When deciding on window dressings for my new home, it didn’t take me all that long to figure out that ready made curtains are the way to go. As well as requiring far less faff and financial commitment than your typical tailor-made drapes, I’ve had no issue making ready made curtains work for every window in my home — even the floor-to-ceiling box bay windows in the living room.
Essentially, a chic set of ready made curtains is an easy place to start if you’re thinking about upgrading your interiors. From lightweight voiles that’ll provide privacy while still letting in sunlight, to weighty thermal or blackout drapes made with a rich and luxurious velvet fabric, there’s guaranteed to be a set of ready made curtains for you — whatever your budget, design preferences, and size requirements.
Ready to say goodbye to the hefty price tag that comes with made to measure curtains? We’ve rounded up a selection of our favourite options currently on the market, and also answered some key FAQs about all-things ready made curtains, below.
SKIP TO: What types of ready made curtains are there? | What lengths do ready made curtains come in? | What is the best material for curtains? | Our full reviews.
The best ready made curtains at a glance:
What types of ready made curtains are there?
Pencil pleat curtains: As the name suggests, pencil pleat curtains are made by using more fabric to create folds or ‘pleats’, that look like lines of pencils. A classic style of window dressing — and still one of the most popular — they’re usually attached to the curtain tracks or rail using hooks, which you’ll generally need to purchase separately.
Eyelet curtains: Sometimes referred to as ‘ring top curtains’, eyelet curtains have rings sewn into their header material that the rail can run directly through. Requiring no curtain hooks for assembly, or cords for opening and closing, they’re generally seen as the easiest kind of curtains to both install and operate.
Tab top curtains: Another one that’s pretty self-explanatory, tab top curtains have loops of fabric at the top that wrap around the curtain rail. They don’t require hooks, and sometimes even have hidden poppers or buttons for easier removal.
What lengths do ready made curtains come in?
There’s currently no standard length for ready made curtains — as most retailers have their own specifications. So, getting out the measuring tape is key if you’re going in search of the perfect match for your space.
Of course, you’ll need to consider whether you want your curtains to reach the floor or if you’d prefer them to stop at the window sill. Decisions, decisions. If you can’t find an exact sizing match online, it’s usually better to go for the larger size – you can always have them altered if you feel they’re still too long.
What is the best material for curtains?
The best materials for a pair of curtains heavily depends on their intended purpose. For example, if you’re looking for blackout, thick and heavy fabrics like velvet and wool are popular — and they also have a really luxurious feel that typically works well in a bedroom setting.
After a more laidback look? Fabrics like cotton and polyester can still be used for blackout curtains — they are just often double-lined with a special fabric that completely blocks out any natural or artificial light from outside.
For curtains that are just intended to provide a little extra privacy in a living room or shared space, linen has a lovely lightweight feel — while voile looks lovely if you’re after something sheer that’ll still let in maximum light.
After more interiors content? Check out our pick of the best desks for small bedrooms, the best coffee tables to elevate your living room, and the best bed frames for your bedroom. Let’s not forget the kitchen; this way for cutlery sets, kettles, coffee machines, and smoothie makers.
