BUYING GUIDES

Curtains & blinds: Style Guide

If you’re looking to update your home interior, consider investing in new blinds or curtains. At Next, we offer ready-made and made-to-measure curtains and blinds so that you can find the perfect style for your space. We've got so many fabrics available, whether you want to add bold pops of colour, a fun print, or tie a room together with muted neutrals.
 

Our style guide covers everything you need to know when shopping for new curtains or blinds, including the various styles and materials to choose from.

Types of curtains and blinds
 

The type of blinds or curtains you choose will depend on the space you’re working with, as well as your design preference. For example, full-length bay window curtains can add a striking feature to your living room, while blackout blinds offer more privacy, making them best suited to bedrooms and bathrooms.
 

Once you’ve made your decision between curtains and blinds, the next step is to measure your window, then consider whether either our collection of ready-made options or our made-to-measure service is best for your space.

Ready-made curtains and blinds:

At Next, we offer ready-made curtains and blinds in a range of sizes so that you can find the right fit for almost any window. With plenty of designs and fabrics to choose from, ready-made blinds and curtains can still be made your own!

Made-to-measure curtains and blinds:

With our made-to-measure service, you can fully customise your curtains or blinds to fit any window. This service is ideal for trickier spaces where ready-made styles may not be suitable.

Styles of curtains

Once you’ve measured up for your curtains, choosing the style and header type is the next step in the design process. This is a crucial stage, as it will determine how the finished result will look.

Eyelet curtains:

Eyelet curtains are only compatible with curtain poles. Each eyelet has a 4cm diameter, which the pole is threaded through to create a waved effect in the fabric. Eyelet curtains are a popular choice for bedroom curtains and living room curtains. Choose a full-length design to add a cosy and luxurious feel to any space.

Pencil pleat curtains:

Pencil pleat curtains can be installed on curtain tracks or poles. Gathered fabric at the top cascades down to create wide pleats, making this style perfect for your living room, dining room and bedroom.

Styles of blinds

After measuring your window space and deciding whether to fit your blinds inside or outside the recess, it’s time to choose the right style. With plenty of options available at Next, you’ll be sure to find the perfect solution for any room.

Roman blinds:

Roman blinds will add a luxurious feel to any room and are one of the most versatile styles. They work well in bedrooms and living spaces but aren’t advised for humid areas like kitchen and bathrooms as they are harder to clean.

Roman blinds can be made with thicker linings and fabrics than roller blinds, making the room feel cosier. They’re easy to operate and fold up neatly when raised using the pull cord.

Roller blinds:

Roller blinds are popular in many homes, perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, living rooms, and bedrooms. They come in various fabrics, including easy-to-clean PVC and blackout material. You can install roller blinds alongside curtains to reduce light in bedrooms.

Venetian blinds:

Venetian blinds are ideal as kitchen blinds or in bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and hallways. These wooden blinds have horizontal slats which can be tilted or raised to let light in as required. However, they aren’t as efficient at preventing light entering as other styles, so it’s best to avoid Venetian blinds in bedrooms.

Vertical blinds:

Similar to Venetian blinds, vertical blinds are great for adding privacy to French doors or longer windows in hallways. They can be made from fabric, allowing them to overlap better and keep the light out.

Material & lining options:

Choose from different materials, colours and patterns to suit your home interior. Some curtains and blinds are better suited to certain fabrics. For example, roller blinds often require thinner fabrics like cotton to roll up effectively. There's also plenty of options for lining your curtains or blinds. Whether you want blackout blinds or soft, diffused light, we’ve got you covered.


Lined:

Most blinds and curtains are lined with a lightweight fabric to keep light out and heat in. Our standard lining also helps protect the curtain fabric from fading due to sunlight.


Blackout thermal:

Blackout thermal lining is essential for bedrooms, helping you get a good night’s sleep. This medium-weight lining helps regulate temperature year-round and keeps the room dark at night.

Sheer:

Sheer fabrics can diffuse direct sunlight whilst offering some privacy. You can layer sheer curtains underneath your chosen drapes to create a multi-dimensional look. Draw both sets in the evening, then keep the sheer curtains drawn during the day.

Cotton:

Cotton is an excellent choice for any style of blinds or curtains. Available in various colours, prints and textures, you can be sure to find a design you love at Next!


Velvet:

Velvet is better suited to curtains or Roman blinds, as it’s much thicker than cotton. Choose velvet fabric in a rich shade to add a luxurious feel to any room.

 

Chenille:

Chenille is the perfect mid-weight fabric for any curtains or Roman blinds. The woven texture adds depth and structure to your drapes.

Soft velour:

Like velvet, soft velour is best for curtains or Roman blinds. This luxurious fabric is available in various shades and will make any room feel cosy.

Finishing touches:

Once you’ve installed your new curtains or blinds, remember to add the finishing touches to the room with poles, tie-backs and complementary accessories.

Poles:

Curtain poles can complement your chosen fabric and help frame the window. Consider the material and design to find the perfect match.

Tie-backs:

Curtain tie-backs aren’t just practical. They can also add a unique design feature to your curtains, creating a draped effect. Available in various materials, you can match your curtain holdbacks to your chosen fabric or opt for a contrasting shade.

Cushions & throws:

Bring together your whole design with cushions and throws to compliment your new curtains or blinds. Choose shades and prints to match your new drapes, or why not introduce a bold pop of colour?