The ultimate curtains buying guide

Author Victoria RobinsonProduct ManagerWritten 28/02/2017Updated 19/07/2023

A cozy living room features a green curtain beside a sofa with pillows and blankets. A wood burner is on the left, and a stack of books sits on a wooden table. Text on art: "L'ART DES FLEURS."

With Hillarys, finding the right made-to-measure curtains couldn’t be easier. This handy guide covers everything you need to know, including: Header types, fabric and design choices, curtain options by room, lining options and accessories.

Why our made-to-measure curtain service works

With so many curtain types available, choosing the right style can feel like a big decision, but your local advisor will be there to guide you through every step of the process. They will work closely with you to find the best option for your home and windows, no matter the shape or size.

Which types of curtain tops and headings are available?

A light, boho-style garden room with tan leather sofas, heaped cushions and dried grasses. Floor-length natural curtains hang either side of black-framed French doors and a sunny garden is visible outside.

Eyelet

Eyelet curtains are threaded on a pole by metal rings, leaving the curtains hanging in deep, uniform folds from the top to the bottom.

View eyelet curtains

Large window framed by full-length textured curtains, bringing daylight into a cosy living room with layered furnishings and soft neutral tones.

Pencil pleat

Pencil pleat curtains feature a tightly gathered header which resembles a row of pencils, giving a soft, casual look.

View pencil pleat curtains

Pinch pleat

Pinch pleat curtain headers draw together lots if fabrics into tightly gathered and stitched pleats, creating elegant folds that flow to the floor.

VIEW PINCH PLEAT CURTAINS

Patterned blush curtains frame a tall black-framed window, bringing soft light into a stylish dining area with modern furnishings.

Wave

Wave curtains are perfect for an informal, relaxed feel. They fall in soft, wave-like rippling folds, allowing more fabric to be seen – perfect for patterned curtains.

VIEW WAVE CURTAINS

Fabric types and design styles

Two pairs of soho boucle spice pinch pleat curtains in bay window in living room

Textured curtains

Textured curtain fabrics are a great way to add warmth, depth and character to your home. From the luxurious softness of velvet to the cosy appeal of boucle, these tactile materials create a rich, inviting look while helping your space feel more comfortable. Perfect for adding interest and a touch of elegance to any room.

EXPLORE VELVET CURTAINS

A wooden dining table is set with dishes and a teapot, surrounded by chairs. Soft pink curtains hang in a bright, modern room with large windows and a chandelier.

Voile

Sheer and simple, Voile curtains offer a stylish way to control light and offer daytime privacy. These sheer curtains are perfect for creating an understated look at the window, gently filtering natural light to brighten your space.

Explore VOILE CURTAINS

A pink sofa with patterned cushions sits in a cozy living room, featuring a large portrait on a dark wall. Curtains with leaf designs hang beside a glass door overlooking greenery.

Sustainable fabrics

We're proud to offer a growing range of sustainable curtain fabrics, including BCI cotton and 100% recycled polyester. Look out for our Sustainable Choice logo to explore fabrics made from recycled and responsibly sourced materials.

EXPLORE our sustainable products

Stylish modern kitchen with patterned floor‑to‑ceiling curtains, glossy countertops, and large windows bringing in natural light.

Patterns

Patterns are a simple way to bring personality and flare to your windows. Whether you love elegant florals, nature inspired botanicals or contemporary designs, patterned curtains can help set the tone for your space.

EXPLORE PATTERNED CURTAINS

Patterned curtains frame tall, glazed doors, letting daylight into a relaxed dining area with a wooden table, greenery and soft green accents.

Exclusive collections

Our made-to-measure curtains are available across a range of exclusive designer collection. From bold statement prints in our Jonathan Adler collection, iconic William Morris designs in collaboration with the V&A, to textures and uber cool neutrals in our Poodle & Blonde collection to name a few, these carefully curated ranges offer something for every style and space.

Curtains by room

Curtains with a spotted pattern hang by a large window, brightening a bedroom with a bronze bed frame. Decorative fans and a tiger picture adorn the wall.

