Designer Curtains

The first thing to think about when you’re buying new designer curtains is what you actually want them to do. That’s not as daft a suggestion it might first seem. Some designer curtains will be closed every night - others are hung purely for decoration, maybe to soften the edges of a window that has net curtain or blinds.  There are a few specialist terms associated with curtains. The most important ones are the ‘drop’ - in other words, the height of the curtains from top to bottom; ‘rods’ and/or ‘rails’ are what you hang your curtains from; ‘finials’ are metal or plastic knobs that attach to the end of designer curtain rails to stop the rings or hooks sliding off the ends; a ‘valance’ or ‘pelmet’ is a decorative fabric mounting that can be used to cover unattractive plastic rails or to create a more full-blown, luxurious effect in living and dining rooms; ‘tiebacks’ are piece of cloth or cord than bunch the designer curtain material back to create a classic bow effect rather than simply having the drop of your designer curtains perpendicular to the floor..

There are lots of different ways of attaching designer curtains to designer curtain rail. One of the cheapest and easiest options is plastic rail with built-in hooks. You simply cut the rail to the length required, slide in the right number of hooks and screw the rail into the wall above your window. The disadvantage of plastic is that it’s not particularly resistant, and replacing it takes time. Also, unless you conceal it behind a valance, it looks pretty ugly when open and not covered by the pencil pleat at the top of the designer curtains.

Increasingly, home owners are returning to classic wooden or metal curtain rails and finials, teamed with simple loop curtain rings, or - a variation on the design - curtains that have brass eyelets stitched into the top hem so they can be slid on to a rail with no need for rings at all. There’s a vast range of different rails and finials available, generally in hard woods or wrought iron. Attached curtains is easy, and the ends are locked into place to prevent overdrawing simply by placing one ring at either end outside of the finials, or within a locking nut between the shaft of the rod and a decorative finial.

Putting up curtain rails isn’t at all difficult. The only thing you have to remember is that they must be both level and secure. Curtains are surprisingly heavy, and if you’re planning to erect a wrought-iron rail to support high-quality, thick, long drop curtains, you’re going to be dealing with quite a lot of weight. In a case like this, make sure the rail is attached to the wall at several points using 2″ or 3″ steel screws drilled right into the brick or stone work beyond the plaster. To ensure that everything is level, measure up and mark-up all screw holes before you drill and plug them using a straight edge that’s either thick enough to support a spirit level or has one built in. Keeping everything level and accurate is an absorbing task, so make sure the stepladder you’re using is securely footed and, if possible, supported by another person. Leave plenty of time for the job and don’t be tempted to rush things and lean over too far. If you’re putting up a long rail the job will be much easier with two people on two sets of ladders, if possible with a third person at the bottom to pass equipment up and mind the bases of the steps.

Designer curtains that are going to see a lot of service need to be made of a good-quality material sewn with thick, secure hems.  It’s also really important to order curtains with a good-quality, securely sewn lining - this will prolong their life and drastically reduce fading from sunlight. In general,  curtains on south-facing windows that get more sunlight should have thicker linings. The other benefit of lining your curtains is that they have extra body and seem more substantial and luxurious. You can buy ready-lined curtains, get them lined at a draper or department store, or, if you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can fit them yourself. Remember to factor in the weight of the lining when you’re working out how best to secure your curtain rail to the wall.

Before you buy it’s very important to get your measurements right - especially if you’re buying full-length curtains. In this case, the measurement for the curtains’ drop needs to be taken from the bottom loop of the curtain rings (not the rail!) to a point a couple of inches off the floor. As with all home interiors work, careful measuring, planning and preparation is crucial to the final success of your project.

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