Curtain Lab Limited

The Practicality of Lined and Interlined Curtains

2011-09-07T22:08:00.000+01:00

It is a well known fact that Lined and Interlined Soft Furnishings can appear more substantial, more luxurious and altogether more stylish.
Lining will protect the main fabric and improve the drape of curtains. The first defence against sunlight, fading and dirt is a good quality, smooth, sateen-woven lining. On sunny windows, for example, is worth getting sun-resistant lining. Although this won’t stop the fading process it will considerably delay the sun damage.

If you are a perfectionist like me and don’t like to see creased fabric, look into crease-resistant linings. It’s gorgeous and it will save you lots of time if you are making the curtains yourself!

http://www.curtainlab.co.uk

Interlining your curtains & blinds will make them hang beautifully and give it that extra special look. Interlining is a blanket-type fabric which is sandwiched between the lining and the main fabric. Curtains can be lined with medium or heavyweight interlinings depending on how thick you want the curtains to look. Traditional interlinings are cotton but synthetic ones are also available (they don’t shed fluff). Whichever one you choose, always buy a pre-shrunk one.
When your Curtains & Blinds are in need of a little cleaning, remember that lined and interlined window treatments are best steam cleaned in situ as they hang. There are a number of reputable companies providing this service, it may cost a little more but you can be sure mistakes won’t occur in the cleaning process.
As the cold months approach, it is important to draw your curtains at night time. This will prevent heat loss and if you have lined and interlined soft furnishings it might save you a few pennies on the heating bill too!

If you like this post or would like me to cover a specific topic, let me know! I’d love to hear from you.

How to dress Bay Windows - Part 4

2011-07-26T12:04:00.000+01:00

Shutters:

Indoor shutters are one form of window treatment that is quickly gaining popularity, making a wonderful alternative (or a perfect match) to curtains on bay windows accentuating quality and style. Shutters have such a dramatic impact and it’s important to choose the right style, design, and colour

Using shutters allows you to control the ambiance and overall mood of the room by the way they filter, block or let in the light of hte outdoors. They also provide privacy, whilst allowing circulation and ventilation. Interior shutters offer a traditional look and can fit in with just about any home decor scheme from contemporary to country and elegant to Mediterranean.

The following companies offer great service and a wonderful range of tailor-made shutter solutions well worth looking into.

http://www.apollo-blinds.co.uk
http://www.theshuttergallery.co.uk

http://www.shutterlyfabulous.com
http://www.thecaliforniacompany.co.uk

Of course we would always suggest you pair your shutters with dress curtains for a softer, cosier look!

Image by http://www.theshuttergallery.co.uk

For more information on window treatments such as blinds, curtains or any other soft furnishing product please visit our website on http://www.curtainlab.co.uk or email us directly on info@curtainlab.co.uk

How to Dress Bay Windows - Part 3

2011-06-16T18:15:00.002+01:00

Full Length Curtains:
There is nothing quite like a full-length pair of curtains. They look elegant, give visual height and even bring warmth to a room.

In their most basic form, curtains are gathered or made of pleated panels of fabric hanging from tracks or poles for privacy as well as insulation against noise and draught.

Give it a little more thought and what you will have is an opportunity to bring texture and pattern into a room. At night, curtains will make the room feel cosier and inviting.

We tend to think of curtains in pairs, but in the case of bay windows, you can make the most of its shape by hanging 4 curtains to create a sophisticated focal point and dress this otherwise awkward space.

Lots of factors need to be considered to make sure you get the best looking curtains for your bay. If the windows are large and sunny, choose a ‘Light Resistant’ lining as it will help your fabric last better and retain the colour for longer. Cooler rooms might benefit from a substantial interlining, as this will act as an insulating barrier.

To add a little ‘wow’ factor and drama try using either vertical or horizontal borders. For a softer approach you can use a leading edge in a suitable trimming – there are some great trimmings on the market i.e. bobbles, beadings even feathers!

For a more formal look you can hang the tie backs high up, of course, allowing the curtains to be drawn in a more swag like style.

The most important thing, however, is to embrace the shape of your bay window, celebrate its beauty and love the home you live in.

Image by http://www.housetohome.co.uk/

Coming up in Part 4 - Dressing Bay Windows with Venetian Blinds. If you would like more information go to http://www.curtainlab.co.uk/

How to Dress Bay Windows - Part 2

2011-06-02T14:44:00.001+01:00

Create a Custom-Built Seating Area and dress it with Roman Blinds

I like working with bay windows. They vary so much in size and shape that no 2 bay windows are ever the same and this is precisely what makes dressing a bay window so challenging.

