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Jul 21, 202329 Ready Made Curtains 2022: Our Pick Of The Best
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By Lucy Morgan and Lucy Smith
A chic set of ready made curtains is undoubtedly the best place to start if you're thinking about upgrading your interiors. As well as adding decorative value – whether you opt for pastel hues or tassels – the best curtains also affect the distribution of natural light in your living space, which can play a pretty significant role in your overall well-being. For some people, feeling the morning sunlight against your face is the perfect wake-up call, while for others, getting to sleep depends on submerging the room in total darkness. And whatever your preference, there's a set of ready made curtains for you, whether they're completely blackout or voile.
Gone are the arduous days of putting up with crinkly, off-white curtains – there's now an abundance of stylish ready made curtains to choose from. The best part? The process – from deciding on your curtains to actually erecting them – has never been easier. Provided you do a *tiny* bit of homework (AKA: finish reading this article), you'll be enjoying the latest addition to your interiors in no time.
Ready to do your research? We've answered the most common questions about purchasing ready made curtains, as well as rounding up our pick of the most stylish options on the market.
By Lucy Smith
There's currently no standard length for ready made curtains, as most retailers have their own specifications. This is where a metal measuring tape will come in handy: measure from your curtain pole to the floor to get an idea of the length you should be going for.
Of course, you'll need to consider whether you want your curtains to reach the floor or if you'd prefer them to stop at the window sill. Decisions, decisions. If you can't find an exact sizing match online, it's usually better to go for the larger size – you can always have them altered if you feel they're still too long.
Once you've decided on the length, or the ‘drop’, of the curtains, you'll need to consider their width. Start by measuring the total width of your curtain pole (excluding, if you have them, the ball ends). The way you measure curtain space will depend on the type of curtains you want to purchase. For example, if you want pleated curtains, it's often recommended to purchase curtains twice the width of your curtain pole so that the material gathers aesthetically. Most retailers will include a sizing guide (if they don't, run), which provide crucial guidance on how to measure for the curtains that you want.
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1. Your curtain pole: Make sure you've got one! And that it's secured above your windows in a stable position. When you're buying ready made curtains, check how you're going to attach them to your curtain pole before making a purchase. Depending on whether you've got eyelet curtains or not, you may also need to buy some hanging curtain rings – we recommend these stylish brass curtain rings, which you can buy on Amazon.
2. Quantity: Before you check out, always double-check how many ready made curtains your buying. It's very easily done to assume that one pack will contain two curtains but, quite often, they only come as singles. Vice versa, you don't want to end up accidentally buying four curtains if all you really need is two. Think of it as saving future you from an unnecessary trip to the Post Office.
3. Light distribution: Boho curtains may look super-dreamy, but – if you're someone who needs a pitch-black environment to sleep in – they're not always the answer. Be realistic about the practical requirements of your purchase, and decide on the more aesthetic elements from there.
By Lucy Morgan and Lucy Smith
Here are a selection of the most common types of ready made curtains:
Pencil pleat curtains: These are made using more fabric to create folds or ‘pleats’ that literally look like a line of pencils.
Eyelet curtains: These consist of deep folds of fabric, which run in uniform lines from top to bottom of the curtain.
Voile curtains: These are made using sheer, translucent fabric, which allows natural light to flood in while maintaining your privacy.
Blackout curtains: These are often double-lined with fabric, which completely blocks out any natural or artificial light from outside.
This totally depends on your preference. However, it's usually more practical – and dare we say, chicer – to have your curtains fall a few inches above the floor. I mean, you don't want to be lifting up armfuls of fabric every time you fancy a spring clean, do you?
That's not to say that if you do prefer curtains that touch the floor, you should be dissuaded from purchasing them. After all, super-long curtains have a certain fairy-tale feel to them. And if you change your mind? You can always get them altered, easy peasy.
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Once again, the width of your curtains will depend on which style you choose. For example, if you're buying ready-made curtains from Dunelm, they recommend distinguishing between pencil pleat curtains and eyelet curtains.
In general, your curtains will tend to be wider than your window as you'll want the fabric to gather nicely when they're drawn. According to Terry's Fabrics, “To calculate the size of curtain you require, the total width of the curtains should be no less than one and a half the width of your window."
If you want a really luxurious look, go for double the width of your window.
If you're needing inspiration, Anthropologie has an enormous collection of stylish ready made curtains to choose from (or at least stick on your mood board). Their Darby Semi-Sheer Floral Curtains, in particular, are what bohemian dreams are made of. And if staying on-trend is your main priority? You need to get acquainted with tassels, AKA the interiors trend that's blossoming over on Pinterest now. These playful Mindra Curtains (also by Anthropologie) absolutely nail the trend.
