’re talking about popularity, the market for eyelet custom curtains is particularly strong at the moment, as many homeowners looking for a cost effective, pared back style are opting for this look. With their clean cut, metallised ‘holes’ through which a contemporary curtain rod can be threaded, eyelet drapes create a relaxed and casual ambience and can be used with a wide variety of fabrics; eyelet sheer curtains maintain your view but create daytime privacy, while eyelet curtains in translucent or blockout fabrics are also common. Popular choices of fabric for this style tend towards neutral linens or bold contemporary plains or prints – anything with an unfussy, modern feel. Eyelet curtains are also one of the easiest types of drape to install. All you need is a drill, a couple of screws, a tape measure and a pen and paper. The measuring element is really required, as with most curtain styles, to establish the drop; the curtains should hang several centimetres below the window frame or sill and should also be hung clear of power outlets and other protruding elements. For eyelet curtains you simply feed the eyelet onto the rod, ensuring that the last eyelet stays on the outside of the mount to hold the curtains in place.

By contrast, long drop custom made curtains add elegance and drama to statement zones such as the living or dining room or master bedroom. They’re ideal for covering longer windows, but can also be used to add height to a room over standard sized windows. Hanging your curtain rod several centimetres above the window and allowing for a full length curtain to the floor or even beyond to create a puddling effect, can make a stunning statement, although it is better reserved for lower traffic areas of the home. Meanwhile inverted pleat curtains, pencil pleat curtains and pinch pleat curtains are all popular styles. The inverted pleat curtain offers a clean contemporary effect while the pencil pleat consists of tightly gathered folds kept in place by a cord. With pinch pleat curtains the top of the curtain is literally pinched together and the drape is hung using metal hooks at the top of the back of the curtain panel.

THREE: Think about tracks + rods for your custom curtains from day one

Choosing the right tracks, rods and hardware is one of the most important decisions in completing your custom curtains and should be considered at the outset rather than as an add-on once your curtains are chosen. There’s an enormous range of tracks available, from single to double or triple tracks. Double tracks are a great way of layering sheers with curtains, while triple tracks allow for the addition of a valance. Tracks can be mounted onto walls or ceilings to achieve different design objectives; some modern homes even have recesses between the ceiling and the window to allow for a really stylish hang in which the curtains appear to hang down from ‘behind’ the ceiling at the edge of the room. You can also choose from hand drawn, cord drawn or motorised tracks. Drawn systems can accommodate one way draw for single curtain panels or two way draw for dual curtain panels. For taller windows, corded tracks are also worth considering; curtains are opened and closed using a pull-cord, which is useful as it protects fabric from damage. To achieve the optimum hang, it’s important to ensure that the track is suitable for the weight of your custom made curtains. PVC tracking tends to be inexpensive, flexible and works well with lighter weight curtains, while aluminium is a more costly option but is more robust.

Motorisation
Motorised tracks allow your curtains to glide open and shut and stop exactly where you’d like at the touch of a button. Leading motorisation suppliers such as Somfy provide electric curtain tracks with a central or side opening, designed to blend in with your décor scheme. The advantages of motorisation include the blissful absence of cables to operate or strings to get tangled, while curtains can be controlled with one click to protect homeowner’s privacy and prevent glare from the sun’s rays entering the interior. Many motorisation options include handy features such as a favourite position memory, which allows you to program a preferred position of your curtains to ensure your drapes close in the same way every time.

FOUR: Choosing the colour of your custom made curtains

Colour is a deeply personal choice that depends on your individual taste and preferences. Having said that, most curtain retailers will attest that plains and neutrals continue to be the standard for curtain shoppers, mainly because they fit with almost any décor, and, if a serious investment is being made in custom curtains, will also stand the test of time.

At the light end of the colour spectrum, white remains one of the most popular colours, whether it’s applied to sheers or heavier fabrics. It adds freshness to the neutral palette that still holds sway and looks great with white or cream walls and polished timber floors.

