Curtains Buying Guide

Index

• How to Measure for Curtains
• Different Heading Types and How to Hang Them
• Types of Lining
• Voiles
• Tracks & Poles
• Curtain Care
• Accessories

How to Measure for Curtains

• Curtains are sold in pairs. The size given refers to each individual curtain so if you buy a pair of curtains measuring 117 x 137cm (46 x 54") you are buying two curtains and each one will measure 117 x 137cm (46 x 54")

• The size of the curtain allows for them to have a gathered look when they are closed

• Curtains are always measured width first and then length

Measuring Width

• First decide if you want a track or a pole

• It's best to use a metal tape measure as it will be more accurate

• Your track or pole should be placed approximately 15cm (6") above your window top and should be wider than your window by approximately 15-20cm (6-8")

• Measure the width of your track or pole excluding the finials (decorative endings on poles). Do not measure the window

• Add an extra 2.5cm (1") to your track/pole measurement. This will allow for your curtains to overlap in the middle when they are closed so as not to let in any light or draught

Measuring Length

• First decide where you would like your curtains to finish; just below your window sill or to the floor

• We recommend that sill length curtains finish 15cm (6") below the window sill. Floor length curtains should finish 1.5cm (1/2") above the floor

• Tape Top Curtains - For this style of curtain you should measure length from the eye of the curtain hook on your track or pole

• Tab Top & Eyelet Curtains - For this style of curtain you should measure length from the pole

• Radiators - If you have a radiator below the window your curtains should finish 3cm (1 1/2") above it. This will prevent heat escaping behind your curtains and allow it to heat your room

Different Heading Types and How to Hang Them

• 'Heading' is used to describe how the top of your curtains are attached to the track or pole

• There are three different types, each one giving your curtains a different look and finish

Tape Top

• 'Tape' is the name for the band of fabric with string threaded through which is attached to the inside top edge of each curtain

• Hooks are looped through the tape to attach the curtain to the track or pole

• The tape on all our ready made curtains is 7.5cm (3")

• The tape will have either 2 or 3 rows of strings running through it. Please note that if you place your hooks on the tape at the highest position your track or pole will show over the top of the curtains. If you choose the lowest position it will be hidden. More instructions are given below on how to use hooks

How to Hang

Tracks - Tape top curtains need to be gathered before they can be hung up. If using a track it is usually recommended that you put the hooks into the bottom row of strings so the curtain top covers the track

Step 1 - On the tape top there will be between 1 and 3 strings. First tie the strings together at the outside edge of each curtain

Step 2 - Pull the curtains along the string to gather them up. The curtains should be gathered to just over half the window width, this will allow them to overlap when closed. Please note that once you have gathered curtains they cannot be returned so make sure you are happy with the size and colour before you start

Step 3 - Once your curtains are gathered to the right width tie off the strings at the inside edge. Do not tie too tightly as it is common to loosen these off after a curtain has been washed. You can, if you wish, trim the strings but again do not trim them too short. The string ends can then be tucked neatly into the tape so as not to be seen

Step 4 - Now hooks should be placed at each end of each curtain and then at intervals of approximately 10cm (4")

Step 5 - You can now thread the hooks through the track glides on your track making sure you place a hook through the last track glide which acts as an end cap anchoring the curtains in place

Poles

If using a pole it is usually recommended that you put the hooks into the top row of strings in your tape so the pole shows above your curtain. Hooks should be placed at each end of each curtain and then at intervals of approximately 10cm (4")

Step 1 - On the tape top there will be between 1 and 3 strings. First tie the strings together at the outside edge of each curtain

Step 2 - Pull the curtains along the string to gather them up. The curtains should be gathered to just over half the window width. This will allow the curtains to overlap when closed. Please note that once you have gathered curtains they cannot be returned so make sure you are happy with the size and colour before you start

Step 3 - Once your curtains are gathered to the right width tie off the strings at the inside end. Do not tie too tightly as it is common to loosen these off after a curtain has been washed. You can, if you wish, trim the stings but again do not trim them too short. The string ends can then be tucked neatly into the tape so as not to be seen

Step 4 - Now hooks should be placed at each end of each curtain and then at intervals of approximately 10cm (4")

Step 5 - You can now thread the hooks through the loops at the bottom of your curtain rings

Step 6 - Thread the curtain rings onto the pole but make sure that the last ring is secured on the outside of the pole behind where it is attached to the wall as this will anchor the curtains and stop them from moving when you close them

Tab Top

• These can only be used with poles as the tabs simply loop over the pole allowing the curtain to hang
• They are excellent if you want to make a feature of your pole

Eyelet Top

• These can only be used with poles
• They make a great decorative feature in any room

Types of Lining

Curtains come both lined and unlined to cater for various different uses and effects. Here are the benefits of each explained:

Lined Curtains

1. Help keep out the cold
2. Help keep out draughts
3. Help keep out the light
4. Prevent the curtain fabric from fading
5. Give the curtain weight to help it hang better

Unlined Curtains

1. Cooler in Summer
2. Easier to care for
3. Give a lighter feel to your room

You can also buy the following specialised linings:

• Blackout readymade linings keep out daylight and are ideal for children's bedrooms. They also keep in the heat
• Polycotton readymade linings keep the heat in and are easy to wash and care for
• Thermal linings are specially coated to provide maximum insulation and they are machine washable

Voiles

Voile panels allow in the light but block the view into your room and provide a modern and more attractive alternative to net curtains

Tracks & Poles

You can buy a variety of tracks and poles to suit every style of room.

Curtain Care

• We recommend that all curtains are professionally cleaned according to their individual care instructions; these can be found on packaging or on the sewn in labels

• Any creases that occur from the curtain being packed should fall out after hanging in a warm room

• Apart from velvet, most curtains may be ironed with a warm dry iron on the reverse side, make sure you avoid the hem at the bottom and on the sides

• Velvet is subject to flattening but should regain volume once hung. Brush upwards to take all pile the same way. Never iron or machine wash velvet curtains; always dry clean

Accessories

• Most curtains are available with tie backs to match, often sold separately
• Tie backs should be cared for using the same care instructions as your curtains