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  • How to Clean your Curtains: A complete guide for made-to-measure fabrics

    Made-to-measure curtains are a fantastic investment, tailored perfectly to fit your windows and crafted from high-quality fabrics. Treated and maintained well, and kept in the right conditions, they should last you a good 20 years or longer! However, to keep your curtains looking beautiful, they may need occasional cleaning depending on how easily dirty they get. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to clean your made-to-measure curtains from Cornish Curtains.   1. Dusting and Vacuuming Curtains Before spot cleaning, start with a thorough dusting with a feather duster to reach the highest parts or a lint roller for lower areas. A very light vacuuming can help to remove surface dust, dirt, and pet hair. Use the upholstery or soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently clean the curtain fabric. This prevents dirt from building up and helps maintain your curtains' appearance. Be cautious not to pull too firmly on the fabric, as this can cause wear. Concentrate your efforts on the heading area as this will collect the dust more easily. Using a step ladder to get to this area can help but be cautious to not pull on the pole or curtains.   2. Spot Cleaning Curtains for Small Stains Spot cleaning is the ideal method for removing individual stains on your curtains. Use warm (not hot) water and a soft cloth to gently dab the stained area. Treating the stain as soon as possible will help the stain to not permanently set. Always test the solution on a small, discreet part of the curtain first to make sure it doesn’t harm the fabric. Always follow the cleaning solution instructions on the back of the bottle for best use. After cleaning let the area air dry with good ventilation in the room.   3. Dry Cleaning Your Made-to-Measure Curtains Proper made-to-measure curtains (and not the cheap ones you see online), are dry clean only, meaning they should NOT be washed at home. If you are unsure, always check with us before, and take them to a professional for the best results. Inform the dry cleaner of any specific stains so they can treat them with care.   4. Machine Washing Curtains Machine washing is NOT recommended for any Made-to-Measure curtains. This is because the lining and the face fabric are made from different fabric compositions, so when washed, the fabrics will shrink at different rates.  The curtains will become distorted and may no longer hang or fit perfectly as when originally bought.   5. Preventing Mould on Curtains Preventing mould is essential to keeping your curtains and windows clean. Once mould sets in curtains, the stain cannot be removed. Mould can be avoided with a few simple steps: Ventilate regularly : Open windows daily to promote airflow and reduce condensation. Clear moisture : Use a window vacuum to remove excess moisture from damp windows. Keep windowsills tidy : Avoid clutter on windowsills and wipe underneath items frequently. Use a dehumidifier : Placing a good dehumidifier near your windows can help control moisture and reduce the risk of mould. Wall treatment : Ensuring no dampness is coming through your walls by repairing, fixing or properly insulating them.   6. Using Steam to Remove Wrinkles A handheld steamer can be a great tool for freshening up curtains and removing any creases. Carefully follow the steamer instructions and avoid getting too close to the fabric, working very lightly. Steam cleaning can help maintain the smooth appearance of your curtains, making them look fresh and well-kept. We do not recommend using a steamer on linen based fabrics as they absorb moisture easily which can distort the fabric, causing it to drop. The same also applies for if you choose a linen based fabric and have a high humidity environment or damp walls as the fabric can drop or move.     7. Freshening Curtains with Febreze Adding a light spray of Febreze to your curtains can keep them smelling fresh as part of your regular cleaning routine. Be sure to spray from a safe distance, at least 1m away and follow the bottle instructions to avoid oversaturation.

