Your Top Ten Curtains Questions Answered

By Andrew Peacock

Sun 13 Apr 2025

Whether you’re refreshing a single room or fitting out your brand new home, finding the right curtains can feel like a minefield – but it doesn’t have to. In this blog, our experts answer your ten most asked questions to give you all the reassurance and information you need to make the perfect purchase.

4. What fabric is best for my space?

The right fabric is mostly a matter of taste, but here are some tips for quickly finding the ideal one for you.

Velvet – Rich and cosy, velvet is perfect for cosy relaxation spaces including bedrooms and living rooms.
Wool mix – Offering a cosy, rustic finish, wool mix curtain will make any home more welcoming and comfortable.
Linen – Linen curtains are light and airy making them the perfect choice for a peacefully, relaxing aesthetic
Voile – For a soft finish, few fabrics are as good as voiles. For the best results, layer a window with voile and velvet curtains for maximum comfort.
Recycled fabrics – Whether crafted using new materials made from old jeans or plastic bottles, recycled fabrics offer beauty, longevity and sustainability.

5. Do these curtains come with hooks, eyelets or accessories?

There is a selection of heading types to choose from including eyelets, pinch and double pinch pleat, and wave. At Blinds Direct, metal hooks are supplied for pencil and wave headings, and pinch pleat curtains will have the hooks already inserted.

6. Will these give me privacy or block light?

Curtains are a great way to improve privacy and reduce light in your home. Voiles gently filter natural light, offering daytime privacy without completely darkening the room. However, if you’re looking to block light fully and ensure complete privacy — especially at night — blackout curtains are the best choice. For the best of both worlds, consider layering voiles with blackout curtains for a stylish and versatile window solution.

1. What size curtains do I need for my window?

While ready made curtains exist, investing in a quality pair of made to measure curtains will ensure your new curtains perfectly cover your window. We’ll cover it in more detail further down but a top tip when measuring for curtains is to measure your pole or track, not the window itself.

2. Do I need lined, blackout or thermal curtains?

You don’t need to add a blackout or thermal lining to your curtains, but at Blinds Direct these upgrades are free of charge so why not make the most of your curtains’ functionality. Each curtain comes with a premium lining as standard, but with a blackout lining you can enjoy a nice, dark environment for better sleep. Alternatively, a thermal lining will keep the summer heat out of your home, while keeping the warm air in during winter.

3. How do I measure for curtains properly?

We advise you measure the curtain track or poles width, not the window. All you’ll need is a metal tape measure, a step ladder, and a notepad & pen. For the best finish, we advise your curtain track or pole extends 15cm beyond both sides of your window recess. If you already have a curtain pole you love, simply measure the length between any decorative ends it may have.

For the drop, first consider whether you want a full length drop, or simply to the bottom of your windowsill. Once you’ve picked a style, measure the distance required leaving 1.5 to 3cm from the floor for full length, or measuring to around 15cm beneath the sill if you’ve chosen shorter curtains. You can learn more about measuring for curtains in our expert guide.

7. Can I wash these curtains at home?

Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum – on low power – for general upkeep. If necessary to wash, we advise hand washing your curtain in cool water.

8. Will curtains help keep my room warm or reduce noise?

Thermal curtains help to significantly reduce heat loss. By forming a barrier between the window and your space, you can keep in the valuable heat in winter. In the summer months, the same curtains will block the heat from entering your home, keeping it cooler. A thick curtain will also reduce noise which is very helpful if you live near a road.

9. What’s the difference between made to measure or ready made curtains

Our premium quality curtains are all made-to-measure. Made-to-measure curtains are custom-designed to fit the exact dimensions of your windows, offering a tailored look with a wide choice of fabrics, linings, and styles. They tend to be more expensive than ready made curtains, but provide a perfect fit and a high-end finish. In contrast, ready made curtains come in standard sizes making them a quicker and more budget-friendly option.

10. What happens if they don’t fit or suit my space?

The best way to avoid curtains not suiting your space is to first take your time in planning your purchase. Start by exploring sources of inspiration like Pinterest and Instagram, and make a mood board. Don’t forget, you can order up to eight free samples from the website so you can see how your curtains would work in the space. Next, to ensure a great fit, carefully follow the measuring guide. If you get stuck, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly customer services team.

Summary Checklist: before making your purchase have you…

Selected a heading that best fits your pole or track
Checked your options and do your research

Measured your window correctly
Chosen a fabric and lining to suit your space

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the perfect curtain in no time. The main consideration should be to always prepare. Our homes reflect our unique personalities so take your time to ensure your curtain is the ideal choice for your space.