🕒 Reading Time: 3 minutes
To get you started, you’ll find the following need-to-know information in this handy curtains buying guide
There’s no point in going for made-to-measure curtains if your measurements are wrong. The fit won’t be right: maybe too short or too long and too much or too little fullness. The end look will be underwhelming at best. There is no standard size for curtains as each window requires a different length or you may prefer to position above a windowsill or a radiator. You can also pool a curtain on the floor for a luxurious finish.
That’s why we only offer an in-home service, with one of our curtains experts coming to your home to measure up for the perfect length. It’s that easy – and it takes all the worry and risk out of measuring windows for a tailored finish.
How your curtains drape from the top to the bottom is defined by the way they join the pole or track. This is called the heading and you’ve four to choose from.
Eyelet curtain headings are threaded on to a pole through metal rings, with the curtains hanging in deep, uniform folds from the top to the bottom. This heading type is very fashionable in modern homes.
Pencil pleat curtain headings gather the fabric into semi-cylindrical rolls that resemble a line of pencils. The curtains will tumble freely to the floor. It’s a classic heading that goes with poles or tracks.
Pinch pleat curtain headings draw together lots of fabric, which is gathered in bunches and stitched to create a highly decorative finish featuring elegant folds flowing to the floor. You can have pinch pleat headings with either a pole or a track.
Wave curtain headings are perfect for an informal, relaxed feel. The curtain falls in soft, wave-like rippling folds allowing more of the fabric to be seen. Wave curtains are fitted to a slim track.
Quite simply, curtain fullness is how much fabric goes on the track or pole. More interestingly, curtain fullness is what creates the sumptuous finish that’s so desirable right now.
Curtain fullness is best described like this: if your curtain pole is one metre and your fabric is one metre then you have a fullness of one and the fabric will seem tight or stretched when pulled across the window. But if you have two metres of fabric on the same length pole then your fullness is two and the look will be more flowing and more voluminous.
Different header types require different levels of fullness. Likewise, a thin sheer fabric may require more fabric – a greater fullness – than a thicker material to achieve a similar look.
At Hillarys, all our curtains are made-to-measure and our experts will take the measurements for you making sure the curtain fullness is right for the combination of header and fabric you choose.
To add to your room’s sense of height, have your curtains fixed several inches above the top of the window frame. You can also take into consideration if there is a radiator near the window which can mean altering the curtain length.
All of our curtains are lined as standard for a luxurious and full finish. There’s also the option to have a thermal curtain lining, which will help insulate the home; or a blackout curtain lining, which will help prevent outside light coming inside through the window.
For added effect, you can layer other products with curtains at your window. This could be for aesthetic or practical reasons.
Layering different blinds with curtains is a great way to combine fabrics at a window to create a sense of depth by playing on textures and patterns. Or you might choose a blind to layer with curtains to increase the blackout effect or to enhance sound or heat insulation.
Another option is layering curtains with voiles. The combination of a light voile with a full curtain looks fantastic, adding a delicate touch to a window. Voiles will also help stop prying eyes from seeing into your home during the day. However, they’ll need layering with curtains for privacy at night.
The finishing touches you choose are every bit as important as the fabric is to the end result. You need the right accessories to compliment the fabric you’ve picked.
Do you want a track or a pole? If it’s a pole, then what finial will look best in your home? What about tiebacks – are they needed? That might seem like only a few decisions – but there are lots of options. An in-home appointment with a Hillarys advisor gives you an opportunity to go through them all with an expert and to get a true understanding of the end result.
Fit your curtains badly and all the time and effort you’ve given carefully putting together a look goes to waste. It could be an ever-so-slightly wonky pole or tiebacks set at different heights.
That’s why it’s so important to go for a professional service. With Hillarys, your expert advisor will be with you every step of the way and will take care of fitting to make sure your new curtains look every bit as good as you imagined.
Enjoy the perfect fit with our made to measure curtains. Your friendly local advisor will handle every step of the process, working closely with you to find the best choice for your home, no matter the shape or size of your windows. In the meantime, have a read of our handy curtain guide, taking you through the different curtain header types and their benefits plus specialist fabrics and linings.
Eyelet curtain headings are threaded on to a pole through metal rings, with the curtains hanging in deep, uniform folds from the top to the bottom. This heading type is very fashionable in modern homes.
Pencil pleat curtain headings gather the fabric into semi-cylindrical rolls that resemble a line of pencils. The curtains will tumble freely to the floor. It’s a classic heading that goes with poles or tracks.
Pinch pleat curtain headings draw together lots of fabric, which is gathered in bunches and stitched to create a highly decorative finish featuring elegant folds flowing to the floor. You can have pinch pleat headings with either a pole or a track.
Wave curtain headings are perfect for an informal, relaxed feel. The curtain falls in soft, wave-like rippling folds allowing more of the fabric to be seen. Wave curtains are fitted to a slim track.
When it comes to tactile textures, nothing beats invitingly soft velvet. Glamorous and luxurious, our range of sumptuous velvet curtains and Roman blinds combines tactile softness with a unique textured appearance that creates a chic and cosy effect at your window.
Velvet is up there with some of the cosiest of fabrics, making it a great choice for your windows. The thick, heavy nature of this luxurious material not only blocks out light but makes it perfect for insulation too.
Sensationally sheer and simple, Voile curtains offer a stylish way to control the light and provide daytime privacy.
These lightweight textiles are perfect for creating an understated feel at the window. They also pair beautifully with curtains for a statement look that gives you flexible control over light and privacy plus an extra layer of insulation when you need it most.