  • Poles and Tracks Explained: How to choose the right one for your interior

    When it comes to curtains and blinds, everyone loves talking about the fabric, the design, the colours. But let’s give some credit where it’s due—those trusty curtain poles and tracks, the unsung heroes of every beautiful window dressing! Think about it, without poles and tracks, your lovely curtains would just be… well, fabric on the floor. So, let’s dive into why these humble fixtures deserve a standing ovation. Curtain Poles: The Stylish Backbone of Your Drapery First up, curtain poles. They’re not just a piece of metal or wood holding up your curtains—they’re a statement! Whether sleek and minimal or ornate and decorative, the right pole can elevate your window dressing from “nice” to “wow.” Material Matters Wood, metal, or even acrylic—curtain poles come in a variety of materials to suit any style. Wooden poles offer a warm, classic feel (think oak or mahogany), perfect for traditional homes. Metal poles, especially in brushed nickel or matte black, are fantastic for modern, industrial vibes. Metal poles in white, like the Silent Gliss ones offer an understand elegance, blending seamlessly into your home interior. But What About Size? Size is critical when it comes to curtain poles. A general rule of thumb is that your pole should extend 15-30 cm beyond the window frame on either side (dependant on curtain width of course). This ensures that when your curtains are open, they don’t block any light. And don’t forget the diameter—thicker poles (around 35mm or more) need to be used for heavy, lined curtains, while slimmer poles work for lighter fabrics like voiles. Curtain Tracks: The Silent Workhorse of the Window World If curtain poles are the showstoppers, curtain tracks are the behind-the-scenes crew making sure everything runs smoothly. Tracks are perfect for minimalists or those who prefer their hardware to blend into the background and show off the curtains. Silent Gliss tracks create a minimalist, seamless look, making the track disappear into the ceiling while allowing the curtains to glide effortlessly. This gives spaces a sleek, uncluttered feel, especially when using modern heading systems like the wave system Flexible Friends One of the best things about curtain tracks? They’re incredibly versatile. Got a bay window? No problem! Aluminium Swish tracks and plastic tracks can be bent to fit any awkward angles, ensuring your curtains hang perfectly from end to end. And let’s not forget about ceiling-mounted tracks—they’re ideal for a sleek, contemporary look or for creating room dividers. Got a bay window with 5 bend points?- No problem! Depending on your curtain weight, heading and available space to fit the track, we would recommend an aluminium Swish track for a cheaper option or a Silent Gliss track for a more premium durable option. Smooth Operator Curtain tracks are built for efficiency. With gliders or rollers that ensure smooth opening and closing, they’re ideal for heavy drapes or curtains that need to be drawn frequently. Whether motorised (fancy!) or manual, curtain tracks offer functionality that poles just can’t match. Specifically, Silent Gliss, with their new Swiss engineered 2C gliders, are the best on the market for being known as smooth operators, we have clients who come to us and say they still have their Silent Gliss tracks after 25 years and they still work perfectly! Poles vs. Tracks: How to Choose So, poles or tracks—which one is right for you? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide: Style Matters : If you want your window dressing to make a statement, go for a curtain pole. If you prefer something discreet and functional, a curtain track is the way to go. Space Considerations : Poles are best suited to windows with plenty of surrounding wall space, while tracks are perfect for bay windows or areas with limited space. Weighty Issues : Heavy curtains often require tracks to ensure smooth operation, especially with linings like blackout or thermal. Lighter curtains? A pole will do just fine. Accessories Make All the Difference Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s not forget the accessories that truly finish the look. Curtain rings, holdbacks, finials—these little details can make or break your window dressing. Finials: The Crown Jewels of Curtain Poles Finials are the decorative ends of your curtain pole, and they come in all shapes and styles. From sleek and minimal ball finials to more decorative options like crystal or leaf-shaped designs, they add that final touch to your curtain pole. It’s like adding a great pair of shoes to an outfit—suddenly everything looks more polished. Tiebacks and Holdbacks Tiebacks and holdbacks aren’t just functional; they’re a style statement. Opt for fabric tiebacks for a softer, more traditional look, or go for metallic holdbacks for something more structured and modern. Either way, they’re perfect for letting natural light flood in while showing off your curtains in their full glory. Why It All Matters: The Final Word on Poles and Tracks You might be thinking, “Why do I need to spend so much time choosing poles and tracks?” Well, because they are crucial to how your window dressings look and function. The wrong choice can lead to sagging curtains, difficult-to-use tracks, or even ruining the look you’ve worked so hard to create. A good pole or track not only supports your curtains but also enhances the overall style of your room. It’s like the foundation of a house—without it, everything falls apart. At Cornish Curtains , we offer a wide range of poles and tracks to suit any window, fabric, or style. From traditional wooden poles to sleek modern tracks, we’ve got everything you need to bring your window dressing dreams to life. So, let’s give those unsung heroes their due. The next time you’re choosing your curtains or blinds, spare a thought for the poles and tracks holding everything together—literally! References: Smith, R. (2023). Curtain Pole Sizes Explained . Home Interiors Journal. Turner, L. (2022). Why Curtain Tracks Are Perfect for Bay Windows . Window Dressing Today.

