Curtains, where to get them?

[Road Pest]

Hi PH,

I'm a curtain virgin and caught in a world of 1 and a half widths, drops and materials. This is usually the wifes area but since she decided she didn't want to live with me anymore it is down to me.

Has anyone got any suggestions for good online curtain shopping?

I think I require cotton/polyester mix lined.

Width of french doors is 60 inches, now does that mean the material width has to be 90 inches or 72?

Thanks in advance for assistance with my trivial existance.

[grumbledoak]

Is there not a John Lewis near you? For a small fee they'll send a gentleman to do all the complicated stuff. All you need to do is pick the fabric, and even us blokes can do that.

Women? Pah! Who needs them?

[Targarama]

Both John Lewis and Laura Ashley have some lovely materials/patterns (no flowers in our house). They also make really good quality curtains. Not cheap, but good.

[Road Pest]

Yep there is, was in there today and didn't even think they'd do them. I'm picking up some bits from there tomorrow so may just ask.

[ribenavrs]

we had excellent service from Plumbs cheap too

[Handbag]

I found Dunelm Mill to be pretty good for curtains.
http://www.dunelm-mill.com/

[Road Pest]

Ta for the input. Was I right about the width having to be 1.5 times the actual width per side?

[Handbag]

Road Pest said:

Ta for the input. Was I right about the width having to be 1.5 times the actual width per side?

If there's an existing curtain pole, I'd measure the width and drop using that rather than the patio window. I'd go double, i.e. each curtain is the full width of the window, to allow for gathering and they'll look "fuller" when closed. Make sure they're lined (preferably thermal lined if it's a patio window).

Good luck!

Edited by Handbag on Saturday 6th March 22:07

[Simpo Two]

Head for 2x the window opening as the curtain will overlap the wall on both sides.

Adjusting the drop can be a PITA so the easiest way is to buy curtains that are as close as possible to the drop you need, then fit the pole/tracking at just the right height - that saves any need for turning up.

[allgonepetetong]

The missus and I were in John Lewis at the weekend choosing curtains and it was so painful it was untrue. I'm not sure if it's me but they don't seem to have the range they used to.

Popped into the local independent high street place and it was a revelation. Fabric duly chosen and purchased in about 30 mins - fantastic.

[Piglet]

If your wife took the content of your wallet with you as well, I'd highly recommend ebay! We've had a couple of sets of barely used curtains (John Lewis ones) and a set of four matching pairs of unopened poly/cotton damask look cream curtains - all about £20!

[Four Cofffee]

Handbag said:

I found Dunelm Mill to be pretty good for curtains.
http://www.dunelm-mill.com/

Another vote. You won't beat thenm for price and choice. Their poles are also great value.

[Road Pest]

Didn't have time for JohnLewis and have spent quite a bit already, velux blinds, reiss suit, crockery and toaster, so will probably do Dunhelm Mill after the cars MOT (providing it goes well) in April.

[miniman]

Cheap poles: curtainpoledirect.co.uk

The Rolls Nero ones are the same as the top quality B&Q ones, but about a third of the price.

[EmmaP]

John lewis are great but expensive.

I've always bought my curtains from Habitat and always in the sale as they're generally half price. They're very well made, good quality fabric and simple designs that wil compliment many interiors. Sign up to Habitat membership card and you'll get regular 20% off vouchers and invites to their sales.

[Road Pest]

EmmaP said:

John lewis are great but expensive.

I've always bought my curtains from Habitat and always in the sale as they're generally half price. They're very well made, good quality fabric and simple designs that wil compliment many interiors. Sign up to Habitat membership card and you'll get regular 20% off vouchers and invites to their sales.

I think our habitat closed down, used to buy most stuff from there.