I have said it many times here before, but window treatments are without doubt one of the hardest parts of any interior design scheme. There are so many options available and so many variables to work with, that getting it right can be extremely tricky. The type of windows that you have, the size of the windows, ceiling height, and whether you have radiators beneath the windows, which type of fabric to choose, whether you need lining, all these questions throw added complications into the mix. For seasoned pros, choosing the right window dressings might be quite straightforward, but for the average homeowner, like myself, this can be a daunting and overwhelming process.
If you know exactly what you want and have few complications you can get away with ready-made curtains and blinds. This is a great option if you have standard-sized windows and you don’t mind buying off the shelf. Otherwise, you really should consider the made-to-measure option.
There are so many benefits to be had from choosing made-to-measure curtains and blinds that are made bespoke for your windows and your home. I have partnered with British Made Interiors to explore some of these benefits and while we’re at it I’d like to share some more information with you regarding this brilliant British brand.
1. High Quality
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Made-to-measure curtains and blinds may be more expensive than buying off the shelf, but the quality that you receive will be far greater. Every pair of curtains is made by talented craftsmen and women who really know their trade and have decades of experience. British Made Interiors is a family-run business with over fifty years of experience in designing and manufacturing beautifully made soft furnishings. All their curtains and blinds are manufactured in their Yorkshire workroom ensuring that high standards of quality are met every time. Plus their products come with a 10-year guarantee.
The company started out making all styles of curtains and blinds for high-end interior designers to use in their commercial and residential projects, for private clients, interior brands, show houses, and boutique hotels. Six years ago they decided to offer this service online direct to private customers allowing them to choose from the comfort of their own homes. So you really are getting a premium service.
2. Range of Fabrics
When buying off the shelf, you may struggle to find a fabric that ticks all your boxes so more often than not you will have to be prepared to compromise. Whether it’s the colour, the pattern or the fabric itself, it can be hard to find exactly what you’re looking for. This isn’t the case when buying made-to-measure blinds or curtains.
Most companies have an extensive range of fabrics to choose from, including many big brand fabrics. British Made Interiors for example stocks over 30,000 fabrics that can be used for made-to-measure items. These include the likes of Scion, iLiv, Harlequin, Orla Kiely and Clarke and Clarke. So whether you want something plain, patterned, geometric or botanical, you’re bound to be able to find the perfect fabric for your home in the colour you’ve been looking for.
3. Choice of Linings
Blinds in Norrland fabric by Villa Nova
When you get your curtains or blinds made-to-measure, another benefit is being able to choose the lining that you have. This means that your window dressing will be a lot more functional. Whether you want to ensure that your curtains insulate against too much noise or that your blind blacks out as much light as possible or keeps in as much heat as possible, being able to choose a lining makes your window dressing that much more function.
4. Customer Support
Curtains in Scene fabric by Villa Nova
One thing you definitely don’t get with off the shelf products is the same level of customer support. Measuring up for curtains and blinds requires precision and knowledge and it’s quite easy to get it wrong. Companies like British Made Interiors have great customer support to help you through the process. They have a dedicated design team with years of experience in the industry who are just a phone call away so if you need any advice on style, size, measuring, fabric choice or if you want something different designed just for you they are there to help.
5. A Perfect Fit
Blinds in Ostara fabric by Villa Nova
This great customer support ensures that your made-to-measure curtains or blinds are the perfect fit for your window. This is particularly important if you have non-standard windows. Perhaps you have particularly high ceilings and need extra long curtains. Maybe you have tall thin windows and need blinds that fit. Or perhaps you have large bay windows with awkward angles? Or maybe you live in an old house with wonky windows. In all of these cases, the only way to get a perfect fit is to have your curtains or blinds made bespoke.
I like to compare it to buying your wedding dress from Next or Monsoon, compared to having one made especially for you. Sure the highstreet dress will do the job and save some pennies, but you just can’t compare it to the perfect fit that can be achieved by having a dress tailored to your unique measurements.
6. A Personalised Interior
Curtains, cushions and pouffe in Ostara fabric by Villa Nova
When you buy made-to-measure curtains or blinds you also have the option of having other accessories made up in matching or contrasting fabrics. British Made Interiors offers many made-to-measure accessories to complete the look of your room, including door stops, table cloths, valances, pelmets, seat pads, tiebacks, cushions and bed runners.
This allows you to get a much more personalised look than if you were buying off the shelf, especially with the range of fabrics that are available.
7. Value for Money
When you weigh up all these different benefits it is easy to see why made-to-measure curtains and blinds are much better value for money. Bespoke curtains and blinds are made with care, attention to detail and high standards when it comes to the quality of materials and processes. Customer support and longer guarantees take the risk away and when you choose to buy from a company like British Made Interiors you know that you are supporting a family-run British business.
So what do you think? Have I convinced you of the benefits of choosing bespoke made-to-measure blinds and curtains? Perhaps you’ve already made that choice? If so I’d love to hear if you found these benefits so leave me a comment below. And don’t forget to pin this post for later.
Thanks for sharing this amazing blog.