Where did you get (heavy) curtains for windows??

selfbuildache

Ok, I know this looks like it should be in Home Decoration or something (which I tried) but if it's ok, I thought I might get some recommendations here from people with airtight/well insulated houses, where there's a need for 'better' curtains .

We have a 'passive' house with no cental heating and large, southfacing windows. I need to get curtains for some large, odd shaped windows. Seems I need a fitter first before going near a shop.

We're in the west. Can anyone recommend fitters or curtainmakers?
Also, what types of curtains did people get? (Type of material? How many layers? etc.) (Or did you get something else altogether??) Not sure where to start with all this and the couple of shops I called into weren't much use...

muffler

Moved form Renewable Energies to Interior Design and Decoration.

Do-more

I didn't purchase any yet, but I did come across heavy curtains intended as blackout curtains for home cinemas when searching for something else on ebay, they looked like a good option for reducing winter time heat losses through the windows.

They were long drops but in standard sizes so I'm not sure if they will suit, might be worth doing a search yourself to see if you can find something that will suit.

They weren't expensive but it's probably advisable to purchase some samples first.

2 stroke

Your nearest curtain maker is the person for this, as its the type of thing where a home visit is invaluable. Word of warning though, there is a reason that most houses have normal shaped windows. How about some pics?

paddy147

Rose Taylor Curtain Designs.

selfbuildache

Thanks for replies.
Do-more: I'll def get on to Ebay and see what they have - that sounds like a great idea.
2 stroke - I've no idea who my nearest curtain maker is so I guess I was looking for recommendations. I've attached pics of the windows. In fairness, the kitchen window was a 'mistake' - they had to raise the pitch of the roof during the build and no one spotted that the window would go up with it!
Ideas as to how to get curtains to hang off it would be great, although a fitter is to come out to have a look.
Paddy147 - i'll def look them up

2 stroke

Its possible to do something rather nice with the bedroom, I suggest leaving the curtains permanently closed at the top, and open them by tying them back, google triangle shaped curtains for some ideas.
I'm afraid the kitchen window needs to go back to the drawing board. Some concrete blocks would be useful. Think what your curtain would look like open. The bottom of the curtain would raise above the window sill, or if pulled to the lower side would drag the floor. Also is that an rsj covered with plasterboard over head? If you buy heavy curtains you need something sensible to hang them from.
If you realy want 'better' curtains, get interlining and blackout lining, quite bulky and heavy, but very insulating.

selfbuildache

2 stroke wrote: »

Think what your curtain would look like open. The bottom of the curtain would raise above the window sill, or if pulled to the lower side would drag the floor. Also is that an rsj covered with plasterboard over head? If you buy heavy curtains you need something sensible to hang them from.
If you realy want 'better' curtains, get interlining and blackout lining, quite bulky and heavy, but very insulating.

Thanks for the ideas, especially re. the interlining and blackout, as this is my main concern. With the kitchen window I'm hoping to be able to bring the curtain over to the left where there's plenty of wall space 'jutting out' from the window (coming into the room). Dunno if you can get a rail to bend around to the wall.... having the shorter end just dangling is fine by me.
I'm going looking up fitters tonight and hopefully can get ideas with a visit or two, if not too expensive.
Thanks again.