Decorating
Save Money on Your Window Dressings With These Expert Tips
Here’s how to have the window coverings you want – whether blinds, curtains or shutters – at a price to suit your budget
There’s plenty to choose from when it comes to window dressings, and being on a budget needn’t constrain your options. We asked a panel of professionals to share their top tips on where you can save and what’s worth paying for.
Professional advice from
Debbie Blott of DecorBuddy; Kim Haddon of Village Blinds; Gina Moore of Gina Moore; Daniel Savva of London Interior Shutters
Professional advice from
Debbie Blott of DecorBuddy; Kim Haddon of Village Blinds; Gina Moore of Gina Moore; Daniel Savva of London Interior Shutters
Trim ready-made blinds to fit
If you have what it takes to cut down ready-made blinds, soft-furnishing expert Gina Moore suggests investing in a sharp, retractable knife and a spirit level to keep your line straight.
“Put the brackets up first and measure very precisely between them before cutting down the actual blind tube and fabric,” she advises. “If possible, work at table height rather than on the floor. Line up the bottom of the blind with the edge of the table to make sure the cutting line you draw is square. Use a flattened-out cardboard box as a cutting board to protect your work surface.”
How to dress a tricky-shaped window
If you have what it takes to cut down ready-made blinds, soft-furnishing expert Gina Moore suggests investing in a sharp, retractable knife and a spirit level to keep your line straight.
“Put the brackets up first and measure very precisely between them before cutting down the actual blind tube and fabric,” she advises. “If possible, work at table height rather than on the floor. Line up the bottom of the blind with the edge of the table to make sure the cutting line you draw is square. Use a flattened-out cardboard box as a cutting board to protect your work surface.”
How to dress a tricky-shaped window
Tackle elements of the job yourself
If you don’t fancy testing your DIY skills, you could find a local expert who could cut your blinds to size for you. Alternatively, consider made-to-measure. This will cost more, but there are still plenty of ways you can limit your spending.
“Firstly, you can choose an online supplier and, if you know what you want and are handy with a tape-measure, take the measurements yourself, cancelling out the need for a site visit – a big component in made-to-measure’s price structure,” says Moore.
“Better still,” she adds, “if you’re handy with a screwdriver, you can opt to put up the blind yourself, thus cancelling the need for a fitter’s appointment, too.”
Look for online tutorials on measuring and fitting blinds if you need guidance.
If you don’t fancy testing your DIY skills, you could find a local expert who could cut your blinds to size for you. Alternatively, consider made-to-measure. This will cost more, but there are still plenty of ways you can limit your spending.
“Firstly, you can choose an online supplier and, if you know what you want and are handy with a tape-measure, take the measurements yourself, cancelling out the need for a site visit – a big component in made-to-measure’s price structure,” says Moore.
“Better still,” she adds, “if you’re handy with a screwdriver, you can opt to put up the blind yourself, thus cancelling the need for a fitter’s appointment, too.”
Look for online tutorials on measuring and fitting blinds if you need guidance.
Be canny about the fabric you choose
If you’re happy to pay for someone to measure up, make and fit your blinds, save money by starting with low-cost materials. “Fabrics – even for roller blinds – come in several price bands,” Moore explains. “Always ask to look at the most economical ones first.”
If you’re happy to pay for someone to measure up, make and fit your blinds, save money by starting with low-cost materials. “Fabrics – even for roller blinds – come in several price bands,” Moore explains. “Always ask to look at the most economical ones first.”
Ensure you select the appropriate material
When you choose a fabric for your blind, think about the look and function of the room – get it wrong and you risk shelling out for new blinds in just a few years’ time.
“Steam and condensation can cause problems with natural fabrics, so for bathrooms and kitchens, I’d recommend 100% polyester for roller and pleated blinds, and faux wood for Venetian blinds,” says Kim Haddon of Village Blinds. “I’d also steer away from Roman blinds in rooms with heavy condensation on the windows, as this could ultimately cause pin mould – which can’t be removed – to grow on the back of the blinds.”
When you choose a fabric for your blind, think about the look and function of the room – get it wrong and you risk shelling out for new blinds in just a few years’ time.
“Steam and condensation can cause problems with natural fabrics, so for bathrooms and kitchens, I’d recommend 100% polyester for roller and pleated blinds, and faux wood for Venetian blinds,” says Kim Haddon of Village Blinds. “I’d also steer away from Roman blinds in rooms with heavy condensation on the windows, as this could ultimately cause pin mould – which can’t be removed – to grow on the back of the blinds.”
You don’t have to worry so much about condensation in the bedroom and living room, but there are still practicalities to consider.
“It’s best to avoid very thick and textured fabrics, such as deep-pile velvet, because they make a blind heavy to pull up,” says Moore. “On the other hand, very flimsy fabrics, particularly synthetics, can end up looking anything but tailored. So, as a rough rule of thumb, choose a mid-weight, crisp fabric, such as a cotton or linen.”
