EVERYTHING YOU EVER NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT READY-MADE CURTAINS
Lauren Graham
Curtains are a great way to update and transform a space. Not only will they add privacy and block out unwanted light, but they can also add warmth and luxury to a space, as well as absorb sound to improve the acoustics of a room. SG Fabrics has an extensive range of quality ready-made curtains that provide a quick, easy and affordable way to instantly update the look and feel of a room. But how do you go about choosing your curtains to get the best finished product if you aren't going custom?
We've compiled a long-awaited guide to our ready-made curtains. Here's everything you need to know:
1. WHEN ARE READY-MADE CURTAINS AN OPTION?
First off, we aren't knocking custom-made curtains, getting a professional in and having your curtaining custom made opens up your options and ensures a professional finish, in a fabric and style of your choosing. It also allows you to sit back, relax and let a seasoned professional take care of the measurements and make up. But sometimes time, budget or circumstances (for example, if you are renting) just don't allow for a set of custom curtains.
If you have abnormally high ceilings or uniquely shaped windows, you might have no choice but to go custom, however if it's a fairly standard height window you have on your hands, ready mades are an option for you, and with our stunning range of printed designs, plain sheers, textured stripes and plain textures, there's plenty to choose from.
2. THE MEASUREMENTS
Our ready-made curtains all come in two lengths: standard and extra length. An extra length curtain will give you approximately 30 cm additional length to work with.
The width of a curtain is more flexible. There is no set calculation when it comes to curtain width, however, we recommend that the hanging curtain is gathered to half of it's width. For example, if a curtain is 280 cm wide, once gathered and hung, it should measure 140 cm. This means, 2 x 280 cm curtains would be sufficient for a 280 cm wide curtain track. If you prefer less fullness in the curtain, you can of course stretch this to cover extra width.
TOP TIPS:
1) When working out how many curtains are needed, always measure the curtain track and NOT the inside of the window or door. The track or curtain rod usually has a 15 cm overhang on either side of the wall and is usually positioned 15 cm from the top of the window arch.
2) If you have a standard window height, but an extra-length curtain track, for example an eight-metre track, it would be better to have custom curtains made. However if cost-saving is a priority, ready mades are still an option here! The only drawback is that you would then have six individual curtains on the track and not one solid curtain.
3) Ideally, a curtain should sit one centimetre from the floor once hung.
3. ALTERATIONS
Whilst it is tempting to want to make alterations, we don't recommend it. Once a ready-made has been altered it is no longer eligible for return in the case of fault. It also takes away from the convenience of this curtain option. There are however some workarounds you can use to avoid hemming a curtain and saving on the additional admin.
1) Before you start, measure up and select the length best suited for your window (standard or extra length).
2) If you have an unusually low window, rather hang the curtain rail a little higher on the wall to avoid having to hem a standard length curtain. In fact, some interior decorators often prefer to hang curtains well above the window to give the illusion of extra height in a space.
3) If your window height is in between lengths, or if you are serious about elongating the room, you can opt for an extra length curtain and hang the rail or track as close to the ceiling as possible. You may need to hem the bottom, but the lengthening effect on the height of your ceilings is a nice touch. Just remember that the curtain will not be eligible for return once it's been altered.
4. TAPE VS EYELETS
Although the majority of rods that are up in houses are tracks to accommodate taped curtains, eyelets are becoming increasingly popular. Eyelets are slightly easier to install, no curtains hooks or prongs needed, and the end result tends to be a cleaner, more modern look. Eyelets also allow you to cover more window, as it's not necessary to have them as full as taped curtains. However, if you prefer a fuller look, taped curtains would be your better option. There's no right or wrong here, it's more about finding the curtain that best suits your personal style or circumstances. You might have moved to a rental that already has tape tracks in places, in which case it's more cost-effective and convenient to use what is already available.
Tape curtains have also made a modern comeback in recent months with a refreshed look thanks to clever accessories. Using modern curtain loops on your taped curtains can create a plush, but contemporary look.
Many of our ready-made designs are available in both taped and eyelet options. The beauty about eyelets is that they are really easy to hang, since there’s no fiddling with hooks and tape, so they truly are a ready-to-hang solution.
5. LINED VS UNLINED
All of the SG Ready Made Curtains are lined (with the exception of sheer designs such as Aerial & Tranquil), and for us, it's definitely the way to go. With the harsh African sun and weather conditions we recommend that all curtains are lined to protect the actual curtain against harsh UV rays that can cause fading. This also offers light reduction and privacy.
6. SHEERS
We offer a range of beautiful textured sheer plains and sheer stripe options. Sheers are wonderful for decorative purposes, adding a light and breezy feel or perhaps to add some warmth as a layer in front of functional blinds. Some might even run a double curtain track with a sheer behind a curtain to keep closed for extra privacy during the day but enjoy the coverage of a lined curtain when needed. Designs Tranquil and Aerial offer sheer options
AVAILABLE COLOURS
7. OUR COLLECTION OF PREMIUM STYLE CURTAINS:
