Table of Contents
- Why Choose Ready Made Curtains?
- What to Look For in a Curtain Supplier
- Ready Made Curtains vs Custom Curtains: Which is Right?
- How to Measure Windows for Curtains
- Top Picks from The Curtain and More Co
- Ready Made Curtains Solihull and Beyond: Delivery Options
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Curtains
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 5, 2026
Why Choose Ready Made Curtains?
Finding the perfect window dressing shouldn't require a second mortgage or a six-week wait for a made-to-measure appointment. Ready made curtain suppliers offer a practical middle ground that most UK homeowners overlook. You get quality fabrics, proper linings, and stylish designs at a fraction of the cost of custom options, and you can hang them the day they arrive.
At The Curtain and More Co, we've built our entire range around this simple idea: beautiful windows shouldn't be complicated. A ready made curtain is exactly what it sounds like, a curtain manufactured in standard sizes and finished with headings, linings, and hems, ready to hang straight from the packet. The trade-off is choosing from set drop lengths rather than specifying every last millimetre, which suits the vast majority of standard UK windows perfectly well.
The real advantage is speed and certainty. You know the price before you buy, the fabric is already made up so you can see exactly what you're getting, and there's no fitting fee or lengthy production timeline. For anyone refreshing a bedroom on a budget or kitting out a first flat, ready made curtains are often the difference between getting the job done this weekend and putting it off for another month.
What to Look For in a Curtain Supplier
Not all ready made curtain suppliers are created equal, and the differences matter more than you might think. Before you hand over your card details, check three things: the lining quality, the heading style, and the returns policy.
Lining quality is where cheaper curtains cut corners. A proper blackout lining should feel substantial and have a slight weight to it, while a cheap one often lets light bleed through at the seams. Look for descriptions that mention thermal or blackout properties and check whether the lining runs the full length of the curtain or stops short at the hem.
Heading style affects both look and practicality. Eyelet curtains are the most forgiving for DIY hanging, since they simply thread onto a pole and create even, natural folds without needing hooks or gliders. If you're replacing old curtains, check whether your existing pole or track will suit the heading you choose.
Returns and delivery matter just as much as the fabric itself. A supplier that offers a straightforward returns process is one that trusts its own products. Ask yourself how you'll feel if the colour looks different in your living room than it did on screen, and read the delivery timescales before you commit. Many online retailers dispatch within a few working days, but it always pays to confirm.
Ready Made Curtains vs Custom Curtains: Which is Right?
The ready made curtains vs custom curtains debate usually comes down to one question: do you need a non-standard size, or will a standard drop work fine? For most UK homes, standard drops of 137cm, 183cm, and 229cm cover the overwhelming majority of windows. Custom curtains make sense for unusually tall windows, bay windows with awkward angles, or when you want a specific fabric that isn't available ready made.
What you give up with custom is control over cost and time. Made-to-measure curtains typically cost two to three times more than their ready made equivalents, and you'll wait several weeks for production. If you're on a deadline, whether that's a house move or a nursery that needs darkening before the baby arrives, ready made wins every time.
There's also the question of flexibility. With ready made curtains, you can buy one pair, try them in the room, and if they don't work, send them back and try a different colour or pattern. Custom curtains are yours the moment you order, whether they suit the room or not.
| Consideration | Ready Made Curtains | Custom Curtains |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Affordable, fixed price | 2-3 times higher |
| Lead time | Dispatch within days | Several weeks |
| Sizing | Standard drops (137/183/229cm) | Any size you specify |
| Returns | Usually straightforward | Non-refundable once made |
| Best for | Standard windows, quick refresh | Unusual sizes, specific fabrics |
How to Measure Windows for Curtains
Getting the measurements right is the single most important step when buying from ready made curtain suppliers. Measure the width of your curtain pole or track, not the window itself, and remember that the curtains should be one and a half to two and a half times that width for proper fullness. A common mistake is buying panels that are too narrow, which leaves gaps when the curtains are closed.
For the drop, measure from the top of the pole (for eyelet curtains, measure from where the rings sit on the pole) down to where you want the curtain to finish. For floor length, aim for about 1cm above the floor to avoid dragging. For sill length, finish about 1cm above the sill. Standard drops are 137cm for sill length, 183cm for below the sill, and 229cm for floor length in most rooms.
Write your measurements down before you browse. It saves endless second-guessing and helps you filter options quickly. If you're between two drop sizes, it's usually better to size down slightly and accept a small gap at the floor than to have fabric pooling on the carpet, which collects dust and looks untidy.
Top Picks from The Curtain and More Co
Our own range at The Curtain and More Co covers most of the styles UK homes actually want, from light-filtering cottons to serious blackout velvets. Every pair is supplied ready made, so what you see is what hangs on your pole.
For bedrooms where sleep quality matters, the OLIVIA ROCCO Leaf Natural Sparkle Blackout Curtains at £32.00 deliver complete darkness with a contemporary leaf pattern that suits Scandi and earthy interiors. The natural tone works alongside creams, linens, and warm woods without shouting for attention.
