Choosing the Right Curtains & Blinds

How do I choose between Curtains and Blinds?

Choosing between curtains and blinds depends on the room, the amount of light and privacy you need, the available space and the look you want to achieve.

Blinds are particularly useful where precise control of light and privacy is important or where space around the window is limited. Curtains provide softness, warmth and insulation, particularly when lined or interlined.

For many rooms, combining curtains and blinds gives you the best of both. The blind provides everyday privacy and light control, while the curtains add insulation and a softer, more decorative finish.

At Vanilla Interiors, we can help you choose the most suitable option based on your window, room and requirements.

Which blinds are best for privacy?

Top-down, bottom-up blinds are an excellent choice where you want privacy without losing natural light. They allow the lower part of the window to remain covered while the upper section stays open.

Venetian and faux-wood Venetian blinds also provide excellent privacy because the slats can be tilted to control the view into the room.

Vision or day-and-night blinds offer adjustable privacy through alternating translucent and opaque sections, while blackout roller blinds provide excellent privacy when fully lowered.

The best option depends on whether you need privacy during the day, at night or both.

Vanilla Interiors does not recommend no-drill or clip-on blinds. Although they can be a convenient budget option, we believe they do not offer the quality and durability expected from a properly made-to-measure blind.

Are shutters better than blinds or curtains?

There isn’t one answer that is right for every home. Shutters, blinds and curtains each have different advantages.

Shutters provide excellent privacy and light control and can also offer good insulation and noise reduction. They are generally a more substantial and expensive option than many blinds.

Blinds offer a wide variety of styles and are particularly practical where adjustable light and privacy are important. Curtains provide softness, warmth, insulation and an enormous choice of fabrics and finishes.

At Vanilla Interiors, we can discuss the advantages of each option and help you choose what works best for your home.

Which blinds are suitable for a south-facing room?

South-facing rooms can receive strong sunlight and heat, so good light and heat control are important.

Blackout roller blinds, well-lined Roman blinds and plantation shutters can all be effective choices. Combining a blind with curtains can provide even greater control over sunlight, glare and heat.

For bedrooms, blackout performance may be particularly important, while living rooms may benefit from a solution that provides privacy without completely blocking daylight.

What blinds work best in bathrooms?

Bathrooms need window coverings that can cope with moisture and are easy to clean.

Moisture-resistant roller blinds and faux-wood Venetian blinds are both practical choices. Faux-wood Venetians also provide excellent control over privacy and daylight.

The most suitable option depends on the window, ventilation and style of the bathroom.

What’s the difference between blackout and thermal curtains?

Blackout and thermal performance are not the same thing.

Blackout lining is primarily designed to prevent light passing through the curtain, whereas thermal curtains are designed to improve insulation and reduce heat transfer through the window.

Thick curtains, particularly those with an interlining, can provide both good thermal performance and blackout characteristics. However, a thinner curtain can have blackout lining without necessarily providing the same level of insulation.

Can curtains and blinds help keep my home warm?

Yes. Curtains and blinds add another layer between your room and the window, helping to reduce heat transfer.

Thick, lined or interlined curtains can provide particularly good insulation. Fully lined Roman blinds can also help, especially when fitted close to the window.

For maximum performance, combining a blind close to the glass with curtains can provide an additional insulating layer.

The result depends on the window, glazing, blind or curtain and lining selected.

Do you visit customers at home?

Yes, although we generally encourage customers to visit our showroom first.

With thousands of fabrics available, visiting us allows you to see and compare fabrics and products in person. If you bring your measurements, we can usually provide a guide price.

If you decide to proceed, we can then visit your home to re-measure the windows and bring samples of your shortlisted fabrics with us.

Measuring & Installation

How do I measure my windows for curtains?

Accurate curtain measurements depend on the pole or track, heading style and finished length you want.

As a general rule, measure the curtain pole or track rather than simply measuring the window. If you don’t yet have a pole or track, allow additional width beyond the window so the curtains can stack clear of the glass.