What ever window treatment you choose it is important to work with your windows and not against it. Don't disguise or hide them in any way. Make the bay area a focal point, bring it into the heart of your scheme and make sure that, as well as looking good, the bay provides comfort and extra storage space.

Image by http://www.housetohome.co.uk

This type of project requires skill so I suggest you call in a professional! A good carpenter or joiner should be able to build a good window seat for you that is both stylish and functional. You can finish dressing the area with Roman Blinds for a tailored, smart look. Add a few cushions to the seat, a small side table and all you will be missing is a good book and/or a glass of wine!

A window seat can work very well with most bay windows including Square Bays, Bend Bays or Semi-Circular Bays. Go ahead, celebrate your bay window!

Image by http://www.baywindowseat.org

How have you decorated your bay windows? Perhaps you have questions you would like me to answer? Let me know!

Coming up in Part 3: How to use full-length curtains to dress bay windows. If you can't wait to find out more check out http://www.curtainlab.co.uk/

How to Dress Bay Windows Part 1

2011-05-26T22:03:00.002+01:00

Combine Blinds with Curtains:

At first glance Bay Windows are a tricky space to dress. The angles can be challenging to work with, not all poles can be bent, the radiator might be in the way of curtains, etc. The list of obstacles is rather long. However, there are a number of very practical, functional and stylish solutions to choose from.

Roman or indeed Roller Blinds present a contemporary and simple solution for bay windows while curtains can add extra privacy and warmth in the cooler months or simply be the decorative finishing touch, framing the window and adding a smart finish.

Image by House to Home

To add more impact and drama you can combine a larger pattern with a more tamed tone-in-tone colour. The curtains can either be left 'standing' or can be arranged hang arranged on holdbacks for a more dressed look.

Coming up in Part 2: Roman Blinds and a Made-to-Measure sitting area for Bay Windows if you can't wait to find out more check out http://www.curtainlab.co.uk/

Five Great Reasons to Choose Roman Blinds

2011-05-10T17:30:00.001+01:00

1. Price: Buying a bespoke, high quality Roman Blinds will cost much less than a high quality pair of curtains. With Roman Blinds there is no need for curtain poles and it uses much less fabric thus keeping the overall cost down.

2. Easy to install: Measuring for Roman blinds is much simpler than measuring up for curtains (no stack back, overlap or overhung to consider). The process of hanging Roman blinds is also easier than it seems. There are even tutorials online! Whether using a traditional fabric covered baton or an aluminum head rail hanging a Roman Blind is very straight forward and due to its size Roman Blinds are also easier to handle.

3. Selection: Roman Blinds can be made in a wide range of colours, materials and styles. Every combination gives a different vibe to your room. The correct lining is also paramount as it will affect the overall colour of your fabric and the amount of light in the room. There is plenty of lining and interlining to choose from like blackout, fade resistant lining, and coloured lining.

4. Maintenance: Roman blinds can be cleaned using the soft furnishing attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Moreover, they fold up neatly and can be pulled out of reach of children and pets, meaning they’re less likely to be broken.

5. Style: Roman Blinds offer a neat, stylist and understated alternative to curtains working well in both traditional as well as a more modern setting. In a more traditional setting it can be coupled with a coordinating pelmet or traditional full length curtains as below.

http://www.curtainlab.co.uk

I never shy away from colour....

2010-10-31T12:21:00.002Z

... So I decided to buy a Red High Gloss Kitchen!!! The photo below is from http://www.finefitted.com/ as my own kitchen will be way less spacious! But I'll make damn sure it will be just as glamourous!

Now i'm on a mission to get it all done by Christmas! Oh, my God is it really only 6 weeks away?

Any suggestions, please shout!

So far I've decided on the cooker, hood and double oven (built under) all from http://www.premierrange.co.uk/ this company provides excellent value for money, stylish Italian appliances and do not compromise on quality or looks.

But i am stuck on the splashback, i'm hoping for something wacky that will infuse character in my kitchen, what do you think of these lot:

Well, I guess I'll just have to keep looking.

