While there is no hard rule about when to replace or change the curtains in your house, lightweight curtain fabrics like sheer or linen will last approximately 3-5 years while more durable fabrics can last up to 10 years. Of course, you don’t need to wait for your drapes to be falling apart to change them. If you want to change up the style of a room or change the functionality of your curtains, go right ahead! Changing your windows’ curtains can give an instant update to a room.

Curtains and drapes are essentially the same thing these days. Traditionally, drapes were made of a heavier material and fell to the floor while curtains were shorter and lighter. However, nowadays the terms are often used interchangeably with most people using curtains to refer to all types of curtains and drapes.

The cost of custom curtains is difficult to estimate as it depends on several factors, including the fabric, style and functionality you choose. For example, a thermal blockout curtain for a sliding door will be more expensive than a flowy sheer on a smaller window simply because of the size and expense of the fabric.

A very general estimated cost of custom curtains for a 3-bedroom home with about 10 windows would start at about $5,975 for standard curtains. It can seem expensive but don’t forget the extra cost of heating and potential damage to soft furnishings due to not having properly fitting curtains.

The first step to getting mould off curtains is using a hard bristle brush to remove as much of the mould as you can. Then apply a fabric mould remover to the affected areas (don’t forget the test a small area first for colourfastness), making sure to let it air out completely.

There is no wrong answer when it comes to custom vs readymade curtains, however, it’s important to make sure you understand the difference and are happy with your choice. While readymades are a quick and easy solution that can be delivered and hung fast for a budget price, they are highly limited in their colour and style options and won’t always suit your window size. And the last thing you want is poor-fitting curtains that don’t look nice or perform well in your home.

Custom-made curtains come with the choice of a huge selection of fabrics and styles. And your expert consultant will take care of all the measurements at no extra cost to make sure you get the perfect fit. While they are more expensive than readymade curtains, they are guaranteed to be the perfect fit and you can choose exactly the right colour for your home’s design style.

Most people prefer thicker, heavier fabrics in the bedroom to create a cosy feel. Plus, thicker curtains in the bedroom will help block cold draughts and some sound from the outside, not to mention keeping the room dark as you sleep. This makes thicker, heavier fabrics highly suitable for the bedroom, however, it also depends on your style and what you like. And don’t forget you can add linings to some lighter-weight fabrics for a lighter look with all the benefits of a thicker curtain.

A popular curtain fabric for living areas is a tripleweave cotton or acrylic. However, if you want to let in some light and allow for airflow, a light, sheer fabric is best. If you want the best of both worlds in your living room, consider a dual track, so you can block light and add insulation when required, but softly filter light and allow airflow when required.

Curtains are not ideal in kitchens as the fabric can be flammable and is prone to absorbing moisture and cooking smells. However, venetian blinds are a popular choice for kitchens due to their materials being easy to clean and durable. Plus, venetians offer plenty of light and airflow flexibility without getting in the way of appliances.