  • How to fix your Blind Breakaway Safety Chain

    For Health and Safety regulations nowadays, if you have a holiday let or for contract purposes a Breakaway Chain must be supplied. The video below shows how you can easily pop it back in should the blind chain be pulled very suddenly and it breaks away.

  • How to Fix a Roman Blind child safety clip

    For health and safety reasons nowadays, Roman Blinds are fitted with breakaway clips. Here our fitter John shows how to clip in the little toggle at the back of a Roman Blind if the child safety clip comes out.

  • Curtain Heading Types: How to choose the right one for your interior

    Choosing the right curtain heading can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your living space. From the graceful waves of the modern Wave heading to the timeless style of Pencil Pleat, each style brings its unique charm. In this guide, we'll explore popular curtain heading types—Wave, Pencil Pleat, Double Pinch, Triple Pinch, 6 Inch Pencil Pleat, and Eyelets—and help you discover the perfect fit for your home. In this blog we will explore the 6 most popular curtain headings. Wave Heading: Sleek Elegance The Wave heading offers a modern and sleek appearance. Known for its uniform, continuous wave-like folds, this style is perfect for contemporary interiors. The fabric drapes effortlessly, creating a minimalist and sophisticated look. The curtain stacks back nice and tight and neat which is perfect if you are wanting uniformity or have a smaller space for your stack back. Wave depths are available in 80mm or 60mm, but 80mm is the usual. 2. Pencil Pleat: Timeless Tradition Pencil Pleat is a classic heading style that never goes out of fashion. Characterised by tightly gathered folds, this traditional look suits various interior styles. The usual standard choice for curtain headings, it's a versatile choice that adds a touch of timeless elegance to any room. 3. 6 Inch Pencil Pleat: Contemporary Classic A modern twist on the traditional Pencil Pleat, the 6 Inch Pencil Pleat offers a wider, more relaxed gathering with a longer pleat heading. This style strikes the perfect balance between classic and contemporary, providing a fresh and updated look. 4. Double Pinch: Dimensional Drama For those seeking a more traditional, textured and detailed look, the Double Pinch heading is an excellent choice. With two pleats gathered closely together, this style adds depth and dimension to your curtains, creating a visually appealing focal point. It can look great in the right setting for Georgian style houses or houses with high ceilings/floor length curtains or more traditional interiors with lustrous curtain fabric. 5. Triple Pinch: Opulent Sophistication Elevate your decor with the opulence of Triple Pinch heading. Featuring three closely spaced pleats, this style exudes sophistication and grandeur. Ideal for formal spaces, Triple Pinch adds a touch of luxury to your windows. Bear in mind that triple pinch headings require more fabric so this will add on a bit extra to your made to measure curtain price. This style of heading is also puffier and the stack back will be more full, so less suitable where stack back space is limited. 6. Eyelets: Effortless Chic Eyelet curtains are defined by the metal rings punched into the fabric. This contemporary heading type offers a clean and uncluttered appearance, making it an excellent choice for a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Eyelets stack back neatly like the wave heading type and are particularly popular for modern children's bedrooms or modern lounges. These are not the only heading styles to choose from, but these are the most popular styles. More recently the Swiss Pleat heading has become more popular for voiles and sheers for a minimal and clean look. Goblet headings also have their charm but are usually wanted for very traditional style curtains in stiffer fabrics. The curtain heading you choose can transform your space, reflecting your personal style and enhancing the overall ambiance. Consider the architectural features, decor theme, and your desired atmosphere when selecting the perfect heading type. Whether you opt for the timeless tradition of Pencil Pleat or the modern allure of Wave, each heading type brings its own unique character to your home, making every room a reflection of your style and taste.