By contrast however, darker colours including black and grey are increasingly on trend. Black drapes with a white print form a great statement in a modern interior and can be offset with pops of colour – say earthier tones or, for the more daring, bright punches of colour such as yellow or magenta. If you’re after a more subtle look, dark charcoal linens or pale grey chambrays also work well, and for more opulent or traditional décor schemes, jacquards and velvets add luxury and elegance.

Earth toned curtains from sand to taupe to red dust are a great way of adding a sense of authenticity and warmth to an interior, while bright pops of colour in curtains such as cerise, mustard yellow or persimmon orange are also a great way to draw the eye and create impact.

Blue has made a strong comeback in recent times, with dusty robin’s egg, teal and more recently navy, drawing strong interest from fashion forward homeowners. Blue custom made curtains will create a sense of stylish, cool harmony for the main living areas of your home. Green of course evokes the natural world but can also be used for high directional impact when applied in its more gem oriented guises. For example emerald green curtains offset by striking black and white are a great statement.

custom made curtains

FIVE: Finishing your custom curtains with trims & accessories

Trimmings and accessories such as decorative curtain rods, curtain tiebacks and exotic curtain rings provide a real finishing touch to your window treatment, whether it’s contemporary or traditional. Tie-backs are one of the strongest sellers being purchased along with readymade curtains online, and are available in many and varied styles, colours, and textures. Tassel and bullion fringing for curtains are also popular, providing an opulent finish. Contemporary tiebacks and modern decorative curtain rods in steel or copper, as well as exotic elements such as crystal finials are experiencing strong demand.Bronze or black rods feel classic without drawing a lot of attention to themselves, while chrome rods can look provide a modern touch in contemporary rooms. White rods can definitely work in certain locations such as bedrooms or breezy contemporary living areas.

SUMMARY: Selecting your custom curtains should be a labour of love!

Window treatments such as custom made curtains are one of the best investments you can make in your interior décor scheme and selecting them should give you joy, especially when you remember what they’ll bring to your home. They have great functional benefits and are a marvellous way to ‘dress’ your room and give it a sophisticated, complete look. Good curtains can be the key to any major makeover, adding height, drama, atmosphere, texture and colour to any space. As mentioned above, they’re wonderful for creating “the great curtain illusion”, which involves hanging drapes to create the effect that a window is much taller and grander than it really is. Curtains are also a great way of bringing flow to a room. For example, if you have a number of windows along one wall with spaces between them, use one rod to create a seamless look. Adding curtain panels over sections of wall makes smaller side-by-side windows look like one big wall of glass. If you have one window that’s not balanced within the overall symmetry of a room, cleverly hung curtains can make it appear more symmetrical.
A checklist for choosing your custom made curtains might include the following pointers:-

  • What visual effect do I want to create? Contemporary, industrial? Traditional, opulent? Light and translucent or heavy and light-blocking? Use magazines and online resources such as Houzz and Pinterest to hone your personal style guide.
  • What kind of rod or track do I want to use? How do I want my curtains to be pleated and hung?
  • What role do I want my curtains to play? Aesthetic, functional (cold and heat insulation, privacy etc.) or both?
  • What’s my budget?
  • How long do I need my curtains to last? Do I want a fashionable chevron print that might be dated next year or something more timeless? Do I want a hard wearing, fade resistant fabric curtain? And do I want to lengthen my curtains’ life by including lining, cord-pulls or even motorisation?
  • Finally, am I in love with my custom curtains?

This last point might sound frivolous, but it’s actually crucial. As a key part of your décor and one that can’t easily be changed, you want to make sure your curtains give you a real buzz every time you look at them.

Before visiting a curtain retailer or buying your custom made curtains online, try to tick off as many of these pointers as possible, particularly the last one! The result will be a selection and installation process as light and smooth as the swish of a motorised sheer!

unique style curtains

Expressing your unique style through your ready made curtains

The technicalities of curtains are, as any reader of this blog will know by now, far more complex than the innocent eye might first perceive them to be and that’s as true for ready made curtains as it is for custom made drapes.

