Our most popular frequently asked questions!
We are always happy to help answer questions over the phone or email, but here are the answers to some of the questions that we get asked every day!
What is the difference between nets and voiles?
The difference between net curtains and voile curtains is in the construction. Net curtains are generally knitted, often with a coarse yarn and mainly in white or cream, whereas voiles are woven giving a finer but more robust fabric and because of this will take a lot of embellishment, often with different coloured yarns. A few years ago there was quite a price difference between nets and voiles, nets being less expensive, but now with voiles being so popular the prices have come down and the choices of design expanded.
Measuring for a pair of Voile or Net Curtains?
To measure your window for a pair of sheer curtains is simple and almost the same process as how to measure for a single curtain as explained above.
Measure the width and drop in the exact same way, but once you have your width measurement divide this by two and then use these two measurements separately when entering into our website for gather options and prices. For example, a 100cm wide window would be halved to 50cm and this would be the number to enter in our calculator, you would then want to select that you want two of these once your gather is chosen.
If you are ordering a pair of curtains, we would recommend that you note in the “Window Name” box that the curtains going to be hung as a pair.
What’s the difference between Made-to-Measure and Ready Made Nets, Voiles and Curtains?
Made-to-measure is a bespoke service where Voiles and Curtains are essentially crafted from scratch to your specific sizes and style. Perfect for ANY sized window and offers extensive style options with a superior finish.
Readymade Voiles and Curtains are pre made items, made in set standard sizes in bulk quantities and offer great value.
Confused?! Firstly measure your window recess and consider whether readymade, standard sizes are an option to you. Secondly consider if you require any elite or bespoke details.
What is the difference between voile panels and voile curtains?
The difference between voile panels and voile curtains is that the panels are readymade at standard curtain sizes. The voile panels are usually 150cm wide, and are designed to be brought in multiples to hang side by side. Voile panels are very much suited for side curtains and for doors. Voile curtains are made-to-measure and are made from scratch to your personal window sizes, very handy for those of you with odd and random shaped windows. Voile curtains also offer you different heading options including slot top and curtain tapes.
What is “Fullness” and “Gather” in a curtain?
When we speak of gather and fullness, we are talking about the width of material in each curtain. You may notice that most window curtains do not lie flat. Traditionally nets, voiles and curtains are hung so that they fall into soft folds. The folds also know as “gather” or “fullness” are created by increasing your width 2x to 3x your flat window reveal size. There are many advantages of gathering your curtains, the most common is for greater privacy and insulation as well as for aesthetic reasons. However, it is becoming more popular to hang curtains as flat panels with latest sleek boutique fashion trends, if this is the style you desire you can easily order you flat window recess size using our order table “Exact amount”
How do I measure my windows for curtains?
We recommend you to use our easy step by step guide on how to measure your curtains. This will help you measure your window seamlessly for the perfect fit.
Can I order Samples?
We always recommend ordering samples of fabric before placing your order. We offer samples in every non ready made design. Choosing the right fabric for your sheer curtains can be a big decision and it is really beneficial to colour match in the natural light of your room.
To request samples, simply add the samples to your shopping basket from the individual product page or product listing page and checkout. You can choose up to five samples at any one time, free of charge, and delivery is just 99p.
What is the making time of your nets, voiles and curtains?
Our ‘express nets & voiles’ usually have the making time of 1-2 days. Each product page will state the making time under the design name. Our ‘made to measure nets & voiles, blinds & curtains’ all differ in making time depending on the design. Each product page will state the making time under the design name.
Our ‘ready-made curtains’ are usually despatched within 4 days or less if they are stocked in our warehouse. Each product page will state the making time under the design name. ‘Hardware and accessories’ are usually despatched within 24 hours if they are stocked in our warehouse.
The despatch time will be stated on the product page. Once your products have been made or packed you can choose express 1-2 day delivery or standard 3-5 shipping. Please note express delivery does not speed up the making time of your curtain.
Can and how do I wash net & voile curtains?
All Net Curtains, and the majority of our voiles are 100% polyester and because this is a man-made fibre, they can be washed and hung up to dry. The key point to remember is the better you look after your sheers, the longer they will last!
Manufacturers always recommend to hand wash made to measure nets and voiles, and for the best results this will always be the recommended approach.