  • Why choose Interlining for your Curtains or Blinds?

    Welcome to our little corner of Falmouth, your go-to made to measure blinds and curtains shop in Cornwall! At Cornish Curtains we understand the importance of creating a warm and inviting home, especially during the cold months. Thats why today, we want to shed some light on a crucial element in your window treatments: interlining. Specifically, we'll be exploring the benefits of bump interlining and how it can keep your heating costs down while enhancing the drape of your curtains and the beauty of your space. First things first, why should you consider custom-made curtains? Well, when you opt for custom window treatments, you're not only investing in the aesthetics of your home but also ensuring a perfect fit, superior quality and a product made specifically for your requirements. Our local curtain shop in Falmouth takes pride in offering tailored solutions that cater to your unique needs and style preferences. The Importance of Interlining Interlining is the hidden hero behind your curtains and blinds. It's the layer between the decorative fabric and the lining, and its primary function is to enhance the performance and appearance of your window treatments. Interlining plays a pivotal role in insulation, light control, and longevity, making it a crucial choice for every homeowner. Bump Interlining: Your Ultimate Thermal Barrier When it comes to interlining, bump interlining stands out for its exceptional thermal properties. As a proud provider of high-quality drapery fabrics in Cornwall, we recommend bump interlining to our customers looking to make their homes cosier and more energy-efficient. Here's why: Superior Insulation: Bump interlining is known for its thickness, which provides excellent insulation against the cold. By trapping warm air and preventing drafts, it helps maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Studies show that 30% of heat is lost through our windows, so choosing interlining can really help with keeping the warmth in and the cold out. Energy Savings: Investing in bump interlining can result in substantial energy savings. You'll find yourself reaching for the thermostat less often, ultimately reducing your heating costs. Elegance and Fullness: Beyond its thermal benefits, bump interlining also adds fullness and opulence to your curtains and blinds, creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere and enhancing the drape of your curtains. Year-Round Comfort: While bump interlining shines in the colder months, it's also effective in regulating the temperature during the summer. It helps block out excessive heat, keeping your home comfortable year-round. Expert Advice and Installation Please also bear in mind that interlining does create a heavier curtain so you will need the right track or pole to ensure that it can withstand the weight of the curtain. Choosing the right pole or track and interlining can be a daunting task, but you don't have to go through it alone. Our team at Cornish Curtains is here to provide interior design advice in Falmouth, ensuring you make the best choice for your space. We offer top-notch installation services, so you can trust us with your entire project. Made to Measure Blinds in Cornwall and More While we specialise in custom-made curtains, our offerings extend to made to measure blinds in Cornwall as well. We offer Roman Blinds, Vertical Blinds, Venetian Blinds and Roller Blinds. If you are wanting motorised options for your project we can also do motorised blinds by Luxaflex or motorised tracks for curtains. Whether you prefer curtains, blinds, or a combination of both, we have the perfect solutions to suit your style and budget. In summary, the right interlining can make a world of difference in the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Bump interlining, with its thick thermal properties, is an excellent choice for Falmouth residents looking to stay warm and cozy while keeping heating costs down. The improved drape and fullness of the curtains or blinds adds to the high quality look of the curtains. Visit our Falmouth window treatment store today to explore our wide range of fabrics and interlining options, and let us help you transform your living space into a haven of warmth and beauty.

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