“It’s best to avoid very thick and textured fabrics, such as deep-pile velvet, because they make a blind heavy to pull up,” says Moore. “On the other hand, very flimsy fabrics, particularly synthetics, can end up looking anything but tailored. So, as a rough rule of thumb, choose a mid-weight, crisp fabric, such as a cotton or linen.”
Curtains
Weigh up whether to choose ready-made
Off-the-peg curtains are a quick, affordable option. Available online or in-store with almost no wait time, they come in a range of fabrics and sizes, so if your window happens to be the right size and you’re relaxed about the fabric choice, they can work well.
Remember that you can hang your curtains higher than your window frame, which may just mean some ready-mades fit – in fact, this is a good tip for making windows look taller than they are.
Best of all, you’re likely to be able to return ready-mades if you change your mind.
Of course, if your window isn’t a standard size, ready-made curtains aren’t such a simple solution. Even if they do fit, they can be a false economy. “The main fabric can look great, but the linings are usually made of a lower-quality material and machined into place, so they don’t hang well and will deteriorate,” explains Debbie Blott of DecorBuddy.
“The quality of the detailing is often poor: patterned fabric not matched accurately, the tension of the stitching not quite right, and thin lining fabric.”
Weigh up whether to choose ready-made
Off-the-peg curtains are a quick, affordable option. Available online or in-store with almost no wait time, they come in a range of fabrics and sizes, so if your window happens to be the right size and you’re relaxed about the fabric choice, they can work well.
Remember that you can hang your curtains higher than your window frame, which may just mean some ready-mades fit – in fact, this is a good tip for making windows look taller than they are.
Best of all, you’re likely to be able to return ready-mades if you change your mind.
Of course, if your window isn’t a standard size, ready-made curtains aren’t such a simple solution. Even if they do fit, they can be a false economy. “The main fabric can look great, but the linings are usually made of a lower-quality material and machined into place, so they don’t hang well and will deteriorate,” explains Debbie Blott of DecorBuddy.
“The quality of the detailing is often poor: patterned fabric not matched accurately, the tension of the stitching not quite right, and thin lining fabric.”
Seek out a made-to-measure service
If you can’t find ready-made curtains to suit – or you want a wider choice of fabrics – seek out a made-to-measure service. You’ll find many high-street retailers that offer this. Alternatively, save money (and your feet) by taking your own measurements and submitting them to an online supplier, as described above for blinds.
Make sure you get a fabric swatch before you complete the order. “If you get a sample of the fabric and measure the curtains carefully, there shouldn’t be too much difficulty,” says Blott. “Problems occur when a sample isn’t requested and the colour or texture of the fabric isn’t as it appears online.”
Once your new curtains arrive, you can fit them yourself: just follow the advice from one of the many online ‘how to’ guides.
If you can’t find ready-made curtains to suit – or you want a wider choice of fabrics – seek out a made-to-measure service. You’ll find many high-street retailers that offer this. Alternatively, save money (and your feet) by taking your own measurements and submitting them to an online supplier, as described above for blinds.
Make sure you get a fabric swatch before you complete the order. “If you get a sample of the fabric and measure the curtains carefully, there shouldn’t be too much difficulty,” says Blott. “Problems occur when a sample isn’t requested and the colour or texture of the fabric isn’t as it appears online.”
Once your new curtains arrive, you can fit them yourself: just follow the advice from one of the many online ‘how to’ guides.
Choose a simple style for custom-made
For window dressings that are truly tailored to your taste and home, you’ll need to contact a curtain-maker. As with all design projects, think through your needs carefully and look at samples of the maker’s work before placing an order.
Save money by going for a simple style, such as pencil pleats. “From the perspective of price, they take less time to make and need less fabric than pinch pleats and other, more complex designs,” Blott explains.
The drawback of bespoke curtains is that, as soon as the fabric is cut, it can’t be returned, so order a sample first. Also remember to ask how long the curtains will take to make – it’s likely to be several weeks.
For window dressings that are truly tailored to your taste and home, you’ll need to contact a curtain-maker. As with all design projects, think through your needs carefully and look at samples of the maker’s work before placing an order.
Save money by going for a simple style, such as pencil pleats. “From the perspective of price, they take less time to make and need less fabric than pinch pleats and other, more complex designs,” Blott explains.
The drawback of bespoke curtains is that, as soon as the fabric is cut, it can’t be returned, so order a sample first. Also remember to ask how long the curtains will take to make – it’s likely to be several weeks.
Research materials
Many fabrics work well for curtains, so the choice will come down to personal preference and the look you want to achieve. For example, some people love the style of natural linen, while others hate the creases. Cotton/linen mixes are popular and hang beautifully.
One fabric many people avoid is natural silk. It disintegrates quickly, can fall apart in the sunlight and the colours will fade. You’ll find man-made alternatives look great, are more durable and tend to be less costly.
In fact, man-made is often a good choice overall, whatever look you’re aiming for. “Don’t rule out man-made fabrics,” says Blott. “They’re extremely durable and can look gorgeous. Consider choosing a natural/synthetic mix to balance aesthetic and functional characteristics. A fabric with a high cotton content combined with a proportion of synthetic material – say 75%/25% – is a good-value option that should last.”
