As far as curtains are concerned, John Lewis is one the UK's largest and most respected retailers, both for ready-made and bespoke home furnishings. The company offers a choice of curtains, blinds and accessories, such as curtain poles and tiebacks. John Lewis are many retailers benchmark and rightly so! Customer service and value for money are right at the center of their philosophy. However we think we can give them and all the other big retailers a run for their money and hopefully this article will convince you! Although they are the largest, their service may not be the best for you, and other companies in the online curtain market, such as Curtains Made Simple, can offer a better service for your individual requirements.
Large companies like John Lewis or Debenhams import a limited range of fabrics styles, while smaller companies, such as Curtains Made Simple, can offer to make curtains and blinds from any fabric - something you have picked up abroad or in a market, even a fabric that has been in your family for years. You can even buy fabric from John Lewis and companies such as Curtains Made Simple will make your curtains, bedspreads, cushions and other soft furnishings from it. This concentration on personal service sets smaller companies apart from the market leaders. Also, while the larger companies' pricing may seem enticing, smaller bespoke specialists can offer better quality, with a wider range of options and a more personalised service at the same price or even cheaper.
Next and other leading companies' ready made curtains and blinds are all available in standard sizes, which is fine if you have one of the three standard drop sizes. If your home has non-standard window sizes, these will be of no use to you. Also, the limited palette available will mean that you will detect subtle and annoying differences in hue between the curtains and carpet or other home furnishings.
Smaller companies, such as Curtains Made Simple, have a far larger colour palette to choose from, with many more designs than the market leaders can afford to offer. Argos and Next stores may be simple to pop into, to explore the range, but you can only choose what they have to offer, either on the High Street or online. A company specialising in bespoke curtains and home furnishings can offer the service that you feel is right for your home.
Debenhams, IKEA and other larger retailers also offer a range of furnishings, such as furniture, bedspreads, duvets and cushions. Although these are sure to look attractive in the store, with professional displays, once again you are stuck with a limited range of colours, patterns and styles. Once that piece of furniture or bedding is in your home, it may seem totally out of keeping. Smaller companies specialising in bespoke home furnishings, can work with you on a personal basis, and ensure that you are happy before purchasing.
Mass-produced curtains have a more limited choice of detailing, such as heading and lining options. Of course, they are successful and most people will enjoy their products and be happy to pick something off the shelf, but companies such as Curtains Made Simple are dedicated to offering a wider range of choice, so you can design your home and see it in reality just as it appeared in your dreams.
We would love for you to compare us against one of our retail heros
John Lewis Curtains and see if we more than measure up to them!
To look at some of our great fabrics look no further than here;
Cath Kidston,
Clarke & Clarke ,
Vanessa Arbuthnott or
Prestigious Textiles.
We can also fullfil large contract curtain orders for
Hotels, Schools, Restaurants, Pubs and Care Homes.
Choose From Over 35,000 Heading, Lining and Fabric Combinations For Made To Measure Curtains and Roman Blinds