interiors Archive

Natalie Canning is passionate about beautiful materials and we are delighted to share her 5 top tips to help you choose the best curtain and blind fabric for your home.

1.    CONSIDER THE LOCATION

• If the window is in a sunny location, does your curtain fabric or blind fabric need to be thick enough to reduce some of the light?  Would you prefer a lightweight material offering privacy but still allow the light to come through?
• Silk fabric is always a luxurious choice but will rot if exposed to sunlight…always interline and line silk curtains or silk blinds.
• Is the window draughty?  Heavy weight curtain fabrics or blind fabrics help reduce draughts.  Lighter weight materials may still be used but it would be advisable to line and interline them.
• What is the style of the room?  Country home or contemporary? Consider patterns and colour.

Thumper finial above.

2.   CURTAINS OR BLINDS?

• A heavy cotton fabric will hold it’s shape beautifully in a roman blind, whereas a lightweight fabric will appear more floppy and potentially lose shape over time.
• If the material has a pattern consider how it will look on the finished item e.g. if the pattern is large, will you see enough of it in your chosen window dressing?
• Far more fabric is required for making curtains, than roman blinds see 3. below.

Honey Dipper finial above.

3.  THINK ABOUT YOUR BUDGET

• If you are trying to keep your costs down, I would recommend that you buy inexpensive fabric for making curtains but have them lined and interlined for that luxury feel.  A more expensive coordinating fabric can then be used for smaller items e.g. cushions or roman blinds to complete the overall scheme.

Recess Pole above.

4.   MEASURE

• Always measure your windows with a metal rule.
• Measure once, write down the amounts, then measure again to be sure.
• Always check the width of the fabric you are going to buy as these can vary greatly.

Please use this link to see Natalie Canning’s helpful measuring guides for How to measure for curtains and How to measure for roman blinds.

5.   ALWAYS LOOK AT A FABRIC SAMPLE

• Before you buy your curtain fabric or blind fabric, it is always best to order a fabric sample.  This allows you to see and feel the material before you make a decision to buy.
• If you are buying curtain fabric or blind fabric, hold your fabric sample up to the light in the position you would like it to be. For all soft furnishing fabrics place the fabric sample next to any other colours and patterns that will be used in the room.

Natalie takes great pride in designing and producing, the most beautiful and unique soft furnishings. She is always available in her Suffolk work room to discuss ideas and requirements. All of her curtains and blinds are hand made to the highest standards using traditional skills and craftsmanship. Contact Natalie on 01379 668170 or natalie@nataliecanning.co.uk.”

If you are considering Made by the Forge’s solid curtain poles and finials we are always happy to help. These poles are made to measure especially for you too.