After all, who knew that in choosing readymade curtains, it could be possible to be confronted with such an overwhelming number of choices? A simple drape can encompass a wide range of options, from blockout curtains to sheers and everything in between.

From the perspective of the curtain hang, an equally impressive array is also available, and this is perhaps where personal expression comes to the fore. Aside from the fabric itself, the way you hang your curtains, along with the curtain tracking, or rod if applicable, are perhaps the most promising canvas for your creativity.

For example, apart from providing a budget option, eyelet curtains immediately confer contemporary style on any room in which they find themselves. The way in which the curtain rod is threaded through metal eyelets punched through the top of the curtain creates a clean modern look and is also useful where drawback space is limited as the curtain neatly concertinas together when opened.

A great and more unusual take on eyelet curtains are eyelet pinch curtains, in which the pinch creates a uniformly spaced drape with plenty of fullness, while maintaining the modern look of the eyelet hang. This is great for settings in which you’re looking for a contemporary look with a more structured finish.

unique style curtains

Meanwhile for more formal settings, a triple pinch pleat is a more traditional heading made up of three pleats grouped together, the style is best suited to long, floor-length curtains particularly as it encourages the curtains to hang in attractive, orderly folds. The pleat depth is typically around 10 centimetres, depending on the length of your curtains. This heading is suitable for hanging from poles or tracks.

Also able to hang from poles or tracks, the goblet pleat heading provides an impressive formal pleat that adds opulence to a room. Also great if you’re looking for a luxurious finish are the somewhat more unusual cartridge pleat curtains. These entail a goblet pleat heading that hasn’t been folded and stitched in at the base, meaning the cylinder runs seamlessly from the pleat into the main body of the curtains. Cartridge pleat curtains offer a more contemporary interpretation of the goblet pleat, which is good for long curtains made from rich, heavy fabric. It’s a type of heading that can take a big stack, and can be hung from poles or tracks.

Perhaps surprisingly, whether or not to use curtain linings is also a critical question in terms of expressing your own style. You may not even have considered lining your ready made curtains, however it’s worth bearing in mind that lined curtains present a much more pleasing visual appeal from the street as well as from the interior of your home. More importantly, a good lining will keep your curtain fabric from fading. Curtains exposed to the rigours of the Australian sun will soon start to look faded and worn.

inverted pleat

A classic trio: inverted box pleats, pencil pleats + pinch pleats

So far, these blogs have covered applications for curtains of all kinds, from sheers to long drop curtains, as well as looking at some of the functional benefits of curtains, including the energy saving and light reducing features of blockout curtains. A variety of fixtures, fittings and accessories, which have the power to transform a drape in terms of hang and overall appearance, have also come under the microscope.

For readers still scoping out their options for the ultimate drape, it’s probably worth taking a quick look at three popular curtain styles: inverted pleat curtains, pencil pleat curtains and pinch pleat curtains.

The inverted pleat curtain (pictured top) is a great pleat style, created when two folds of fabric are folded toward each other in opposite directions to create the pleat. The result is an almost architectural look; a clean, flat surface along the top of the drape, from which the pleats descend in an ordered, visually pleasing way.

The pencil pleat curtain derives its name from its resemblance to a row of pencils laid side by side. Pencil pleat consists of tightly gathered folds that retain their shape by a cord being pulled on the heading tape. The cord can be adjusted slightly to the width of the window. Pencil pleat curtain headings can be used with either curtain poles or tracks, ensuring a good fit for any window.

Pinch pleat curtains (pictured bottom) are so called because the top of the curtain is literally pinched together. The pinched pleats are spaced evenly apart, and weighted at the bottom of the seams, resulting in a tailored look at the top. As the fabric drops, the pleats determine their fullness, creating a smooth, even hang. A pinch pleated drape is hung using metal hooks pierced into the fabric at the top of the back of the curtain panel next to each pleat.

pinch pleat

While there are numerous options for drapes on the market, these three remain among the most classic and popular. Whichever one you choose, bear in mind that the kind of ready-made curtains you decide to purchase may well depend on a number of factors, including budget, location/orientation and the style of the room being furnished.

