Table of Contents
- Why Ready Made Curtains Are a Smart Choice
- How to Measure Windows for Curtains
- Ready Made vs Made to Measure Curtains
- Blackout Curtains for Better Sleep and Light Control
- Curtain Hanging Tips for Beginners
- Popular Fabric Types for Ready Made Curtains
- Caring for Your Ready Made Curtains
- Conclusion
Last Updated: August 30, 2026
Why Ready Made Curtains Are a Smart Choice
Ready made curtains offer a practical solution for homeowners who want to refresh their spaces without the complexity of custom ordering. They arrive ready to hang, often within days, giving you access to curated designs that interior designers have already vetted for colour, pattern, and proportion. At The Curtain and More Co, we've selected ready made curtains specifically because they balance affordability with genuine style.
Many ready made curtains come in standard dimensions that work for typical windows, eliminating gaps or excess fabric bunching. A quality pair typically costs less than the consultation fee alone for custom alternatives, letting you experiment with colours and styles without major financial commitment.
How to Measure Windows for Curtains
Measuring your windows correctly is the single most important step before ordering ready made curtains. Get this wrong, and even the most beautiful curtains will either leave gaps at the sides or pile up in excess fabric on the floor.
Measuring Width and Drop
Start with width. Open your curtains fully and measure the width of your window frame from inside edge to inside edge. For a professional look, choose ready made curtains that are 1.5 to 2 times the window width when closed. This creates fuller folds and a more tailored appearance.
Next, measure the drop (the length). Decide where you want your curtains to end: at the windowsill, just below it, or to the floor. Measure from the top of your curtain pole (or where the rod will sit) down to your chosen endpoint. This is your drop measurement.
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error is measuring from the wrong starting point. Your curtain rod won't sit at the top of the window frame; it will sit several centimetres above it. Measure from where your rod will actually be mounted, not from the frame itself.
Another common mistake is choosing curtains that are too narrow for your window. If your window is 120 centimetres wide, don't order curtains that are exactly 120 centimetres. Aim for at least 150 centimetres of fabric width to create proper fullness.
People also underestimate how much light comes through gaps at the sides. If light control matters to you, particularly for bedrooms, you need curtains that extend well beyond the window frame on both sides. Standard ready made curtains sized to your exact window width won't block light effectively.
Ready Made vs Made to Measure Curtains
Ready made curtains come in fixed sizes, typically starting at around 46 centimetres wide and going up to 300 centimetres or more. Made to measure curtains are cut to your exact specifications but take 4-8 weeks to arrive.
Ready made curtains arrive within days or weeks, making them ideal if you need window treatments quickly. A pair of quality ready made curtains from The Curtain and More Co starts at £26.99 for velvet options and ranges up to £72.00 for luxury eyelet curtains. Made to measure alternatives typically cost substantially more, often starting at £150 or higher per pair.
Where made to measure wins is in unusual window shapes or sizes. For standard rectangular windows in typical homes, ready made curtains fit properly and look intentional. The quality depends on the retailer; options like the OLIVIA ROCCO range use quality fabrics with proper lining that holds its shape through regular use and washing.
| Aspect | Ready Made | Made to Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Time | 3-14 days | 4-8 weeks |
| Cost per Pair | £26.99-£72.00 | £150-£400+ |
| Size Options | Standard widths/drops | Custom exact fit |
| Best For | Standard windows, quick turnaround | Unusual shapes, precise sizing |
| Quality Variation | Depends on retailer | Typically high quality |
Blackout Curtains for Better Sleep and Light Control
Blackout curtains block 95-99% of light, making them essential for quality sleep. Ambient light from streetlamps, car headlights, and early morning sun disrupts sleep cycles. This is why measuring generously matters, your blackout curtains need to extend beyond the window frame to eliminate light gaps.
The OLIVIA ROCCO Blackout Linen Eyelet Curtains at £30.00 offer thermal insulation alongside light blocking. The dense lining that blocks light also acts as a thermal barrier, reducing heat loss through windows and improving sleep quality.
Blackout curtains work particularly well in bedrooms, but they're useful anywhere you want to control light. Home offices benefit from reduced glare on screens, and nurseries stay darker to help children sleep through early morning light. Modern blackout options come in every colour and pattern imaginable, the Romilly Natural Blackout Eyelet Curtains feature an elegant floral design while providing complete light control.
Curtain Hanging Tips for Beginners
Hanging curtains correctly changes how they look and function. Poor installation makes even expensive curtains appear cheap and sloppy.
Choosing the Right Curtain Pole and Brackets
Your curtain rod should be sturdy enough to support the weight of your fabric without sagging. For standard windows, a solid metal rod rated for your curtain weight is essential. Most ready made curtains with eyelet headings work with rods between 25-35 millimetres in diameter.