If you need a larger drop, the OLIVIA ROCCO Blackout Linen Eyelet Curtains at £30.00 offer the same serious light blocking in a 229cm drop, ideal for taller windows and French doors. The thermal lining helps keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer, which makes a real difference to energy bills.
For a budget-friendly option that doesn't feel cheap, the Joydeco Blackout Curtains for Bedroom at £16.99 block out 85-95% of sunlight with a triple weave technology, and the greyish white tone is versatile enough for any room.
Prefer a natural, timeless look? The Hebden Natural Striped 100% Cotton Eyelet Curtains at £38.00 bring a classic woven stripe and a room-darkening lining that adds privacy without full blackout. The 100% cotton fabric breathes well and washes beautifully at 30 degrees.
And for those who want a touch of luxury, the Neptune Copper Fully Lined Velvet Eyelet Curtains at £55.00 pair a sumptuous cut velvet with a contemporary geometric design. Fully lined for a beautiful drape, they bring warmth and sophistication to living rooms and dining spaces alike.
Ready Made Curtains Solihull and Beyond: Delivery Options
The phrase "ready made curtains solihull" often comes up when local shoppers search for curtains they can collect quickly. While we're an online-only business, our delivery covers the whole of the UK mainland, including Solihull and the wider West Midlands. Ordering online from a specialist supplier often gives you access to a far wider range than you'd find in a single local shop.
Delivery times vary by product, but most ready made curtains dispatch within a few working days. If you're on a tight deadline, such as moving into a new flat or preparing a room for guests, check the estimated delivery date before ordering. Many of our customers are pleasantly surprised by how quickly standard sizes arrive.
What you gain from an online specialist is the depth of range. A local shop might carry a dozen patterns; an online retailer can carry hundreds. That means you're far more likely to find the exact colour, fabric, and size you need without compromising on style.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Curtains
The first mistake is buying panels that are too narrow. A single pair of 117cm-wide panels will not cover a 150cm window properly, no matter how you arrange them. Always measure your pole width and multiply by 1.5 to 2.5 to find the total fabric width you need.
The second mistake is ignoring the lining. Curtains that look lovely in daylight can be useless at night if the lining is thin. If you're buying for a bedroom, prioritise blackout or thermal linings over pure aesthetics. You can always add a separate blackout blind behind a lighter curtain if you fall in love with a fabric that isn't lined.
The third mistake is forgetting to check the care instructions. Some fabrics are dry clean only, which adds hidden ongoing costs. Machine washable curtains at 30 degrees are far more practical for family homes, especially in kitchens and children's bedrooms.
Finally, don't underestimate the difference a proper iron or steam makes. Ready made curtains often arrive with creases from packing. Hang them promptly and give them a gentle steam, and they'll drop beautifully within a day or two.
Conclusion
Ready made curtain suppliers offer the ideal balance of style, quality, and value for most UK homes. You avoid the wait and expense of custom making, while still getting fabrics and linings that transform a room. Measure your windows properly, check the lining quality, and choose a supplier with a sensible returns policy.
At The Curtain and More Co, our family-run team has carefully selected a range of ready made curtains and bedding that makes refreshing your home simple and affordable. From blackout eyelets for better sleep to luxurious velvets for a statement look, every pair is chosen for quality and style. Browse our collection and find curtains that fit your windows, your budget, and your taste. Shop ready made curtains and see the difference a well-dressed window makes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ready made curtains as good as custom-made?
For most windows, yes. Ready made curtains offer excellent quality at a fraction of the cost of made-to-measure options. Modern manufacturing means you get neat stitching, proper linings and good fabric choices. The key is measuring accurately and choosing the right width for fullness. Custom curtains only become necessary for unusually shaped or oversized windows where standard sizes won't fit properly.
How do I measure for ready made curtains?
Measure the width of your curtain pole or track, not the window itself. For eyelet curtains, the pole width is your starting point. For proper fullness, your curtains should measure 1.5 to 2 times the pole width. For drop, measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtains to end, whether that's the sill or floor. Always double-check measurements before ordering.
What is the difference between pencil pleat and eyelet curtains?
Eyelet curtains have metal rings built into the header, so they slide directly onto a curtain pole. They create deep, even folds and are quick to hang. Pencil pleat curtains have a tape header with gather strings, giving a traditional gathered look. They work with both poles and tracks. Eyelets suit modern interiors and poles up to 32mm diameter, while pencil pleats offer more flexibility.
How do I choose the right fabric for my curtains?
Think about the room's purpose first. For bedrooms, blackout or thermal fabrics block light and help regulate temperature. Velvet adds warmth and luxury, ideal for living rooms. Cotton and linen blends offer a relaxed, natural look that suits most spaces. Consider the lining too, a fully lined curtain drapes better and lasts longer. Machine washable fabrics are practical for busy households.
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