For example, the clean lines of the inverted pleat curtain give a great masculine look for a man’s office or dressing room, although the pleat is also loved by women who are after a contemporary look. This style works better for plain fabrics or those with a small, subtle print design; larger repeat patterns tend to be hard to work into the structure of the pleat, although if you can pull this off, the results are amazing. The pinch pleat curtain is a great addition to any traditional or elegant styled space such as a lounge or master bedroom, since it offers a dramatic, yet timeless look. As for pencil pleat curtains, their neat, ordered appearance make them ideal for dining rooms, studies or reading rooms; although of course they’re style that’s applicable almost anywhere.

What’s selling in curtains

What’s selling in curtains?

Everyone seems to be watching The Block, checking Pinterest or scoping out Houzz.com these days and as a result, it seems renewed interest in interior décor is burgeoning. As part of this, the revival of curtains as a window treatment continues apace. With so many different influencers out there, trends are hard to pin down however, so if you’re confused by all this choice, here’s an anecdotal run-down of “what’s hot and what’s not” in curtain retail at the moment.

  • Sheer curtains double hung with linings continue to be one of the strongest trends around. These strong sellers are often hung with a blockout lining, sometimes coloured, at the back. Another option is to pair them with a blockout roller blind or similar blind treatment.
  • Natural linen looks are also on the rise. The swing towards linens is great for creating earthy, unfussy curtains that work well with a surprising range of décor styles, from classic through to modern industrial. A newer trend within demand for linen is that customers are showing growing interest in ‘linen with a twist’; in other words something with subtle, added embellishment. For example they might go for a subtle stripe or pattern in the linen or possibly a ‘luxe’ style that looks a bit like a cross between linen and shantung silk. A tip for customers interested in linen style fabric is that linen or linen look drapes really do need to be lined, as they tend to be prone to fading.
  • Vibrant prints continue to entice customers bold enough to go there, with anything from honeycomb geometrics to tropical florals making the cut. At the top end of the market, collaborations such as that between Designers Guild and luxury brand Christian Lacroix (pictured below) have resulted in a real wow factor that has influenced the whole curtain market.

What’s selling in curtains

  • In terms of the hang, the S-fold or S-wave is currently attracting a lot of interest; it’s soft and informal but also hangs well when drawn as well as stacking back nicely when open.
  • Motorisation is one of the biggest growth areas in curtains, not just because it provides ease of operation, but because of the new trend fora clean look, which is taking emphasis away from traditional decorative rods. Instead homeowners are opting for a ceiling mounted installation with a ripple fold hang. This looks clean and elegant and enlarges the appearance of their windows and curtains.
  • Insulation is in demand. One of the reasons for the growing obsession with drapes is that they are great insulators from both heat and cold. Demand for pelmets is also on the rise as a result, due to their insulation properties and partly for their visual effect. Evidence suggests homeowners are spending more and seeing curtains as a real investment. They’re looking for curtains with the appearance of high quality and durability. Drapes, whether readymade curtains or custom made ones are a great way of causing a visual stir when you walk into a room; they also provide a unique cosy feeling in winter and welcome cool darkness in summer.
The finishing touches: trims & accessories

The finishing touches: trims & accessories

There’s nothing like installing curtains in a room give it that feeling of being really well dressed. If that’s the case, the curtain accessories bring with them that great finishing touch; like a well-chosen necklace or hat that completes an outfit.

This wasn’t always the case. There was a time when much of homeowners’ focus was on blinds; the minimalist look held sway and curtains took a back seat. Even if drapes were used, they were often kept basic and unadorned in line with existing trends. But talk to any interior decorator or retailer these days, and it’s clear that trends are moving in a new direction. Evidence is growing in favour of a more opulent look, creating great opportunities for daring consumers to include not only drapes, but a wide range of accompanying trimmings and accessories, in their home décor scheme. Experts confirm that recent years have seen a niche move towards luxury and exoticism in interior design, resulting in corresponding interest in decorative curtain rods, curtain tiebacks and exotic curtain rings.

