Guide to buying curtains and blinds
From material types to header styles, our guide will help you find the best ready-made curtains and blinds for you.
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By Zara Flynn | Last edited: August 2026
Shop curtains and blinds
Types of curtains
When it comes to selecting the style, length and material for your curtains, there’s lots to consider. Are they being used to block out light? Insulate a room? Or to make the windows the focal point of your home? Here are the different types of curtains you can choose from.
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Popular curtain headings
Choose your curtain lining
Wondering which curtain lining is best for you? Take a look at this comparison and pick the right lining for you.
| Lining type | Light control | Insulation & warmth | Weight & drape | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Blackout lining | Excellent | Moderate insulation | Medium weight | Ideal when you want a darker room and extra privacy |
Thermal lining | Moderate | High | Medium–heavy | Helps improve energy efficiency and maintain a cosy feel |
Lined curtains | Light filtering | Low | Light–medium | Adds structure to curtains and helps protect fabric from fading |
Unlined curtains | Minimal | Minimal | Very light | Creates a soft, airy finish and lets natural light flow through |
Curtain accessories
Complete your window dressing with the right curtain accessories. From curtain tracks and poles to curtain rings and hooks, explore everything you need for a seamless and stylish finish.
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How to measure your curtains
Having the right size of curtains can ensure your room has a polished look and there's enough control over light and privacy.
Measure the width of your curtain
To get the correct size, measure the inside of the window (A) and the outside of the window frame (B). The length of the curtains will depend on the curtain type. Measure the full width of the track and cover some extra area too.
Measure the length of your curtain
For the optimum length, finish sill length curtains 1.25cm above the sill. Curtains that go below the sill should be 15cm below and floor length curtains finish 1.5cm from the floor. If you've got a curtain pole, then measure from the top of the frame to the floor (C) to get the full drop length.
Measure the curtain pole
To leave room for tying back the curtains, make sure the pole is wider by 15cm on each side. For deep and uniform folds, make sure the width of the fabric is 2.5 times the width of the window frame.
How do you measure what size curtains you need?
Need help choosing the correct curtain size or simply confused about the length of the curtains? Watch this short video to learn how to measure your windows for eyelet and pencil pleat curtains.
How to clean your curtains
We know it’s hard to stop sticky hands, playful paws, dust and debris from making curtains dirty. But we'll help you with easy tips to clean them.
- Use a steam cleaner to clean your curtains once a week if you have kids or pets at home.
- Many curtains are machine washable so you can easily refresh them twice a year.
- Pre-treat any stains before washing. This helps stop the stain from spreading to other parts of the curtain.
- Check for the colourfastness of your curtain fabric. The easiest way is to take a corner of your curtain and dip it into a bowl of water mixed with detergent.
Types of blinds
How to measure your blinds
How to measure for blinds
Once you've decided if your blinds will sit inside or outside your window recess, follow the steps below to find your perfect fit, or watch this simple step-by-step video.
Measuring inside the recess
Measure a few different points of the recess - measure at each end and in the middle. The smallest measurement is the one you should use (do this for both width and length). If you're measuring for roller or venetian blinds, reduce the width by 1cm, and for vertical blinds, reduce the length by 1cm.
Measuring outside the recess
Follow the same steps as you would when measuring the inside of a recess but just take the measurements from the outside edge instead. You should add a few centimetres on the width measurement to give you a good amount of overlap with the wall to prevent unwanted light coming in.
Measuring windows without a recess
Measure the length and width of your window. We recommend that you again add a few centimetres on the width measurement to ensure good coverage (10cm is ideal). If you're installing a roller blind, you should also factor in a couple of centimetres on the width for the operating mechanism.
How to install a blind
It's best to read through the instructions that come with your blinds, as not all types are installed in the same way. Check out our step-by-step video guides below for easy tips on installing roller and venetian blinds.
How to install a venetian blind
To install your venetian blinds, mark the positions for the brackets and drill a hole to fix the brackets with screws. Make sure the brackets are at the same level. Then fit the headrail into the brackets and secure them with the safety clip you've received with your blinds. Still in doubt? The above video will show a step-by-step process to install a venetian blind.
How to install a roller blind
To install your roller blinds, mark your chosen position with a pencil and make sure the markings are at the same level. Now drill holes at these marks so you can fit the brackets using the screws. Making sure the sidewind is in the correct position, fit the blind and secure it. There is also a clip to secure the cord and keep it away from children. If you need more help, the above video shows how to install a roller blind in detail.
How to clean and maintain your blinds
Over time, blinds can accumulate dust and dirt, so it's a good idea to clean them every few months to keep them looking good. Here are top tips to help you take care of your blinds.
- If your blinds get dusty, use the brush attachment on a vacuum to lightly clean the top of each slat.
- For blinds that have a lot of dirt and dust build-up, simply run a damp cloth gently across the surface.
- To give your blinds a deep clean, you may want to use a purpose built.
FAQs about curtains and blinds
What are the benefits of sheer curtains and how can they be layered?
Sheer curtains allow soft natural light to come in and they create an airy, elegant feel. You could pair them with heavier drapes or blackout curtains when you need more privacy or want to block that extra light.
How can I coordinate living room curtains with other decor items like cushions and rugs?
To make your living room look aesthetic, your curtains should tie into the overall colour palette. For that, you could:
What are some fun and functional curtain options for kids' bedrooms?
Blackout curtains and blinds are great for kids' rooms as they help in sleep management. Choose playful prints (space, animals, superheroes) or bright colours. Go for magnetic tiebacks, easy-to-wash fabrics, and durable materials that withstand the wear and tear.
Should curtains be lighter or darker than walls?
It totally depends on your style. Lighter curtains blend seamlessly and expand the space visually to create a calm, airy feel.
Whereas darker curtains add drama, contrast, and coziness, especially in large or neutral rooms. If you need more expert advice, here are some do's and don'ts from a curtain expert.
Should bedroom curtains and blinds match the bedding?
You can choose to match or not match. If in doubt, you can coordinate your soft furnishings like bedding, curtains and cushions by using complementary tones or repeating a colour accent.
Which curtains are best for small windows?
Small windows look best with simple furnishings like half curtains. You could also go for Roman shades for a tailored look and pick light fabrics to avoid overwhelming the window. If you like, choose vertical stripes to create an idea of a longer window.
How do I hang curtains without drilling?
You could hang your curtains in the following ways:
- Tension rods: Fit snugly inside the window frame.
- Adhesive hooks: Hold lightweight rods.
- No-drill brackets: Clip onto the window trim. These are renter-friendly and avoid wall damage.
What is the best blind for a bathroom?
Bathrooms need moisture-resistant blinds. PVC, faux wood, or waterproof roller blinds are ideal. They won't warp, are easy to clean, and help maintain privacy while allowing light control.
How to dress a window with blinds?
Windows with only blinds look incomplete unless the blinds you choose are patterned. To soften the look, you could layer the window with sheer curtains, or add side drapes for a cosy finish.
What is the thing that holds blinds called?
The part that secures blinds to the wall or window frame is called a bracket. It's also referred to as mounting hardware, which includes other tools like brackets, screws, and clips.
How to measure eyelet curtains?
Measure your curtain pole width, then multiply by 1.5-2 for fullness. For drop, measure from the top of the pole to your desired curtain length. Always double-check measurements before ordering.