Over on Made.com, there are plenty of stylish ready made curtains that don't compromise on practicality. Take their Julius Velvet Eyelet Lined curtains, which are available in 10 different colours and only cost £100 for a pair? I mean, you can't get much much more reasonable than that.
You also can't go wrong with sticking to high street staples, John Lewis and Marks & Spencers. Our favourites are these Recycled Polyester Eyelet Sheer Panel by the former, and these glorious Bee Pencil Pleat Blackout Curtains by Marks and Sparks.
After more interiors content? Check out our pick of the best desks for small bedrooms**, the best coffee tables to elevate your living room, and the best bed frames for your bedroom. Let's not forget the kitchen; this way for cutlery sets**, kettles**, coffee machines**, and smoothie makers. Fancy a glass of wine (non-alcoholic or otherwise)? This way for our edit of drinking glasses**.
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan**, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra**.
Mindra Curtain, £88, Anthropologie
Ready to inject a much-needed dose of fun into your sanctuary? Tassled curtains are guaranteed to do the trick. These playful – yet oh-so-fashionable – cotton curtains are finished with gorgeously soft tassels, available in five (!) different colour schemes. These curtains are sold individually, so make sure to select the right quantity at checkout.
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these Anthropologie discount codes.
Julius Velvet Eyelet Lined Pair of Curtains, £90, Made.com
These velvet eyelet curtains from Made.com are the real deal: available in ten colours (we particularly love the ‘Soft Pink’ shade), two different sizes, and at the reasonable price of £100 for a pair, we're sold.
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these Made.com discount codes.
2-pack patterned cotton curtains, £24.99, H&M Home
If there's one thing we can't get enough of, it's polka dots. So it's hardly a surprise that we can't get enough of these spotted cotton curtains from H&M, which are also available with clouds, rainbows, and errm, unicorns. The best part? They're less than £25 for a two-pack (and they're going straight in our baskets).
Clever Wool Woven Herringbone Blackout Lined Eyelet Curtains, £33.75, La Redoute
If waking up to sunlight in your eyes is ~ not the vibe ~ for you, it's high time you treated yourself to some blackout curtains. These faux-wool eyelet curtains are super-cosy, timelessly chic, and – most importantly – sunlight proof. Your lie-in just got a serious upgrade.
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these La Redoute discount codes.
By Gabi Thorne
By Meg Walters
By Hayley Spencer
John Lewis & Partners Cotton Slub Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains, £100, John Lewis
You really can't go wrong with pencil pleat curtains, especially if symmetry is high on your design priorities. These cotton curtains are woven with two tones of colour, creating a chambray weave effect and instantly adding depth to your interiors. Here's the really good bit: they're available in eight different sizes and five different colours. Oh, how you spoil us, John Lewis.
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these John Lewis discount codes.
Darby Semi-Sheer Floral Curtain, £58, Anthropologie
Who says art is just for your walls? These semi-sheer curtains, which are adorned with an opulent flora and fauna scene, beg to differ. They're available in two sizes and usually arrive within a week.
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these Anthropologie discount codes.
Amber Lewis for Anthropologie Rowena Curtain, £68, Anthropologie
These curtains were designed by Amber Lewis, a “pioneer in eclectic, laidback interiors synonymous with [California's] carefree lifestyle.” If you want a piece of the LA lifestyle, the Rowena curtain – available in Ivory and Navy – is surely your best bet.
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these Anthropologie discount codes.
Jacquard Chenille Curtain, £88, Anthropologie
For buyers with a penchant for traditional styles, these jacquard blue curtains will tick all the boxes, and would look great in any mid-century style home. Now all you'll need is some curtain tie backs to finish off the look.
By Gabi Thorne
By Meg Walters
By Hayley Spencer
Antoinette Curtain, £78, Anthropologie
The lovely folks over at Anthropologie really do spoil us when it comes to interiors (and err, everything else). I mean, just look at these two-tone linen-blend curtains. Is anyone else imagining the sun streaming through them, RN?
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these Anthropologie discount codes.
2-pack blackout curtains, £99.99, H&M
With a blackout lining to help keep the light out and aid in keeping the warmth in, these H&M drapes may not be as chic as linen curtains but, unfortunately, in the UK such airy fabrics as linen aren't always practical.
2-pack multiway linen-blend curtains, £49.99, H&M Home
If you're living space is laden with soft furnishings, we have a feeling you'll love these linen and cotton blend ready made curtains from H&M. Available in two muted colours, Greige and Light Purple, they're an ideal addition to your wholesome sanctuary. They come in packets of two, so plan accordingly.