Curtain fullness is also important. Depending on the heading and fabric, approximately two to two-and-a-half times the track or pole width may be required.

Because every window and curtain design is different, we recommend professional measuring wherever possible.

How do I measure for made-to-measure blinds?

First decide whether the blind will be fitted inside the window recess or outside it.

For a recess fitting, measure the width at the top, middle and bottom and record the smallest measurement. Measure the drop at the left, centre and right and again record the smallest measurement.

For an outside fitting, measure the area you want the blind to cover and allow sufficient overlap beyond the window to reduce light gaps.

Always use a steel tape measure and measure every window individually. Windows that appear identical are not necessarily exactly the same size.

If you are ordering from Vanilla Interiors, we can advise on the measurements required.

Do you offer a measuring service?

Yes. We offer a professional measuring service for customers who choose to have their curtains or blinds supplied and fitted.

We have thousands of fabrics in our showroom, so we generally encourage customers to visit us first and bring their window measurements if possible. This allows us to provide an indicative price.

If you decide to proceed, we can visit your home to re-measure the windows and bring samples of your shortlisted fabrics with us.

Can you install my new curtains or blinds?

Yes. Vanilla Interiors can fit your new curtains, blinds and other soft furnishings.

The cost depends on what is involved and the distance we need to travel. We can provide a fitting cost when we quote for your project.

What if my windows are an unusual shape?

We have worked with a very wide variety of window shapes and sizes over the years, including awkward and non-standard windows.

Bay windows, large areas of glazing, period properties and other unusual window arrangements can often be accommodated with the right combination of curtains, blinds, poles, tracks or other window treatments.

If you have an unusual window, talk to us about the options available before assuming that a standard blind or curtain will not work.

How long does installation usually take?

Installation time depends on the type and number of window coverings and the complexity of the work.

A simple roller blind can take as little as ten minutes to install, while a more complicated installation involving poles, tracks, multiple windows or heavy curtains can take several hours.

We can give you a more accurate indication when we quote for your particular project.

Made-to-Measure Curtains & Blinds

What are the benefits of made-to-measure curtains?

Made-to-measure curtains are designed specifically for your windows rather than being produced to standard off-the-shelf sizes.

You can choose the fabric, colour, lining, heading style, fullness and finished length. This is particularly valuable for bay windows, tall windows, bi-fold doors, period properties and other non-standard openings.

At Vanilla Interiors, we make our curtains, Roman blinds, pelmets and other soft furnishings ourselves at our Tadcaster premises.

Made-to-measure also gives you greater choice of specialist linings and interlinings for improved blackout, insulation and appearance.

Are made-to-measure blinds worth it?

Made-to-measure blinds are designed to fit the precise dimensions of your windows, helping them look better and operate properly.

Ready-made blinds are produced to standard sizes and may require compromises in fit. The quality of their operating mechanisms can also vary considerably.

With made-to-measure blinds, you can choose the style, fabric, colour, finish and operating mechanism to suit the individual window and your requirements.

Can I customise fabrics, colours and finishes?

Yes. One of the main advantages of made-to-measure curtains and blinds is the range of choices available.

Vanilla Interiors has access to a very wide selection of fabrics, colours, patterns and finishes. Depending on the product, you can also choose different linings, headings, trims, poles, tracks and operating systems.

We can help you narrow down the choices and find an option that works with your room and existing décor.

Can you help me choose curtains and blinds to match my décor?

Yes. We can advise on fabrics, colours, patterns and finishes that complement your existing décor.

Whether you’re looking for something traditional, contemporary, understated or more decorative, we can help you work through the choices available.

Because we have such a wide selection of fabrics, we can often find options to complement existing furniture, flooring, paint colours and other interior finishes.

How long does it take to make custom curtains or blinds?

Lead times depend on the product, fabric availability, size and complexity of the order.