The finishing touches: trims & accessories

Tie-backs are one of the strongest sellers being purchased along with readymade curtains online, and are available in many and varied styles, colours, and textures. Aside from the fact that they provide ready made curtains with a great visual ‘finish’, they also offer great practicality in terms of holding drapes open. Other products such as tassel fringing and bullion fringing for curtains and cords are growing in popularity; tassel and bullion fringes give an opulent finish to the leading edge of drapes and look great on swags and tails; those luscious looking swathes of material that are draped across the top of the window and hang down on either side respectively.

However, while they’re often thought of as being key to the creation of a ‘heritage’ look, the use of trimmings is not confined to traditional or classical interiors. Contemporary tiebacks are also popular, with on trend colours including red, black or grey as well as natural earthy tones and linen textures. Unusual materials such as beads and feathers are also being used on trimmings in more contemporary settings, while decorative curtain rods in steel or copper, as well as exotic elements such as crystal finials, are experiencing strong demand.

Popular colours and colour combinations for curtain trimmings move in line with fabric trends and include charcoal with silver, grey and oyster, chocolate and beige, eggshell blue and cream, as well as a resurgence of interest in previously overlooked colours such as navy, influenced by current fashion tastes. Interest in natural, linen looks is also an ongoing trend, meaning curtain accessories with timber, hemp and other natural elements are also popular.

Curtain accessories are a great way to complete the look of your window treatment, and of course if they’re coordinated with other accessories in the room, they create a complete look for your whole interior. So cushions, table runners and similar items are typically sold alongside trimmings, enabling homeowners to create a fully integrated décor scheme, complete with all the trimmings!

long drop curtains

Add luxury with long drop curtains

If you’re wondering about installing long drop curtains in your home, you’re not alone. These elegant drapes are currently making a serious comeback in both modern and heritage homes. It’s no surprise really; there’s something truly satisfying about hearing the swish of a long, opulent curtain over a polished timber floor. And if you scan the internet for ‘before and after’ shots, you’ll quickly see the magic a long drape can weave on the whole look of your property.

Long drop curtains are a great way to add a sense of luxury and drama to your interior décor scheme. They may not be for everyone; if you have a small apartment with low ceilings for example, you may find that your long drop curtains appear to be running the show. However, astutely applied, curtains with a 250 cm drop or more can add charm and impact to a wide variety of spaces. Of course, the word ‘astutely’ is worth remembering here. Long drop curtains do not work well in areas that may be prone to moisture or high foot traffic. They’re probably best suited to those less functional areas of the home where a softer more elegant feel is required; think bedrooms, living rooms and dining areas.

They’re ideal for covering French doors or longer windows, but can also be used to add height to a room over standard sized windows. The trick of hanging your curtain rod several centimetres above the window and allowing for a full length curtain to the floor or even beyond to create a puddling effect, will completely transform a commonplace interior into a truly extraordinary one.

long drop curtains

Many homeowners consider long drop curtains a major investment; a luxury; something that has to be made ‘bespoke’ for their specific requirements. However with the wide range of pre-made curtains on the market, finding ready made curtains with a 250 cm drop for example is now surprisingly easy. These curtains are available in an inspiring array of colours, finishes and textures and amazingly they won’t put too much of a dint in your wallet. If you know how to shop around, a really high quality set of drapes, sometimes even lined, could be yours for less than $100. Given the amount of fabric and workmanship required to create bespoke curtains, this is a truly value-for-money proposition.

To make the most of your ready-made long drop curtains you can choose from a wide variety of folds and hangs; for example a pinch pleat might work for a more formal look, while eyelets might create a more relaxed and casual ambience. You might also want to think about tracks and rods, be they hidden tracking systems or exposed decorative rods to co-ordinate with, say a timber floor. The rules for long drop curtains are fairly broad; white sheers can look stunning, but so too can darker, denser fabrics. One thing to bear in mind if you’re thinking about puddling your curtains however, is that really bulky fabrics may not work so well; something lighter, with a taffeta feel, may be just the ticket!.