Curtains & Blinds

Measure the track or pole width rather than the window, then decide the drop from the track to where you want the hem, whether that is the sill, below the sill or the floor. Send both. For fullness, curtain width should be roughly one and a half to two times the track width.

Larger rooms take larger and bolder setts, since the pattern has room to repeat and read. In a small room a bold sett dominates, so a muted or weathered colourway works better. Consider what the light does, because a north facing room mutes colour considerably.

Lining varies by product, so check the individual page. Lined curtains hang better, block more light and protect the face cloth from sun fading, which matters on a window that takes direct sun. Unlined panels are lighter and let light through the weave.

Any cloth fades in direct sun over years. Acrylic holds colour considerably better than natural fibres, which is one reason it is used for furnishing. Lining helps most of all. If a window takes strong direct sun, take the lined option rather than the unlined.

Vacuum with an upholstery attachment every few months rather than washing, which is what keeps furnishing fabric in good condition. For cleaning, follow the care label, since lined curtains generally need professional cleaning while unlined panels may be washable. The same cloth is used across tartan home accessories.

Only loosely. Curtains and cushions in the identical sett turns a room into a display. Pull one colour from the curtain tartan for plain cushions instead, which reads as coordinated rather than themed. Pull one colour from the sett for plain tartan cushions rather than matching them.