All Frequently Asked Questions

General

How Do I Order?

Select the fabric you want (or supply your own), choose the style and lining of the curtain, enter the dimensions and a price will be displayed, add the item to the shopping basket and repeat the process if required. After you have finished filling your shopping basket you will proceed through the secure checkout to the payment page. Payment is done using either Sage Pay or PayPal. You will receive a confirmation email after you have completed your order.

Changes To Orders

Changes to orders must be notified as soon as it realised that a mistake has been made. What the changes are and where we are in the production process will effect what can be done. Most of the time we will be able to make the necessary changes.

Cleaning Your Curtains

It is recommended that you do not wash your curtains. They may shrink (unevenly if lined). Vacuuming the curtains on a regular basis will help. If the pressure on the nozzle is too great put a sock over the end of the vacuum cleaner attachment. The washing instructions contained within the fabric information are supplied by the manufacturer and relate purely to the main fabric of the curtain.

Washing as stated earlier can result in uneven shrinkage due to the different rates of shrinkage of the lining and interlining materials. If you decide to wash your curtains you do so at your own risk.

Curtains And Sunlight
Sunlight will cause fabric to fade over time. To reduce fading it is recommended that curtains are lined or interlined. In situations where there is a lot of sun, blackout lining maybe more appropriate, especially in a bedroom.
Curtain Heading Fullness

Curtain fullness is the width of material used divided by width of the curtains. For example if the total width of material used is 2.8m (2 x fabric roll width of 1.4m) and you have curtains that are 1.4m wide, then the fullness value is 2.

The fullness values of our custom curtains are not fixed, there is an upper value and a lower value. In certain situations we can adjust the fullness value downwards slightly and use one width of material less without sacrificing the appearance of the curtains. This will result in a saving for the customer, something we are sure you will appreciate! The website will automatically check to see if this is the case and make the adjustment in fullness.

Below are the fullness values for the different heading types.

We have recently extended the range of heading styles that we offer. If you have any questions regarding the heading styles, please contact us.

Pencil Pleat
Fullness between 2.5 and 2

Wave
Fullness between 2.3 and 2.1

Single Pinch Pleat
Fullness between 2.4 and 2.0

Double` Pinch Pleat
Fullness between 2.6 and 2.2

Triple Pinch Pleat
Fullness between 2.9 and 2.5

Eyelet
Fullness between 2.2 and 1.8

Tab Top
Fullness between 2 and 1.6

Goblet
Fullness between 2.6 and 2.2

Cartridge Pleat
Fullness between 2.4 and 2.0

Box Pleat
Fullness between 3.5 and 3.0

Spaced Box Pleat
Fullness between 3.0 and 2.5

Double Inverted (Euro) Pleat
Fullness between 2.5 and 2.2

Triple Inverted (Euro) Pleat Pleat
Fullness between 2.9 and 2.5

Flat Panel
Fullness of 1.0. This means the total width of panels will equal the width entered

Rod Pocket
Fullness between 1.8 and 1.5

If you require a diferent fullness, please reply to the order confirmation email stating the required finished width.

Curtain Lining

All of our linings are ivory by default. Please contact us after placing your order if you require white lining.

Where your fabric has a white/light background and a plain or thermal lining is to be used it is recommended that you request a white plain/thermal lining.

Plain Lining
The coloured lining is a high quality lining that looks good, feels good and drapes well. Most importantly it will protect your curtains from sunlight and fading. Ivory as standard, white available on request.

Plain Lining and Interlined
As per plain lining except that it has an additional layer of loosely woven fabric between the main fabric and the lining that gives the hand made curtains a more luxurious and substantial look. It will also provide additional insulation. The hand sewn interlined curtains use a separate 220gsm interlining, this hangs in a slightly more relaxed fashion than the machine sewn interlined curtains.

Blackout Lining
Finest 3 pass blackout lining, ideal for bedrooms. It has greater insulating properties than plain lining and will provide the main fabric with increased protection against fading by the sun. For roman blinds with blackout lining we hand stab across the rods to minimise light penetration. Ivory as standard, white available on request.