Testimonials

2010-10-31T12:18:00.004Z

''We love working with Paula who has made beautiful curtains and blinds for every room in our house. She always knows which colours and styles will work for different sizes and shapes of windows, and we have been thrilled with the results. Out kitchen curtains and blinds are especially wonderful and much complimented by visitors'' by Mrs. D. Goodman, East Molesey

''I've renovated many houses and Curtain Lab are by far the best suppliers and fitters of curtains and blinds I have experienced. Paula's professionalism is evident not just in her range of fabrics, but the expertise she brings to making them. She has an artist's eye and her advice is golden. I simply wouldn't consider going anywhere else'' By Mr. R. Godwin, Kingston

''Paula has worked for us for a couple of years now, she's done an amazing job. Always very professional, she helped us bring beauty and simplicity into our house. We are thrilled with her hardwork and commitment, we would recommend her always'' by Mr and Mrs Lopez, Esher

''When we were refurbishing our buy-to-let flat Curtain Lab was great. They helped us turn a cold, old place into a very stylish, modern apartment. Paula and her team are second to none'' by Mrs. J. Turner, Richmond

I've gone Barking Mad

2010-07-15T10:02:00.001+01:00

I was asked to make a Blackout Roman Blind with a bobble trimming for a little princess who's crazy about her puppies.

The room is lovely and we couldn't resist using the left over fabric to make a Memory Board as well as a Scottie Dog Doorstopper.

How sweet!

A window of opportunity?

2010-07-08T12:10:00.000+01:00

Since making angled curtains for a beautiful loft room last year, a lot of people have been contacting me about ideas for other 'awkward' spaces.

Here're some of my favourite challenging windows so far:

Loft Windows that allow light in but do not take the shape of the window away:

What to do with an arch window? Curtains will do fine!

Another clever solution. The ecclectic mix of shutters, roman blinds and a shaped pelmet.

How would you dress these windows?

Dining Room with a view

2010-06-30T13:01:00.000+01:00

I have been working with Mr and Mrs G for a couple of years now, they own a lovely house with a large kitchen and dining area that makes up the hub of the home.

It was rather difficult to dress their newly installed concertina doors. However, the obvious choice was a Silent Gliss Metropole coupled with Tempo Tape heading for the curtains. Adding a vertical border to the curtains (in the same fabric as the existing Roman Blinds) allowed us to encompass the existing soft furnishings. The tie backs in muted beige finish off beautifully.

Another happy client!

Parkertex at its best

2010-05-25T14:01:00.001+01:00

Today I finally got to photograph a job I finished earlier on in the year. The project was simple, just a pair of full-length, blackout lined, double pleated curtains.

The result was, as always, stunning! The curtains totally finished the room and made it cosy, enriched but still full of simplicity. I loved the fabric so much that I couldn't resist and made a door stopper to match...

... Love the home you live in...

Major Mission Accomplished

2010-03-24T11:59:00.001Z

The challenge: to dress french doors measuring over 3 metres wide, allow plenty of light in the room and not lose space with projecting brackets.

The solution: a full-length, full-width pair of lined and interlined curtains using deep pencil pleat tape hanging from a made-to-measure Silent Gliss Metropole Curtain System in Oak thus allowing side clearance and plenty of room for curtain stack back.

The result: a pair of beautifully, lined and interlined curtains in Romo Fabric. No need to say any more, just look at these photos and fall in love with this room.

Ruby Red Love

2010-03-24T11:38:00.000Z

Bella's room was a delight to work with. The chimney breast took centre stage and was coupled with Jane Churchill Roman Blinds with a Silk border at the bottom - Bella chose the fabric herself when she was only eight - she'll be giving me a run for my money soon!

The coordinating bedlinen and cushions, together with Nadine Morgan's decoupage mirror add the 'je ne sais quoi' to the scheme and the result is a lovely, stylish and versatile room.

Another Happy Customer...

2010-03-13T22:11:00.000Z

... Catherine's Roman Blinds are finally ready and hanging beautifully! And the matching, piped cushions are on their way.

Curtain Lab featuring in The Home Show, Channel 4

2010-03-03T12:04:00.002Z

I have been making Bespoke Soft Furnishings for over 7 years now. During this time I accumulated a wealth of experience and was lucky enough to make good friends along the way.

One of my latest achievements was getting involved with programmes such as The Home Show with George Clarke (it kept me at the edge of my seat with excitement when it aired in November).
It made my long hours working to achieve my City&Guilds in Soft Furnishings very worthwhile.

Here's a link to my website, let me know what you think, http://wwww.curtainlab.co.uk/

Have you any questions about window treatments, just let me know. I'll try and answer it for you!