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Inspiration

Roman, Roller, trimmed or plain; swags and tails or a simple pleat? Stop here for some curtain inspiration.

20th March 2020

Choosing the right types of curtains and blinds for your space can be a daunting task. Where to put the pole, which pole to go for. Which header style – let light in/block it out? To pelmet, or not to pelmet – what even is a pelmet? Roman, roller; trimmed or plain. Phew, I’m exhausted even writing this…

With a range of styles and materials to choose from, picking the perfect combination can be a struggle if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Don’t panic! We’re here to help – well our fabulous stockists and makers are. All you need is to do is sit back and be inspired…

living room tie top curtains

Curtain Headers

There is more to a curtain that a shop-bought tab top. We implore you, get creative! Work with your maker to understand the possibilities of different fabrics and how patterns can be used for impact or to create something truly bespoke.

Angus Stripe Nordic Navy pinch pleat curtains @sarahnortoninteriors

We love the fun use of the ticking stripe within this header – it’s architectural, and it is so pleasing for those with a fear of poor pattern placement. (Asymmetriphobia is a real thing if you were wondering!) Simple but so effective, and the pleated header means however they are drawn, they will hang well.

Ticking Stripe 2 Airforce pinch pleat curtains @helenwilliamsoninteriors

Just a beautiful finishing touch – so simple yet effective.

Ticking Stripe 2 Navy curtains with pelmet @sarah_frankham

the pelmet still has its place

I always think a pelmet finishes off a window to perfection. These are especially helpful where the top of windows are unsightly, where you may have sloping ceilings and floors or where you may want to disguise an ugly track or pole.

Kew Charcoal cartridge pleat curtains @windmillworkroom

These elegant rolls are a thing of beauty and a true lesson in attention to detail. You’re going to need to be pretty tall to see the tops of these but they do give the roll its fullness and certainly aren’t something you will find on the high street.

Don’t forget those blinds

Blinds are having a bit of a moment – we see them everywhere. Not just a classic addition to a curtain or pelmet set, they are making their own waves (see what I did there?). Speak with your maker about the most appropriate style and fabric for your room. For example, you need to consider mould resistance on fabrics if using in a bathroom that isn’t adequately ventilated and some fabrics just don’t roll well in a Roman blind.

With blinds you can be inventive with trim and finish, there’s no need to stick to just one fabric. There are so many beautiful finishing touches and each maker is different – allow them to release their creative side!

Angus Stripe Nordic Ivory Roman Blind @gailsrails
Oxford Stripe Navy Roman Blind @raspberrylimebespoke

Vintage Stripe 2 Dark Navy @shutterloveuk

There is something very satisfying about a striped roman blind! Ooh, those rolls are perfectly aligned!

To round this up, our best advice is to just find a style that you love and then consult with a maker. Please listen to their suggestions, if they say something won’t work it’s for a reason. Ultimately they want to create something that you are happy with and have your best interests at heart.

Find out how to approach a maker and how the process works from some of our lovely stockists. Looking for a maker in your area? Check out our stockist locator or search #madewithmankin and get in touch via Insta.

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