Blackout Lining and Interlined
Hand sewn using the same blackout lining along with the 220gm interlining. It has greater insulating properties than plain lining and interlined and will provide the main fabric with increased protection against fading by the sun. For roman blinds with interlining with blackout lining we hand stab across the rods to minimise light penetration.

Thermal Lining
The increased insulation is achieved by a fine coating on one side of the lining that reduces drafts coming from your windows. Ivory as standard, white available on request.

Thermal Lining and Interlined
Hand sewn using the same thermal lining along with the 220gm interlining. It will have provide great insulation and substantial looking curtains.

No Lining
Useful where a light and delicate effect is sought. It must be remembered that the fabric will not be as protected from the sun as if it had a lining and thus will be more prone to fading.

Fire Retardant Blackout Lining
A 3 pass fire retardant poly/cotton blackout lining that has been treated to conform to BS5867. It should also be noted that we can supply fully treated fire retardant curtains for all our fabrics. For more information go to our hotels, schools, restaurants, pubs and care homes contract curtain page. Up to 30% discount is also available on large orders. Ivory as standard.

Energy Reflective Thermal Lining
This has the same characteristics as standard thermal lining but with the added advantage of a reflective coating that reflects heat back into the room in the winter and stopping heat entering the room in the summer. Tests have shown that this reflective property can reduce heat loss by up to 5 times when compared to standard curtain lining. In our mind it is a 'no brainer' decision opting for a reflective lining in today's high energy cost environment and helping to get to 'net-zero'. Click here to find out more about refelective lining and Thinsulate interlining.

Energy Reflective Thermal Lining and Thinsulate Interlining
The same advantages as reflective thermal lining plus the added benefit of Thinsulate interlining. Thinsulate is made by 3M and has been used in ski and expedition clothing designed to be used in extremely cold environments. Click here to find out more about refelective lining and Thinsulate interlining.

Energy Reflective Blackout Lining
This has the same characteristics as standard blackout lining but with the added advantage of a reflective coating that reflects heat back into the room in the winter and stopping heat entering the room in the summer. Tests have shown that this reflective property can reduce heat loss by up to 5 times when compared to standard curtain lining. Click here to find out more about refelective lining and Thinsulate interlining.

Energy Reflective Blackout Lining and Thinsulate Interlining
The same advantages as reflective blackout lining plus the added benefit of Thinsulate interlining. Thinsulate is made by 3M and has been used in ski and expedition clothing designed to be used in extremely cold environments. Click here to find out more about refelective lining and Thinsulate interlining.We are highly confident that the additional cost of our reflective linings will pay for themselves in a couple of years at most, as well as making you home a more comfortable place to be in and helping the environment. Staff here at Curtains Made Simple have curtains made using both the thermal and the blackout reflective lining with Thinsulate interlining. Please call us if you would like to hear about their experiences with energy reflective linings and Thinsulate interlinings.

Fabric Colours

We do our best to represent the colour and texture of our fabrics as closely as possible. However we cannot guarantee that there will be no differences between the website image and the actual fabric. Factors such as colour monitors and graphics cards can affect how the colour appears on-screen. Therefore we recommend that you order a fabric sample first.

How Do I Hang Pinch Pleat Curtains?

All of our curtains now come with hooks in place and ready to hang. For more information go to How To Hang Pinch Pleat Curtains or How To Hang Pencil Pleat Curtains.

Measuring

Measuring is probably the most important part of the whole process. It is recommended that you measure a couple of times to reduce the likelihood of error.

For more information go to How To Measure.

The link to this page will exist on the relevant web pages throughout the order process.

Pattern Matching and Fabric Joins

Curtains or roman blinds over a certain width will be made with more than one width of fabric (and thus have a vertical fabric join). In all cases we will pattern match the fabric at the join between each width of fabric, where possible.

If you have multiple sets of curtains or roman blinds on your order, we will pattern match between each set of curtains or roman blinds.

