To curtain or not to curtain? That’s certainly the question.
Many households across the UK are reluctant to delve into the lavish world of premium soft furnishings and window coverings for fear of attracting dust and spider’s webs.
Yet with proper maintenance, a few strategically placed conkers and accepting the fact that creepy crawlies are par for the course wherever in the country you are, those who have been flirting with the notion of beautifully designed window coverings are sure to come over to the dark side.
There’s nothing quite as opulent as an upholstered bedframe and matching curtains in bold and beautiful colourways, and it’s more achievable than you may think.
The trick is to avoid making made-to-measure or prefabricated curtains the be-all and end-all of your search. The savviest interior designers will instead prioritise finding gorgeous fabrics before having them fashioned into sets of curtains by an expert.
In curating curtains for your home in this manner, you might find that you spend less and gain more. You will, of course, keep even more of those hard-earned savings intact if you make like a TikToker and do the job yourself. Either way, scraps can be turned into matching coasters, doilies and even lampshades.
We’ve curated a selection of the best curtain brands and fabric manufacturers in the UK to bring sumptuous, palatial furnishings to your humble abode. Keep scrolling for a kaleidoscopic range of colours and prints.
Liberty
When it comes to opulent, luxurious fabrics there’s one British retailer that comes to mind. Liberty has been printing fabrics since opening its famous doors on Regent Street London in 1875. Known in particular for fabulous, kaleidoscopic florals, ‘Liberty Fabric’ has become synonymous with miniature floral, paisley and avant-garde designs. Though it’ll cost a pretty penny to make curtains out of Liberty fabrics, you’ll have an heirloom furnishing that the grandchildren will bicker over.
Buy now, Liberty
Marimekko
Printed in Helsinki onto cotton, sateen, coated and linen fabrics, Marimekko is home to an array of bold and beautiful prints which speak to contemporary sensibilities. The Finnish design house was founded in 1951 and is known for timeless striped, checked and floral prints which bring an imaginative dopamine boost to interiors.
Buy now, Marimekko
Anthropologie
Whimsical, pastoral aesthetics is the name of the game over at Anthropologie and has been since its foundation in the early 1990s. Though you won’t get any made-to-measure options, the retailer’s array of printed curtains and voiles are surprisingly brilliant value given the quality and stunning designs. You can also browse a selection of gorgeous, unique curtain tiebacks and shower curtains.
Buy now, Anthropologie
John Lewis
A beloved one-stop shop, John Lewis is home to an array of beautiful, premium-quality curtains, blinds and voiles. Whether you’re in the market for ready-made or made-to-measure options, you’d be remiss not to give John Lewis a go for unbeatably serene mornings and evenings at home.
Buy now, John Lewis
La Redoute
If it’s options you want, it’s options you’ll get with oh-so-fancy Francais retailer La Redoute. Browse hundreds of ready-made curtains, blinds and voiles at bargain prices and your home will feel complete in no time at all.
Buy now, La Redoute
Osborne & Little
Another British manufacturer and retailer of sumptuous wallpaper and fabrics, Osborne & Little was established in 1968. It was included in the Victoria and Albert Museum's British Design 1948–2012: Innovation in the Modern Age exhibition in 2012 and its flagship store is situated in Knightsbridge. Expect palatial prints and coveted design collaborations.
Buy now, Osborne & Little
Gotain
For premium, minimalistic, farmhouse-style curtains and blinds, look no further than Gotain. We simply adore the scalloped-edge Roman blinds which are made from Spanish linen and crafted at the brand’s Swedish atelier. Not sure which fabric and colour to go for? Gotain will send you free samples of their bouclé, sheer linen, woven linen, voile, velvet and black-out fabrics.
Buy now, Gotain
Warner House
Warner House has been pioneering bold and beautiful designs for over 150 years. What sets them apart from other fabric retailers, however, is the fact that they offer made to measure curtains and blinds which can be crafted from their selection of over 600 fabrics. They are hand-sewn in Lincolnshire, crafted using traditional skills, available in a range of heading styles, and are finished with a premium eco-friendly lining.
Buy now, Warner House
Bauldry Botanicals
One for the real-life fairies among us, Bauldry Botanicals is a family-run British interior furnishing company based in Norfolk. Their almost impossibly bright floral fabrics look like something plucked straight from Wonderland.
Buy now, Bauldry Botanicals
