Curtains and Blinds FAQs

1. How much do made-to-measure curtains cost in the UK?

Made-to-measure curtains for a standard window (120cm x 150cm) cost £150-£350 at the budget end using basic fabrics and pencil pleat headings. Mid-range curtains with quality fabrics, pinch pleat or wave headings, and thermal lining cost £350-£700 per window. Premium curtains using designer fabrics, interlining, and hand-finished details cost £700-£1,500+ per window. Bay windows cost more due to larger fabric quantities and specialist tracks. Prices include fabric, making up, lining, and professional fitting. A full-house scheme for a 3-bedroom property (approximately 10 windows) typically costs £3,500-£7,000 mid-range. Request quotes from specialists on HouseJester and always compare like-for-like specifications.

2. What is the difference between pencil pleat, pinch pleat, eyelet, and wave curtains?

Pencil pleat is the most traditional and versatile heading — tightly gathered pleats create a classic look that suits most rooms. It works on tracks and poles and is the most affordable heading style. Pinch pleat (also called French pleat) creates deeper, more structured pleats for a formal, tailored appearance — it is the most popular choice for premium curtains. Eyelet (grommet) curtains have metal rings threaded directly onto a pole, creating even, contemporary folds — they only work on poles, not tracks. Wave curtains use a specialist track system to create smooth, continuous S-shaped ripples — extremely contemporary and clean. Each heading uses different amounts of fabric: pencil pleat requires 2x the track width, pinch pleat 2-2.5x, eyelet 1.5-2x, and wave 2x.

3. How do I measure windows for curtains or blinds?

For accurate results, always use a steel tape measure. For curtains on a pole: measure the pole length (not the window) from end to end for width; for length, measure from the bottom of the rings to the desired drop point. For curtains on a track: measure the track length for width. For blinds inside the recess: measure the recess width at the top, middle, and bottom, and use the narrowest measurement; measure the recess depth (front to back) to ensure the blind fits. For blinds outside the recess: add 5-10cm each side. However, professional measuring is always recommended — many made-to-measure companies offer free measuring services, and the cost of an error (a blind that does not fit) far exceeds the convenience of self-measuring.

4. What are the best blinds for bathrooms and kitchens?

Moisture-resistant materials are essential. For bathrooms: aluminium Venetian blinds, PVC roller blinds, and faux-wood Venetian blinds resist moisture and are easy to clean. Avoid real wood and fabric blinds in humid bathrooms. For kitchens: roller blinds in wipeable fabrics are the most practical choice near cooking areas. PVC roller blinds are splash-proof and easy to clean. Venetian blinds (aluminium or faux-wood) offer good light control and are easy to wipe down. Avoid fabric Roman blinds or curtains near hobs where they can absorb cooking odours and grease. Motorised blinds are practical above sinks and worktops where wet hands make manual operation inconvenient.

5. Are plantation shutters worth the investment?

Plantation shutters are one of the most premium window treatments, costing £400-£1,200 per window installed, but they offer significant advantages. They are extremely durable (25+ year lifespan), provide excellent light control via adjustable louvres, add kerb appeal and property value (estate agents confirm they are attractive to buyers), require minimal maintenance (a wipe with a damp cloth), and suit almost any architectural style. They are particularly effective on bay windows, where curtains can look bulky. Hardwood (basswood, poplar) and composite (MDF core with polymer coating) are the two main material options — composite is cheaper and more moisture-resistant, while hardwood offers a more premium finish. For long-term value, shutters are an excellent investment.

6. How do motorised blinds work?

Motorised blinds use a small battery-powered or mains-wired motor integrated into the headrail or roller tube. They are operated via remote control, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa, Google Home), or automated schedules. Battery-powered motors (rechargeable lithium-ion, lasting 6-12 months per charge) are easier to install as they require no wiring. Mains-wired motors are more reliable for large or frequently used blinds but require installation by an electrician. Smart motorised blinds can be programmed to open at sunrise and close at sunset (adjusting automatically throughout the year), respond to temperature sensors, and integrate with whole-home automation systems. Prices start at £200-£400 per window for battery-powered motorised roller blinds.

7. What is the best curtain fabric for a living room?

The ideal fabric depends on the desired look and practical requirements. For a formal, luxurious look: velvet drapes beautifully, insulates well, and blocks light effectively. For a relaxed, natural aesthetic: linen has a beautiful drape but creases naturally (embrace this or choose a linen-blend for less wrinkling). For a classic, versatile choice: cotton or cotton-blend fabrics are available in thousands of prints and colours and suit most interiors. For durability and fade-resistance: polyester-blend fabrics resist UV fading and maintain their appearance longer than natural fibres. For sound absorption: heavy, interlined curtains significantly reduce noise — ideal for living rooms on busy streets. Always order fabric swatches and view them in your room under both natural and artificial light before committing.

8. How do I dress a bay window?

Bay windows offer several treatment options. Curtains on a curved or bay-window track follow the window's shape and look elegant when drawn; for tall bays, full-length curtains create dramatic impact. Roller or Roman blinds fitted individually to each window section offer precise light control and a clean look. Plantation shutters fitted to each section are particularly effective in bays — they handle the angles naturally and provide continuous light control. A popular combination is individual blinds in each bay section with a single pair of dress curtains framing the entire bay. For ceiling-fixed curtain tracks, wave-headed curtains provide a beautifully smooth, continuous line around the bay.

9. How long should curtains be?

Full-length curtains (floor length) are the most popular and flattering option for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms — they elongate the room and create an elegant line. They should just touch the floor or finish 1cm above for a clean look, or puddle 2-5cm on the floor for a luxurious, relaxed effect. Sill-length curtains finish 1cm below the windowsill and suit kitchens and bathrooms where full-length is impractical. Below-sill curtains (15cm below the sill) are occasionally used but often look awkward — they are neither one thing nor another. As a general rule, choose full-length unless there is a practical reason not to (radiator below the window, furniture against the wall, or a kitchen/bathroom location).

10. How do curtains and blinds improve energy efficiency?

Well-chosen window treatments can reduce heat loss through windows by 15-50%, depending on the type. Cellular (honeycomb) blinds are the most effective — their trapped air pockets create an insulating barrier, reducing heat loss by 40-50%. Heavy curtains with thermal interlining reduce heat loss by 25-30%; ensure they are wide enough to cover the window and wall on each side, and long enough to touch the floor, to prevent cold air circulating behind them. Roman blinds with thermal lining offer moderate insulation (15-20% reduction). Even basic roller blinds provide some benefit by creating an additional air barrier. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that upgrading window treatments can save £20-£60 per year on heating bills, depending on the home's glazing and the treatments chosen.