As a general guide, allow approximately four to five weeks for curtains and Roman blinds and around two weeks for many other types of blinds.

If a chosen fabric or hardware component is out of stock, we will keep you informed of the expected restocking date and discuss whether you would prefer to wait or choose an alternative.

Are your curtains and blinds suitable for bay windows?

Yes. We have dressed hundreds of bay windows using different combinations of curtains and blinds.

Bay windows often require more careful planning because of their angles, recesses and individual dimensions. The best solution depends on the shape of the bay, available space and the look you want to achieve.

We can advise on the most suitable combination of blinds, curtains, poles and tracks.

What blackout options do you provide?

Blackout options are available for many different types of curtains and blinds.

Blackout roller blinds and blackout Roman blinds can provide excellent control of incoming light. Curtains can also be made with blackout linings.

For bedrooms and other rooms where maximum darkness is important, we can advise on the combination of blind, curtain, lining and fitting that will minimise light entering around the edges of the window.

Pricing & Ordering

How much do made-to-measure curtains cost?

There is no single price because the cost varies according to the size and number of windows, fabric selected and construction required.

The heading style, fullness, lining, interlining, trims and other finishing details can all affect the final price.

Rather than give a potentially misleading average price, we prefer to provide an individual quotation based on your requirements.

How much do made-to-measure blinds cost?

The price depends on the size of the window, type of blind, fabric or material, operating mechanism and any additional options.

A simple roller blind will have a very different price from a large Roman blind, plantation shutter or electrically operated blind.

Once we know your window dimensions and preferred product, we can provide a quotation.

What payment options do you offer?

We ask for a 50% deposit when the order is placed, with the remaining balance due three days before fitting.

For customers collecting their order or fitting it themselves, the balance is due on collection.

Orders under £250 are payable in full at time of ordering.

What happens after I place my order?

Once your order is placed, we will confirm the details with you.

When your order is nearing completion we will contact you to arrange a fitting date (if applicable).

If a chosen fabric, blind or hardware component is temporarily out of stock, we will keep you informed of the expected restocking date. You can then decide whether you would prefer to wait or choose an alternative.

Care & Repairs

How should I clean and care for my curtains and blinds?

Most of our curtains should be professionally dry cleaned rather than machine washed. Curtains generally only need cleaning when necessary, as excessive cleaning can cause unnecessary wear.

For blinds, regular dusting and, where appropriate, gentle wiping with a damp cloth can help keep them clean.

The correct care method depends on the particular fabric or blind material, so we can advise you on the appropriate care for your chosen product.

Can damaged blinds be repaired?

If Vanilla Interiors originally supplied the blinds, we may be able to help with repairs or replacement components.

The availability of spare parts depends on the age and type of blind, but we are always happy to assess the problem and see what can be done.

About Vanilla Interiors

Which areas do you serve?

We can make soft furnishings to your measurements and post some products nationally.

Most of our customers, however, use our measuring and fitting service. We primarily serve customers in and around York, Leeds, Harrogate, Selby, Ripon and Helmsley, although we are happy to consider larger projects further afield.

If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, please contact us.

Why should I choose Vanilla Interiors?

Vanilla Interiors has been based at our current premises since 2011, and many members of our team have been with us since then.

We make our curtains, Roman blinds, pelmets and other soft furnishings ourselves at our Tadcaster premises, giving us direct control over the manufacturing process and finished product.

At least half of our customers are either returning customers or have been recommended by existing customers. We believe this reflects the quality of our products, customer service and workmanship.

We combine traditional soft-furnishing skills with a wide choice of contemporary and traditional fabrics, made-to-measure blinds and professional fitting.

Can I read your customer reviews before booking?

Yes. The customer testimonials displayed on our website are genuine reviews from genuine customers.

You can also read our Google reviews before deciding whether to use our services.  See our Google reviews

It is worth considering that at least half of new orders come from either repeat customers or from their family and friends.