If you are looking for ‘plenty of natural light’ or a ‘bright and airy living space’, there is only one route to your des res dreams: windows. Glass windows only became common in ordinary British homes from the 17th century; before then they were simply holes out to the world, which is where they got their name from (the Norse phrase ‘wind-eye’ meaning an unglazed hole in the roof). Of course, with all of this beautiful conversation between the inside and outside of our properties facilitated, there remains one small issue: windows are extremely expensive to cover. I don’t know if you have recently surveyed the cost of even partially fitted curtains, but the price tag has become eye-watering. When you factor installation fees, decisions on lining (bonded or interlined being priciest) and pleat choices (goblet or triple pleats will set you back the most), you might find you’ve blown your entire room budget simply on your window dressings.
In many ways, made to measure curtains should be expensive, because making them is a skill and it is labour intensive. But, as someone who has made her own curtains for every window in her home, I will say that some of the companies out there are pulling the proverbial leg. Fear not, for there are options no matter what’s in the kitty.
Obviously, one of the biggest variables when buying or making curtains is the fabric, and who can resist beautiful fabric? Window dressings aren’t just about keeping out nosy neighbours’ prying eyes, but also the impact that hanging fabric has on both the warmth of a room and its auditory quality. I live in a rental and have rented 14 properties to date and there is nothing more depressing than a fabric-free room in which every pin-drop reverberates around optic white walls. I have, in my time, purchased expensive fabrics, but these days I start any of my material quests at businesses which specialise in fabric remnants and end of roll offcuts. If you’re happy to go for print seconds or slightly misregistered patterns, the savings can be astronomical. Haines Collection is one of my favourites, stocking brands like Fermoie and Colefax & Fowler. As for other modestly priced options, I am also a huge fan of upholstery ticking for single pleat curtains. At about £15 a metre, this timeless and versatile fabric, traditionally used to cover mattresses, has been enjoying a moment in the sun. Long may it last.
I learnt how to make curtains by taking an old pair apart and you can, of course, follow tutorials online or even sign yourself up for a course – but I understand this a touch de trop for everyone. Instead, one great option which I’ve gone for in our sitting room is buying shop bought, standardised curtains and customising them with a trim panel to make them fit the length of your window perfectly. This is far less hassle than making your drapes from scratch and it means you can elevate basic high street curtaining with a smaller amount of gorgeous fabric. Other trim options include strips of pom poms which can be super cute for kids’ rooms along the inner lengths or a tassel fringe for a more elevated look. Both are available in iron-on varieties.
Elsewhere, my current home is a celebration of the power of the café curtain. This is a renter-friendly option which pretty much anyone can knock up on a rainy weekend. All you need to do is measure the window you want to cover, add 50% to the width, 5cm to the top then 2cm along each edge to hem. I like a lightweight linen in a gingham or stripe, and I hem mine in seconds on my machine, but you can absolutely use iron hemming tape like Wunderweb. To make your own, hem all four sides and then simply create a tunnel of fabric along the top hem by looping it over and stitching or gluing on the back side. To hang, all you need is a tension rod or curtain wire, available for under a fiver.
Of course, you can use any old fabric to make these kinds of simple curtains – think old bed sheets which maybe have a stain or tear but can be cut to work wonderfully for a window. I’ve also used a linen tablecloth for the same job which I picked up on sale for £13.99 at H&M Home. I’m always on the hunt for tablecloths in charity shops and vintage sales because they have so many uses – cabinet curtains in the kitchen, or bathroom vanity skirts for example. Curtain clips attached to curtain rings are another fuss-free option and if the window is small enough and the room rustic in feel, you could merely fold 2cm along the top of a piece of fabric and clip it (this works best with organic, raw fabrics). I’ve even seen people use tea towels (already hemmed for you and available in endless options) with clips for a split style café curtain. In a home, there are things you can’t scrimp on (electrics, mattresses, hoovers) and other things you can invest in and upgrade over time. When it comes to window dressings, you can most definitely cut your own cloth.