From Coco Chanel’s world-famous jacket in the 1950s to curtains and blinds in the 2020s - bouclé is back.
In our Abigail Ahern collection, this nubby, teddy-bear like fabric hits the sweet spot between soft and hard-wearing, to give your room a cocooning vibe.
The need for sustainable design is more important than ever and we’re really proud to offer a growing range of eco-friendly fabrics for curtains and blinds.
Our naturally sustainable fabrics include brushed cotton and 100% recycled polyester. Look out for our ‘sustainable choice’ logo to discover our range of fabrics that are kinder to the environment.
Alongside beautiful plains and touchable textures, our collection is bursting with patterns that pop.
Take a break from the digital world by injecting nature and greenery into your décor with beautiful floral and botanical prints, or choose comforting, curvaceous shapes that keep the mood modern.
From bold geometric shapes to Matisse style cutouts, our trendy designs add subtle drama to your space.
All our curtains come with a standard sateen twill fabric lining. Not only does this make your curtains appear fuller, it helps prevent fading, reduces light and provides extra privacy. You also have the option to choose a thermal curtain lining which will help insulate the home, or a thermal blackout curtain lining to help prevent outside light creeping in.
Thermal linings
Thermal lining for curtains is created using a thicker sateen twill fabric, which helps reduce the loss of heat through your windows.
Thermal blackout linings
A thermal blackout lining on your curtain is ideal to keep the light out. Two layers of sateen twill fabric are bonded around a black membrane to provide a complete blackout function.
Elevate your curtains with our range of coloured linings. Choose from six beautiful shades, so your curtains look as good on the outside as they do on the inside.
From the deep black threads of the Chimney lining for a dark and dramatic finish, to the luxurious and subtle feel of Mineral, a coloured lining is sure to give your home great curb appeal.
Different header types require different levels of fullness. Likewise, a thin sheer fabric may require more fabric – a greater fullness – than a thicker material to achieve a similar look.
At Hillarys, all our curtains are made to measure and your local advisor will take the measurements for you making sure the curtain fullness is right for the combination of header and fabric you choose.
To add to your room’s sense of height, have your curtains fixed several inches above the top of the window frame. You can also take into consideration if there is a radiator near the window which can mean altering the curtain length. You expert advisor will talk you through your options at your in home appointment.
For added effect, you can layer other products with curtains at your window. This could be for aesthetic or practical reasons.
Layering blinds or shutters with curtains is a great way to combine fabrics at a window to create a sense of depth by playing on textures and patterns. Or you might choose a blind to layer with curtains to increase the blackout effect or to enhance sound or heat insulation.
Another option is layering curtains with voiles. The combination of a light voile with a full curtain looks fantastic, adding a delicate touch to a window.
Voiles will also help stop prying eyes from seeing into your home during the day. However, they’ll need layering with curtains for privacy at night.
Whether you've got French, sliding, patio or bifold, fully-lined curtains are a lovely option for providing a snug and cosy atmosphere at your doors. Heat escapes from many homes via the front or back doors, so drawing curtains over these areas will help prevent any draughts. They’re also a great blackout solution if your doors are letting in too much light.
If you’ve limited space to hang curtains either side of a door, try having a single, wider curtain that pulls completely to one side.
It’ll create clear access to the outdoors during the day, and when closed give you a wall of warmth at night.
Impressive features to any room, beautiful bay windows allow you to enjoy panoramic views and flood your home with natural light. But when it comes to dressing, bays can be a tricky shape to work with.
Acting as a frame for your window, curtains are a brilliant choice whether you want to go bright and bold or contemporary and understated with your décor.
We offer a range of stylish curtain poles and tracks specially designed for bay windows, and all our fabrics are available with blackout and thermal linings so you can keep draughts at bay as well as block out sunlight.
Our range of poles and tracks is available when you buy any pair of curtains. Choose a beautiful curtain pole in metal, wood and painted finishes, or a discreet curtain track for a minimal look.
If you’re not sure about the best option for your home, your advisor will help you decide during your appointment. Fitting by our experts is included in the price.
Did you know, all our curtain fabrics are available as cushion covers and tie backs?
Perfect for creating a co-ordinated feel, tie backs will give your curtains a neat and tidy look when they’re open.
For a unique finish that subtly flows through your whole room, choose from a range of cushion sizes and edging options to complement the fabric at you window.
All of our curtains are lined as standard for a luxurious and full finish.
There’s also the option for a thermal curtain lining, which will help insulate the home; or a blackout curtain lining, which will help prevent outside light coming inside through the window.
The finishing touches you choose are every bit as important as the fabric is to the end result. po you want a track or a pole? If it’s a pole, then what finial will look best in your home? What about tiebacks – are they needed? That might seem like only a few decisions – but there are lots of options.
An in-home appointment with a Hillarys advisor gives you an opportunity to go through them all with an expert and to get a true understanding of the end result.
It's really easy to keep your curtains looking fresh. Our handy guide gives you plenty of advice on how to keep them in tip top condition, from choosing the right cleaning attachment for your vacuum to using the right technique for tackling tough stains. Follow along with the video to find plenty of easy ways to keep your curtains in pristine condition all year round.
Read our guideDid you know, all our curtain fabrics are available as cushion covers and tie backs?
Perfect for creating a co-ordinated feel, tie backs will give your curtains a neat and tidy look when they’re open.
For a unique finish that subtly flows through your whole room, choose from a range of cushion sizes and edging options to complement the fabric at you window.
Take a look
Discover the easiest way to take care of your curtains.
Read our top tips for choosing curtains and blind fabrics that work beautifully together.
Top tips and clever tricks for dressing your wide windows and doors