Most modern washing machines come with hand wash and delicate cycles with lots of control over temperature, the spin and the rinse. The advice here is a guide from our experience. But washing and caring for your curtains is ultimately your responsibility so do whatever you are most comfortable with.
- Warm wash at a maximum of 30 degrees, with a ratio of approximately 1 part detergent to 30 parts water.
- Soak for 10-15 minutes and agitate with your hands.
- Empty the detergent and rinse in more warm water. Continue to re-rinse until the water runs clear.
- Gently wring out the curtains being careful to avoid creasing. You may wish to roll them up in a towel and then press on the towel to soak up excess water.
- Hang the curtains either at the window or on your line, ideally with as little creasing or pegging as possible.
Very delicate curtains can be washed in the bath using lukewarm water. When doing so the curtains must be completely covered by the water. Leave to soak for 10-20 minutes. Then knead the curtain around in the solution. After washing, hang the curtains while damp. Arrange the folds immediately to avoid formation of creases.
We do not recommend tumble drying your curtains as the excessive heat can destroy the delicate fibres.
If you know that you will need to wash your sheers regularly, then we would recommend a voile rather than a net as the denser weave and higher quality finish is generally harder wearing.
How do you hang net curtains with a slot top heading?
If you’re hanging a net or voile within the window recess, your best option is to use a curtain wire or curtain rod. Thread the wire or rod through the slot top and position it in the window. Wires have hooks that need fitting in the window. Rods by contrast either hang on hooks or use tension to hold in place. If you want to hand a voile above a window recess, then we would recommend a narrow 19mm curtain pole.
What headings do you offer?
SLOT TOP: This is the most traditional heading on net and voile curtains. The slot top is the channel in the top of the curtain that you would feed a Tension Rod, Net Rod or a Net Wire through.
Our nets & voiles come with a slot top heading as standard unless requested otherwise and Our standard slot tops are designed to accommodate a rod of up to 19mm in diameter meaning that it works perfectly with the Tension Rods, Net Rods and Net Wire that we stock
Our made to measure nets and voiles have other options
| Heading | |
| Slot Top | This is the most traditional heading on net and voile curtains. The slot top is the channel in the top of the curtain that you would feed a Tension Rod, Net Rod, or Net Wire through. Our nets & voiles come with a slot top heading as standard unless requested otherwise and Our standard slot tops are designed to accommodate a rod of up to 19mm in diameter meaning that it works perfectly with the Tension Rods, Net Rods and Net Wire that we stock |
| 2” or 3” Tape (Pencil Pleat Heading) | Available for most fabrics this is for use with a track or pole with rings. 3inch is just a deeper tape and a personal preference for some people. |
| Slot Top & Bottom | Rarely requested but useful if you don’t want the bottom to flap around e.g. on a door window. |
| Eyelet | For use with a pole, this is a contemporary heading that gives a soft wave. These need to be measured differently so are usually readymade or a custom quote. |
| Pinch Pleat/Triple Pinch Pleat | A different type of tape is used to create a pinch pleat or triple pinch pleat rather than the more conventional pencil pleat. It’s more ornate and less in fashion right now but we do get occasional requests. |
| Wave | A very lovely heading that hangs the curtain off the bottom of a specialised track in a wave. Requires specialist hardware so this is normally a custom quote. |
| 6 inch Pencil Pleat | A deeper pencil pleat for a contemporary look. |
| Hidden Tab | An alternative to an eyelet for a wave effect, is a tape that is totally covered by the curtain. |
For a complete bespoke made to measure with other heading requirements see here.
What’s the difference between express nets and voiles and made to measure nets and voiles?
Our ‘Express nets & voiles’ are available in set drops and cut to your desired width. The set drops are standard window drops. You can choose your desired gather, these all come with unfinished sides and slot top heading.
Our ‘Made to measure nets & voiles’ are made completely to your required width and drop, perfect for ‘non-standard’ window sizes. With made to measure you can choose your gather, heading type and have the sides finished to avoid fraying.
How long does Altered to Fit take?
- The product is advised with a 4-day despatch time but if it needs alterations, it would be 5 working days making time.
- The drop (length) – will be made to the one provided by the customer. This is an overall drop size from the top of the curtain to the very bottom.
- Once something has been altered – it is non-returnable.
- We can alter the drop DOWN and not up
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