Bedroom curtains

The right curtains can help turn your bedroom into a calming sanctuary. Choose from hundreds of made-to-measure fabrics, colours and designs, then tailor your curtains to suit your needs. For the best night’s sleep, blackout linings are a popular choice, helping reduce light.

Bedroom curtains

Serenity seaglass voile curtains in 3-sided sash bay window with light pink sofa and pastel accessories

Living room curtains

Whether you prefer timeless, eye catching patterns or luxurious textures, our living room curtain range offers plenty of choice to suit your style. Sheer curtains can filter sun light and views during the day, while blackout or heavier fabrics offer complete privacy at night.

Living room curtains

Children’s curtains

From playful patterns to timeless styles that grow with them, our children’s curtains help make bedrooms, nurseries and playrooms feel uniquely theirs. Blackout linings can help to create the perfect environment for a great night’s sleep.

Children's curtains

Living room with pale mink panelled walls, wooden floor with a jute rug, pale fern green sofa, opposite a checked beige and white ottomon, upholstered striped chair with a daschund lying on the top cushion in bay window which is dressed in curtains in pale oyster with a coral pattern in cream, open.

Bay window curtains

Make the most of your bay window with our beautifully made-to-measure curtains. Designed to showcase the shape of your window while providing privacy, warmth and light control, our bay window curtain range includes a wide variety of colours, patterns and luxurious fabrics.

Bay window curtains

Poodle and Blonde Chain of Fools Curtains in the Living Room

Door curtains

Add style and practicality to your entranceway with made-to-measure door curtains. Ideal for front and patio doors, they help reduce draughts, enhance privacy and bring a warm, welcoming feel to your home.

Door curtains

Which linings are available?

Choosing the right lining can make a big difference to the look and performance of your curtains. From understanding the benefits of blackout vs thermal curtains to adding a touch of personality with coloured linings, our range of options help you create the perfect finish for your home.

Close-up of neutral beige curtains, showing contrasting textures with a chunky woven fabric beside soft, smooth pleated drapes.

Performance linings

Blackout
Reduce unwanted light and enjoy greater privacy with a blackout lining, ideal for bedrooms and nurseries.

Thermal
Help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer with an insulating thermal lining.

Coloured linings
Add a beautiful finishing touch with coloured linings, designed to complete your chosen curtain fabric.

Accessories

Tracks and poles

Our range of tracks and poles are available when you buy any pair of curtains. Choose from curtain poles in metal, wood or painted finishes, or opt for a discreet curtain track for a sleek, minimalist look.

Green and cream striped curtains frame a tall window in a bright dining room with a rustic wooden table and colourful décor.

Go electric

Our NEW electric curtain tracks make it easy to open and close your curtains at the touch of a button. Enjoy effortless control with a remote or wall switch or connect your electric curtains to a smart home system for app and voice control via Google Assistant or Alexa.

Tiebacks and holdbacks

Perfect for creating a coordinated look, tiebacks and holdbacks keep your curtains neatly in place when open and help frame your window beautifully. All our curtain fabrics can be made into matching tiebacks, with a selection of decorative corded tie backs also available. Holdbacks offer an elegant alternative, securing curtains against the wall for a more structured finish.

Please note, curtain tiebacks are not recommended for eyelet or wave curtains.

Cushions

Complete the look with matching cushion covers, available in many of our curtain fabrics. They’re a great way to introduce extra colour, texture and comfort while creating a beautifully coordinated scheme throughout your home.

Cleaning tips and advice

It's easy to keep your curtains looking fresh. Our handy guide gives you plenty of advice on how to keep them in tip top condition, from choosing the right cleaning attachment for your vacuum to using the right technique for tackling tough stains. Follow along with the video to find plenty of easy ways to keep your curtains in pristine condition all year round.

We've got lots more practical advice and tips for styling curtains

Take a look

How to clean curtains
Discover the easiest way to take care of your curtains
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How to match curtains and blinds
Read our top tips for choosing curtains and blind fabrics that work beautifully together.
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Curtain ideas for wide windows
Top tips and clever tricks for dressing your wide windows and doors.
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