Selky Corduroy Eyelet Pair of Curtains, £85, Made.com
These curtains are made from 88% polyester and 12% nylon to create a unique corduroy finish, adding a comforting texture to your surroundings. At £75 and sold in pairs, these eyelet curtains are great value for money.
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these Made.com discount codes.
By Gabi Thorne
By Meg Walters
By Hayley Spencer
M&S COLLECTION Brushed Pencil Pleat Blackout Thermal Curtains, from £30, M&S
Thermal curtains will be extra handy in 2022-23 when the cost of living is skyrocketing, so why not opt for these budget friendly pleated ones from M&S. Available in several muted shades, as well as a deep burnt red, they're certainly cheaper than having your double-glazing topped up…
Mateu Sheer Linen Look Pair of Curtains, £39, Made.com
Protect your privacy AND let the gorgeous sunlight in with these sheer linen-look curtains – available in five pastel shades. Home delivery starts from £6 and returns are super-easy if you change your mind (which let's face it, is unlikely).
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these Made.com discount codes.
Cotton Blend Bee Pencil Pleat Blackout Curtains, £49.50, M&S
You're going to want to take a closer look at these, trust us. Not only are these pleated blackout curtains crafted from 42% cotton, but they've also got little bees embroidered onto them! BRB, can't handle the cuteness. They come in nine different sizes, so, whatever your preference, you're guaranteed bee-autiful interiors. Nope, not sorry.
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these M&S discount codes.
Single Washed Linen Eyelet Curtain in Mocha, £142, Maisons du Monde
Made of 100% washed linen, these eyelet curtains are an elegant addition to any interior design scheme. They also meet the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which means that no harmful substances (that could cause potential health risks, particularly on the skin) have been used in the manufacturing process. They're available in one size: 300cm by length x 130cm by width.
By Gabi Thorne
By Meg Walters
By Hayley Spencer
So'home Chenille Blackout Lined Eyelet Curtains, £35.40, La Redoute
We love forest green homewares and these blackout lining curtains are no exception. We'd recommend opting for them in a length long enough for them to be flush to the floor (for a more elevated look), and placing them in the cosiest room in the house. After all, if a chenille curtain fabric doesn't scream warmth, we don't know what will.
NAZIMA single tufted beige cotton eyelet curtain, £69.50, Maisons du Monde
Give your interiors a bohemian makeover with these beige cotton eyelet curtains. Not only are they embellished with a few well-placed pom-poms, but they also contain two different kinds of fabric, meaning you can really dial up the textures in your living space.
Woven Pleated Blackout Curtains, from £20, Very
Whether you're after some dusty pink or teal curtains, these Very blackout curtains are perfect for families with accident prone toddlers or pets as they're machine washable and affordably priced, should anything (ahem, sharp-nailed cats) happen to them. Plus, if you opt for any of the 165+ sizes, you'll get free delivery thrown in, too.
Save money on curtain track-friendly drapes with these Very discounts
Orla Kiely Trio Stem Pair Lined Eyelet Curtains, from £54, John Lewis
If zesty colours are your jam then this pair of curtains from Orla Kiely will be sure to brighten up rooms with muted textiles and soft furnishings, bringing a deep ochre warmth into even the most sun-starved of rooms.
Save money on curtains from our buying guide with these John Lewis discounts
By Gabi Thorne
By Meg Walters
By Hayley Spencer
Laura Ashley Alfriston Pair Blackout Lined Eyelet Curtains, from £100, John Lewis
If you fancy embracing a more traditional element of interior design, always go for checks. Case in point: these glorious Laura Ashley curtains have a homely, country feel (regardless of whether you're renting in the city or living it up in the suburbs). They could also help keep your gas bill down as they have thermal protection to stop heat escaping out of your windows.
Aasta Dual Fabric Single Curtain Panel in Linen/Velvet, £75, La Redoute
You can't get much more stylish than these ultra-modern, minimalist panelled curtains, which come in three rich shades to add another dimension to your living space. With one panel made from velvet and the other from linen, you're in for a textured treat.
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these La Redoute discount codes.
Single Jungle Printed White Eyelet Curtain, £58.50, Maisons du Monde
If you're partial to a tropical print here and there, allow us to introduce you to the latest addition to your interiors. And if the jungle pattern wasn't striking enough, keep an eye out for the gold detailing, adding another maximalist touch. Delivery starts at an all-too-reasonable £6.95.