Position brackets at least 15 centimetres above the window frame to make the window appear taller and the room feel larger. Brackets should extend 10-15 centimetres beyond the window frame on each side, allowing your curtains to fully clear the window when opened. For windows up to 150 centimetres wide, two brackets usually suffice. Wider windows need a centre bracket to prevent sagging.
Installation Steps and Hanging Height
Start by marking where your brackets will go. Use a spirit level to ensure they're at the same height. Mark the screw holes, then use appropriate wall plugs for your wall type.
Install the brackets securely. Loose brackets will wobble and eventually pull away from the wall. Tighten all screws fully. If your wall is plasterboard, use proper wall plugs rated for the weight you're hanging.
Slide your curtains onto the rod before mounting it. Make sure your eyelets slide smoothly. Mount the rod into the brackets and ensure it sits firmly without any movement. Check this with a spirit level.
Mount your rod so that your curtains just touch the floor or sit 2-3 centimetres above it. Curtains that puddle on the floor gather dust and are impractical. Curtains that stop well short of the floor look unfinished.
Popular Fabric Types for Ready Made Curtains
Fabric choice affects both appearance and function. Velvet curtains create luxury and depth, absorbing light beautifully and draping with elegant weight. The Vibrant Mustard Yellow Velvet Curtains at £26.99 demonstrate how velvet works across styles with bold colour and practical blackout function.
Linen offers a lighter, more casual aesthetic and breathes well. The OLIVIA ROCCO Blackout Linen Eyelet Curtains prove that linen can provide serious light control when properly lined.
Patterned curtains make a statement and can anchor a room's entire aesthetic. The Romilly design with its symmetrical floral pattern shows how pattern works without overwhelming a space. The Neptune Copper Fully Lined Velvet Eyelet Curtains at £55.00 showcase how geometric patterns in neutral tones create sophistication.
Consider your room's existing colours and natural light. South-facing rooms with strong sunlight suit heavier, darker fabrics that reduce glare. North-facing rooms with limited light benefit from lighter fabrics that don't absorb what little light enters.
Caring for Your Ready Made Curtains
Proper care extends the life of your curtains and keeps them looking fresh. Most ready made curtains are machine washable, which makes maintenance straightforward.
Check the care label before washing. The Vibrant Mustard Yellow Velvet Curtains can be machine washed in cold water with mild detergent, then air dried or ironed on low heat.
Dust your curtains regularly with a soft brush or vacuum attachment. For stains, spot-clean immediately with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid direct sunlight exposure for extended periods, as it fades fabric colour over time. Iron or steam your curtains after washing to restore their appearance.
Finding the right ready made curtains doesn't have to be complicated. By measuring accurately, choosing quality fabrics, and hanging them properly, you transform your windows into a genuine design feature. The Curtain and More Co makes this process straightforward with a carefully curated selection of ready made curtains that combine affordability with real quality. Whether you're looking for bold statement pieces like the Vibrant Mustard Yellow Velvet Curtains or sophisticated neutral options like the Neptune Copper Eyelet range, you'll find options that work for your space and budget.
===
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my windows for ready made curtains?
Measure the width of your window frame and the drop (length) from the top of where your curtain pole will sit to where you want the curtains to end. For most living rooms and bedrooms, measure to the windowsill or floor. Use a steel tape measure for accuracy and measure at least two points on the width and height, as windows aren't always perfectly square. Add 10-15cm to the width if you want curtains that extend beyond the frame for a fuller look and better light blocking.
Are ready made curtains as good as made to measure?
Ready made curtains offer excellent value and style without the wait time of bespoke options. Modern ready made designs come in quality fabrics like velvet and linen with proper blackout linings. The main difference is flexibility: made to measure allows precise sizing, whilst ready made comes in standard dimensions. For most homes, ready made curtains in the right size work beautifully and cost significantly less. If your windows are unusually shaped, made to measure is worth considering, but standard sizes suit the majority of homes.
How can I ensure ready made curtains will block light properly?
Look for curtains specifically labelled as blackout with a thermal lining. The OLIVIA ROCCO Blackout Linen Eyelet Curtains (£30.00) and Romilly Eyelet Curtains (£46.00) both feature blackout linings designed to block light. Darker colours may provide better light blocking than lighter shades. Ensure your curtains extend slightly beyond the window frame on both sides and use a pelmet or valance to seal gaps at the top. Proper installation is key: hang them as close to the wall as possible to prevent light leakage around the edges.
What's the best way to hang ready made curtains as a beginner?
Start by choosing the right curtain pole height: typically 10-15cm above the window frame. Use a spirit level when marking bracket positions to ensure they're straight. For eyelet curtains, simply thread the rod through the eyelets and secure the brackets. Hang curtains at floor length (2-5cm above the floor) for a finished look, or to the windowsill for a cleaner appearance. Use a stepladder for safety and have someone help you hold the rod in place while you secure it. Test the curtains slide smoothly before finalising bracket tightness.
This article was written using GrandRanker
0 comments