single hunk needs woman for...

[Speicher]

If you have refurbished your flat, I am guessing you could measure a window.

 

[Speicher]

Or would you like me to visit your flat and take your measurements?

 

[Brains]

My first bachelor pad I got a load of curtains for free from my local dry cleaner.
They were ones that had been sent in for cleaning and then never picked up
He gave me all he had, most were unsuitable due to size, but I ended up with a matching set of very heavy lined velvet floor to ceiling curtains covering 4 windows which would have cost thousands to have done at the time. Curtains left over I donated to Oxfam
Now-a-days dry cleaners are probably a bit more savvy on the value of stuff not picked up, but it never hurts to ask.

 

[slowmotion]

Brilliant advice from Night Train. I now realise why our curtains all look a bit sad. Great fabric....but not nearly enough of it.

Any advice about whether they should scrape the floor or whatever?

 

[snorri]

Just Google "make your own curtains", lots of info there.
Good advice above re second-hand curtains, these can be cut to fit if necessary.

 

[dellzeqq]

1. If you have room above the window then put in a round rail and use curtain rings. Those rails with the little hooks and pull cords are a pain and they don't look or feel as sweet. http://www.johnlewis.com/Home and Garden/Curtains and Poles /View all Curtain Pole Ranges/View all Curtain Pole Ranges/4491/ProductCategory.aspx
2. Charity shops. Yup - people move on and donate some good stuff
3. New or second hand - stick to Sanderson fabrics if you can. http://www.sanderson-uk.com/ Avoid velvet.
4. Readymade curtains sometimes go in the John Lewis sale which starts at Christmas - but bear in mind Night Train's advice re sizing
5. Curtains absolutely make a room. A nice pair will keep you happy for ever.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Or would you like me to visit your flat and take your measurements?

kettles on...

 

[BigonaBianchi]

i like these poles

http://www.johnlewis.com/349672/Product.aspx

right...just need the curtains to go with them...

thing is fitting the pole at right height...will read above advice ta.

 

[Aperitif]

Another vote for Dunelm Mill.
Who needs women!?

It's curtains for you, Maz!

 

[Night Train]

Brilliant advice from Night Train. I now realise why our curtains all look a bit sad. Great fabric....but not nearly enough of it.

Any advice about whether they should scrape the floor or whatever?

I like curtains that hover just above the carpet, if I had carpets, as they look nice (subjective) and also help trap the cooler air by the window and prevent it creating a cool draft falling down off the glass and drifting along the floor.

However, if you have radiators under the windows then you want the curtains to end on the window board so that the warm air rising from the radiator doesn't go out through the window.

Lined curtains always look better if they are made properly. They hang nicely and are heavier. Large gathers and pleats give a luxurious look to the window dressing when a similarly luxurious fabric is used. The curtain tape at the top of the curtain is used to make the gathers or pleats even/patterned and the right size with draw strings.
However, if you have the minimalist look then blinds might be the way to go.

Another way to make curtains look nicer is to have drapery weights in the bottom hem. This used to be a lead beaded thread but now it is often a length of brass chain or similar (not bike chain).

My personal preference is for light coloured, plain, lined curtains in the living areas and darker, luxurious, 'black out lined' curtains in the bedroom area.

 

[Night Train]

i like these poles

http://www.johnlewis.com/349672/Product.aspx

right...just need the curtains to go with them...

thing is fitting the pole at right height...will read above advice ta.

Nice poles.

Make sure the poles are a large enough diameter. For a longer span (wider window) you want a larger diameter. It both looks better and won't sag under the weight of the curtains. Poles are only supported at three points, near the ends and in the middle. For anything more then 6' you will have two poles joined in the middle.

There is information on where the pole should be placed above a window but I never looked into that as my windows are almost touching the ceiling so I have no options for placement.

Needless to say, make sure those three fixings are really secure. Curtains are heavy, and when open will be hanging all from one fixing at the end. Also you will be pulling on them at least twice a day, every day.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Here is the problem:


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Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I want a warmish colour i think...got another 3 windows like this to do as well as two for blinds..oh and a little room i forgot i had lol!

Hey Nighttrain...you bored this weekend??? need something to do??

 

[Leaway2]

I get mine from Bury market. Is there a market near?

 

[dellzeqq]

I think the photos illustrate Night Train's point about length perfectly.

I'd sell those silly drums and use the money to buy some really nice curtains.

On poles. Your rooms would suit a fairly narrow pole - and I think gunmetal or 'bronze' would do nicely. I think the wooden poles won't do much for the rooms - you want something quite crisp. Take advice on the slimmest pole you can employ for the length.

 

[Marshmallow_Fluff]

i like these poles

http://www.johnlewis.com/349672/Product.aspx

right...just need the curtains to go with them...

thing is fitting the pole at right height...will read above advice ta.

French Decapé.. Love the poles!
However, the curtains traditionally have to match the style and colour of the room.. I need more data!