Receipt & Hanging of Curtains

Every endeavour is made to ensure that your curtains arrive in a satisfactory condition. However there is the possibility of slight creasing where the curtains have been folded. In most cases these will drop out after a few weeks. If necessary the curtains can be ironed on a cool setting on the reverse side. To minimise creasing, hang as soon as possible.

Suitability of Own Fabric

The fabric you provide must be suitable for use in making curtains or roman blinds, if in doubt ask a knowledgeable friend or send a sample to us. Before you send the fabric check that there are no imperfections and that it is not damaged in any way.

Please make sure that you send the quantity of fabric as per emailed order confirmation.

If we find a problem with the fabric we will contact you. However ultimate responsibility lies with you to ensure that the appropriate fabric of adequate quality and correct quantity is supplied.

Delivery

Delivery Time

Delivery time will be 2-4 weeks after receipt of the order or receipt of the fabric if supplying the fabric. If the fabric requested is not available at the time of order an expected delivery date will be provided. Please contat us if you have a specific delivery date request and we will see what we can do.

Delivery

Delivery will be by courier. If you are out when the courier attempts delivery, a card will be left and a subsequent delivery time can be arranged.

Returns and Cancelations

Returns

All our products are either made-to-order or cut-to-order and as a result not subject to the Distance Selling Regulations. Where incorrect measurements were provided we cannot give refunds. In all cases we will try to work with you to try and achieve a satisfactory solution to the problem.

In situations where goods fail to match the specification provided by yourselves you must contact us within 7 days of receipt of goods. On return of the goods we will inspect them. Where faulty or incorrect we will repair or alter the goods or if this is not possible a full refund will be given. If you have supplied the fabric then we will refund the cost of the fabric. We reserve the right to ask for proof of the price of the fabric.

Refunds will not be processed until after goods are returned and have been inspected.

The cost of returning goods will be reimbursed once it has been agreed that the fault lies with us.

Cancellation of Orders

Cancellation of made-to-measure (or bespoke orders) orders will result in a 100% refund if work has not started (or fabric has not been dispatched from the supplier to our workroom) on the made-to-order curtains or other bespoke products. After that only the value of the order less costs incurred up to that point can be refunded. Made-To-Measure products are by their nature unlikely to be able to be resold and therefore we are unable to give a full refund.

Cancellation of fabric only (or cut length fabric) orders where the fabric supplier has A) not dispatched B) not cut the fabric ready for shipping or C) the fabric is not print to order will result in a 100% refund. In other situations the fabric order can be cancelled depending on the fabric supplier. In most situations where the fabric order can be returned there will be a restocking / administration fee.

Payments

Payments

Payment for website orders is made using the online payment providers (Opayo or PayPal). If you need to pay by cheque or bank transfer, please contact us.

Are Payments Secure?

Yes, all payment information is processed by Opayo or PayPal. Curtains Made Simple holds no payment information. In addition all information within the checkout process is transmitted on secure webpages.

Samples

Samples

You can order samples, there is a small charge of 50p per sample. To order samples go to Order Samples.

We recommend ordering samples prior to ordering curtains etc as sometimes the image on the website is slightly different from the actual fabric.

Why do we charge for samples?... Samples are sent out by our fabric suppliers who charge us for this service. Charging for samples is a fairer way of recouping this expense rather than increasing the price of our curtains.

customer rating

Delivery excellent and the curtains packed extremely well.
Excellent service and quality. Helpful and Quick service. Excellent. Curtains made and look fab. Thank you.
Trusted Customer — 14 Feb 2024
Quick efficient and generous piece of material.
Excellent service! The website order form was clear but very detailed and informative, allowing for entry of all the...
Trusted Customer — 17 Mar 2024
very helpful and efficient service
Absolutely delighted with purchase of a roman blind. have now ordered more. Very helpful and efficient service.
Trusted Customer — 24 Mar 2024
Delivery excellent and the curtains packed extremely well.
Excellent service! The website order form was clear but very detailed and informative, allowing for entry of all the...
Trusted Customer — 17 Mar 2024

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