ETONS OF BATH EXPERTS SHARE ADVICE ON HOW TO CHOOSE FABRICS & TREATMENTS FOR GEORGIAN WINDOWS

31 Oct ETONS OF BATH EXPERTS SHARE ADVICE ON HOW TO CHOOSE FABRICS & TREATMENTS FOR GEORGIAN WINDOWS

When it comes to Georgian interiors one of the most frequently asked questions is what are the best types of fabrics and window treatments for Georgian windows? Georgian interiors are famed for their amazing large sash windows but they do come in all shapes and sizes. This often means that getting made to measure curtains or hand made curtains is the best route. Below are some top tips and advice from the curtain makers at Etons of Bath to help you find your best way to getting stunning curtains to set off your Georgian windows. If you have any questions, please contact us for a chat.

Curtains designed by Etons of Bath

Selecting fabrics for curtains and blinds is not only a daunting prospect, but also all too often a costly one if you get it wrong. Curtains that are made to measure and fitted can be expensive so it’s not just the fabric colour and pattern that is important but also its weight and composition that affect the finished look. You need to take into account the size of your windows, the ceiling height and your preferred design option whether it be hand made curtains or a Roman blind and whether you want the fabric to be interlined or black-out lined.

Drawing Room featuring curtains designed by Etons of Bath

If the fabric you choose is too heavy when combined with the lining or the track or pole you want to use, you could be heading for some major issues including sagging poles, loss of light, the finished items not neatly folding and even parts of your ceiling falling down.

As a specialist in interior design for Georgian properties, I have called upon two experts at Etons of Bath, Interior Designer Peter Higgins and Curtain Production Manager Jess Lee.

First up, Peter Higgins shares his top tips on how to choose curtain and blind fabrics for Georgian Windows:

Peter Higgins, Creative Consultant at Etons of Bath

• When considering fabrics for custom made curtains, remember to focus on imagining what the finished item will look like when installed in your room.

• If you choose heavily patterned fabrics, remember you won’t see the full pattern when the curtains are made-up (not the case when selecting Roman blinds). The larger the pattern repeat, the more waste there will be, alternatively you could have scatter cushions made to utilise the remaining fabric.

• If you like linen, make sure it’s the type that doesn’t look constantly creased, instead choose a heavier weight linen.

• Don’t be afraid of using colour and equally don’t be afraid of playing safe with neutrals. Some people are afraid of selecting silks due to potential fading due to sunlight – again this can be partially overcome by using a silk-mix, contrasting leading edges and blackout lining.

• Georgian interiors generally have large windows with beautifully crafted wooden surrounds so make sure you work in harmony with them when choosing your fabric and hand made curtains.

• No need for lavish swags and tails (although at Etons of Bath we still do them though!) instead consider wave-headed curtains with gorgeous contemporary metal or wooden poles or traditional pinch- pleated curtains.

Swags and Tails window treatment designed by Etons of Bath

• Roman Blinds can make a fantastic statement and modesty roller blinds work well too – but make sure if your window shutters still need to operate. For more ideas, see our blog post.

Selecting fabric may sound easy, but it is not all about picking the right colour to complement the wallpaper or the latest upholstery piece. Etons of Bath in-house curtain maker and Production Manager Jess Lee explains.

“ We always work closely with interior designers giving them the best possible advice when choosing fabrics and curtain treatments because from a production point of view, you need to think about the practical implications of having curtains made to measure and fitted as well as the aesthetic outcome.” Jess Lee now shares her top tips on how to choose curtain and blind treatments for Georgian Windows:

Jess Lee, Production Manager at Etons of Bath

• You may need to think twice when using heavy weight fabrics as they may not be suitable for some processes, for example with pinch pleat curtain if the fabric pleats are too bulky the delicate line of the pleats will be lost.

Triple pinch pleat curtain treatment designed by Etons of Bath

• Wave header or cartridge pleats tend to work better with fabrics such as wool and heavily embroidered Linens.

• Some fabrics such as silk velvet work better without interlining and suit a soft and drapery lining, rather than blackout. The nature of this fabric falls very elegantly so using interlining can restrict its movement. Silk velvet is best when self-lined or used with very lightweight cotton sateen.

• Some clients may think that it is impossible to install curtains for tall or wide curved bay windows. We have many specialists who can help us select the perfect track or pole that will also hold the weight of curtain. Contact us for details

• Very often with period buildings we see a lot of unusual window shapes, in this instance this is our production team visit your home to create a template for the window/s to get the perfect fit. Getting made to measure curtains done by experts in Bath can be your best approach for more difficult windows.

• On some occasions for more challenging windows, a toile may be made (a sample in a similar weight inexpensive fabric) to ensure that the measurement and drape is accurate.

• When it comes to blinds there are several types depending on the look you desire. One of the most popular is the roman blind being.

• You need to make sure that blinds are made to the with current child safety regulations.

• The speed of technology is growing, did you know that the wooden batten with draw string is barely used today?

• When it comes to pelmets and more decorative window dressings proportion is very important as the architrave of the window is carefully considered to ensure the best fit and visual balance is achieved.

For more information about how to choose your perfect fabric or blind fabric for your home, feel free to get in touch or drop in to Etons of Bath, 108 Walcot Street, Bath and see our large collection of fabric books and on-site hand made curtain and made to measure curtain workshop.