Linings will also boost the quality of your curtains: a good weight of lining fabric will make a cheaper, man-made fabric look more expensive. Just be wary of the weight. “If you’re hanging a large curtain, it can be extremely heavy, particularly if it’s lined, so avoid anything that’s too weighty and could pull a pole off the wall,” says Blott.
Many fabrics work well for curtains, so the choice will come down to personal preference and the look you want to achieve. For example, some people love the style of natural linen, while others hate the creases. Cotton/linen mixes are popular and hang beautifully.
One fabric many people avoid is natural silk. It disintegrates quickly, can fall apart in the sunlight and the colours will fade. You’ll find man-made alternatives look great, are more durable and tend to be less costly.
In fact, man-made is often a good choice overall, whatever look you’re aiming for. “Don’t rule out man-made fabrics,” says Blott. “They’re extremely durable and can look gorgeous. Consider choosing a natural/synthetic mix to balance aesthetic and functional characteristics. A fabric with a high cotton content combined with a proportion of synthetic material – say 75%/25% – is a good-value option that should last.”
Linings will also boost the quality of your curtains: a good weight of lining fabric will make a cheaper, man-made fabric look more expensive. Just be wary of the weight. “If you’re hanging a large curtain, it can be extremely heavy, particularly if it’s lined, so avoid anything that’s too weighty and could pull a pole off the wall,” says Blott.
Shutters
Don’t disregard MDF
If you want effective light control, privacy and insulation in a durable and low-maintenance window covering, then shutters could be your best option. They’re available in a range of materials, including MDF, wood, plastic and a mixture of these.
Daniel Savva of London Interior Shutters recommends MDF as the most affordable option. “MDF shutters are best for longevity, due to their laminate-like finish,” he says. “They’re hard-wearing, never need repainting and are easy to clean.”
If you’re shopping for the bathroom, however, opt for shutters that won’t deteriorate or rust due to the moisture. Plastic will be your best bet, as it’s 100% waterproof.
Don’t disregard MDF
If you want effective light control, privacy and insulation in a durable and low-maintenance window covering, then shutters could be your best option. They’re available in a range of materials, including MDF, wood, plastic and a mixture of these.
Daniel Savva of London Interior Shutters recommends MDF as the most affordable option. “MDF shutters are best for longevity, due to their laminate-like finish,” he says. “They’re hard-wearing, never need repainting and are easy to clean.”
If you’re shopping for the bathroom, however, opt for shutters that won’t deteriorate or rust due to the moisture. Plastic will be your best bet, as it’s 100% waterproof.
DIY if you can – but beware a false economy
The cheapest shutters tend to be those you can order online. However, you’ll need to measure and install them yourself. There are plenty of ‘how-to’ guides on the internet, but if you’re not experienced at DIY, it’s worth the investment of paying a professional, so you know they’ll stay in place.
“The most critical step is measuring,” says Savva. “This must be accurate. If the shutters are over-measured, they simply will not fit; if they’re under-measured, there may be excessive gaps. There’s also the risk the shutters may not operate correctly.”
Feeling risk averse? Plenty of companies offer a complete service: measuring, design and installation. “The deciding factor should be if the saving made by buying online is sufficient,” Savva advises. “Shutters purchased through companies who also offer measuring and installation are designed by experienced surveyors, who tailor the shutters to suit each customer’s needs.
“There are thousands of different possible combinations, and an experienced surveyor can advise to ensure you get the best design, as no two windows are the same.”
What have you learned about window treatments from buying them for your own home? Share your tips in the Comments below.
The cheapest shutters tend to be those you can order online. However, you’ll need to measure and install them yourself. There are plenty of ‘how-to’ guides on the internet, but if you’re not experienced at DIY, it’s worth the investment of paying a professional, so you know they’ll stay in place.
“The most critical step is measuring,” says Savva. “This must be accurate. If the shutters are over-measured, they simply will not fit; if they’re under-measured, there may be excessive gaps. There’s also the risk the shutters may not operate correctly.”
Feeling risk averse? Plenty of companies offer a complete service: measuring, design and installation. “The deciding factor should be if the saving made by buying online is sufficient,” Savva advises. “Shutters purchased through companies who also offer measuring and installation are designed by experienced surveyors, who tailor the shutters to suit each customer’s needs.
“There are thousands of different possible combinations, and an experienced surveyor can advise to ensure you get the best design, as no two windows are the same.”
What have you learned about window treatments from buying them for your own home? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Purchase off-the-peg
Ready-made blinds tend to be your cheapest option, whether you buy online or in-store. Look out for Roman blinds (pictured), roller blinds (generally made of stiffened material and raised and lowered by a sidewinder chain) or Venetian blinds (made of fabric, aluminium, wood or wood-effect horizontal slats that can be raised, lowered and tilted to let in just the right amount of light).
You’ll find ready-made blinds in a range of sizes, but if these are a little too large for your window, you can cut roller blinds to size yourself (see below) or find a professional to help.
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