John Lewis & Partners Recycled Polyester Eyelet Sheer Panel, £25, John Lewis
Want to let the morning sun in but don't fancy being ogled by passers-by? We got you. These sheer eyelet curtains – which are made from 100% recycled polyester – let the sun rays through without threatening your privacy. Available in three slick colours, these curtains are being snapped up so you'll need to act quickly.
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these John Lewis discount codes.
By Gabi Thorne
By Meg Walters
By Hayley Spencer
Argos Home Crushed Velvet Plain Lined Eyelet Curtains - Blue, £30, Argos
Mrs Hinch fans rejoice because yes indeed, we've found you a fair of crushed velvet cushions. Quite frankly, we're not big fans of the signature grey crushed velvet sofa fixation, but these petrol blue curtains are much more passable - perhaps offset against a linen accent chair.
Save money on eyelet top curtains and velvet curtains with these Argos discounts
Voyage Ilinizas Pair Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains, £95, John Lewis
Florals – quite simply – never miss. And neither do these ready made curtains, which feature an all-over motif of hand-painted meadow flowers printed onto a soft cotton-linen fabric and gloriously neat pencil pleats.
Save when you shop for ready made curtains with these John Lewis discount codes.
Highland Check Natural Eyelet Curtains, £75, Dunelm
You don't need to live in Scotland to appreciate traditional highland interiors, you can simply upgrade your own living space with these mega-stylish eyelet curtains, which are fashioned from heavyweight yarn and feature a luxurious brushed effect. Bonus points if you do actually live in Scotland.
Geo Foil Peacock Eyelet Curtains, £40, Dunelm
If a party at yours is akin to a party at Gatsby's, you'll need to prove it with some Art Deco curtains to get everybody talking (read: admiring your taste). These velvet-style curtains are embellished with a striking, gold foil print design. And we're absolute suckers for the symmetry.
By Gabi Thorne
By Meg Walters
By Hayley Spencer
Cath Kidston Climbing Blossom Blush Curtain, £86.87, CFS
Florals aren't for everyone, but if you're a fan of maximalist interiors, then these Cath Kidston curtains might just be the ticket for you. Made from 100% cotton and available in made to measure curtain sizes for difficult window spaces, we'd nab these up quick if we were you.
By Sophie Cockett
By Sophie Cockett
By Sophie Cockett
By Alexandra Fullerton
1. Your curtain pole:2. Quantity:3. Light distribution:Pencil pleat curtains:Eyelet curtains:Voile curtains:Blackout curtains:Best ready made curtains overall:Made.com Julius Velvet Eyelet Lined Pair of CurtainsBest luxury ready made curtains:Maisons du Monde Single Washed Linen Eyelet CurtainBest affordable ready made curtains:H&M 2-Pack Patterned Cotton CurtainsBest blackout ready made curtains:La Redoute Clever Wool Woven Herringbone Blackout Lined Eyelet CurtainsBest voile ready made curtains:Made.com Mateu Sheer Linen Look Pair of CurtainsBest pencil pleat ready made curtains:John Lewis Cotton Slub Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains. Fancy a glass of wine (Scroll for GLAMOUR's pick of the finest ready made curtains on the market:Mindra Curtain, £88, AnthropologieJulius Velvet Eyelet Lined Pair of Curtains, £90, Made.com2-pack patterned cotton curtains, £24.99, H&M HomeClever Wool Woven Herringbone Blackout Lined Eyelet Curtains, £33.75, La RedouteJohn Lewis & Partners Cotton Slub Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains, £100, John LewisDarby Semi-Sheer Floral Curtain, £58, AnthropologieAmber Lewis for Anthropologie Rowena Curtain, £68, AnthropologieAntoinette Curtain, £78, Anthropologie2-pack multiway linen-blend curtains, £49.99, H&M HomeSelky Corduroy Eyelet Pair of Curtains, £85, Made.comCotton Blend Bee Pencil Pleat Blackout Curtains, £49.50, M&SSingle Washed Linen Eyelet Curtain in Mocha, £142, Maisons du MondeNAZIMA single tufted beige cotton eyelet curtain, £69.50, Maisons du MondeAasta Dual Fabric Single Curtain Panel in Linen/Velvet, £75, La RedouteSingle Jungle Printed White Eyelet Curtain, £58.50, Maisons du MondeJohn Lewis & Partners Recycled Polyester Eyelet Sheer Panel, £25, John LewisVoyage Ilinizas Pair Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains, £95, John LewisHighland Check Natural Eyelet Curtains, £75, DunelmGeo Foil Peacock Eyelet Curtains, £40, Dunelm