Before you buy curtains have you thought about how you will hang them? Hanging curtains can be quite daunting for the first time, especially if you don’t know DIY. For the curtain hanging novice here is the HomeInteriors4u step by step guide to hanging pencil pleat curtains.

1. When you unpack your made to measure curtains they may be creased so it is a good idea to iron them. Otherwise you can hang them and let the creases drop out over time.

2. If you do iron your curtains remember to check that the fabric doesn’t have a special finish that can’t be ironed, such as metallic material.

3. You will find curtain tape at the top of your curtains with three rows of string threaded through. To achieve the gathered look you will need to pull the string.

4. Pull the three strings evenly and remember to check that the string is attached at the other end. If not, you will need to tie a knot in the string at the other end so you don’t pull it through altogether.

5. You want to pull the string enough so that each curtain is the width of approximately half of your track with a little left over, as your curtains will meet in the middle of your track.

6. Hold the curtains up to the rail to check that they fit and tie a loose knot at the end, a knot that can be easily undone for when you want to wash your curtains.

7. When you put in the curtain hooks, there are three rows of pockets to choose from. If you place your hooks nearer to the top of your curtains, your curtains will hang lower down. Adjust where you place the curtain hooks to adjust the height of the curtains.

8. Place a hook every 1 – 4 pockets. You can space them even more if you have fewer hooks, however the more hooks, the more secure your curtains will be, so consider purchasing more.

9. Try to support the weight of the curtains until they are fully hung, a friend or relative can help.

10. Once your curtains are hung, shape the pleats in the curtains and evenly distribute the hooks and pleats.
You can attach the pleats at the back with clips to help the curtains “remember” their shape.

When you buy curtains you are choosing something to create atmosphere and colour in your room. Why not buy curtains made to measure to fit your windows perfectly. Windows come in all shapes and sizes. You can buy curtains that fit any specific measurements from HomeInteriors4u in a range of fabrics and a choice of 5 linings.

French doors are larger than standard windows. Buy curtains measured to cover the doors entirely for privacy and heat insulation. Hanging curtains is fairly simple with household tools and a made to measure curtain rod. With a measuring tape, drill, curtain rods, made to measure curtains and a bit of skill, you can fit your French door curtains within an hour.

When you buy curtains you can choose from a range of fabric and colours to suit your personal taste and requirements. Linen fabric naturally creases for example, however it is lightweight and creases are not viewed as a flaw.

Once you have selected your fabric, you may also like to choose lining. Some curtain makers will offer a selection of linings.

French door curtains that are attached at the top and bottom of the window are known as “shirred” curtains. The advantage is the view is obscured for most of the time. Another option is to hang your curtains from above the window and have them free flowing at the bottom. That way you can have them open in the day and closed at night.

Take the following steps to fit your made to measure curtains to a French door:

• Measure the width of the door. If hanging the curtains from the wall, add a few inches to each side. If you are fitting shirred curtains, remember to add an inch to each side of the span of the glass.

• Buy curtains and curtain rods that fit. The rods must fit in the top and bottom of the casings for shirred curtains. For free flowing curtains you only need one curtain rod, in a style of your choice. Remember the rod must fit the curtain casings.

• Measure where the rod needs to be mounted from the ceiling. Make sure that the rod hangs straight and screw in the rod casings. Shirred curtains need to be taut so make sure your measurements are accurate.

• Thread the curtains with the the rod through the top casing. As most curtain rods come apart, put the curtain through the middle of the rod, not from end.

• Hang the curtain and rod on the curtain rod holders.

When you buy curtains for French doors, it is important to have accurate measurements, especially for shirred curtains. One practical solution is to buy curtains that are made to measure.

If you are thinking about decorating your home have you considered made to measure curtains? The advantage over readymade curtains is that you can choose your fabric and lining and you can have them made to measure any window perfectly.

Today, it is possible to get a wide variety of made to measure curtains and you should be able to customise your lining with fabric of your choice. Buy curtains that reflect your personality and taste and buy curtains that are of a superior quality if you intend to keep them for a long time.

Curtains are essential to the interior design of any room. Curtains along with features such as rugs, ornaments and furniture can form the theme of a room with an accent colour or pattern. You may choose an accent colour for your curtains and rug, such as magenta or navy blue, keeping wallpaper neutral. Patterned curtains add depth to a room, although complicated patterns in a very small room may be too overbearing. When you buy curtains it is important to consider what you have in your room already and how much of a statement you would like to make with your curtains.

Curtains have a big impact on the feel and atmosphere of any room, dark and luxurious red velvet is opulent and warm, whereas white venetian blinds have a lighter, fresher feel. You buy curtains to suit your personal taste. Curtains can also save on winter heating bills. Whatever your reason to buy curtains, follow these five easy steps.
1. Get inspiration
When you decorate a room or refresh your curtains you need inspiration. Go online and look at the latest trends and colour schemes. Aqua and Mocha is big for winter 2010. Find out what you like, feel inspired and imagine your new curtains in your home.

2. Visit a showroom
You can get a picture online of how your curtains could look, but before you buy curtains remember to visit in store so you can touch the fabric. A good curtain supplier will provide samples.

3. Measure up
A good curtain supplier can provide made to measure curtains. Before you buy curtains and curtain fabric, make sure you have the correct measurements. Remember: measure the pole, not the width of the window otherwise you will not have enough fabric.

4. Have your curtains delivered
Many curtain suppliers will deliver your curtains to your door and it is even possible to get curtains delivered to your place of work or to a neighbour. It makes things so much easier!

So those are four helpful hints for when you buy curtains. Seek inspiration, get samples, take your measurements and enjoy the benefits of today’s home deliveries. Good luck with your curtain hunt!

Unless your are very fortunate most bathrooms are small so when it comes to decorating it is important to use as many tactics as possible to create an illusion of space.

What colour you choose could make all the difference. Dark or bright colours tend to create a feeling of claustrophobia but a soft colour scheme can really open up the space you have. Soft warm colours can create the feeling of serenity and neutral and pastel shades work well with bright accessories.  Whether you choose to buy curtains or blinds a light colour will give a feeling of space, as do mirrors which also help to reflect light making the room brighter.

Furniture and accessories should be kept to a minimum so storage is vital. Vanity cabinets are great for storing away toiletries and kids bath toys to prevent clutter. Lighting needs to bright for grooming but to create a relaxed mood a dimmer switch is ideal. From a traditional look to a contemporary style, casual and functional to glamorous and elegant by shopping around and planning your design it is possible to have the  bathroom of your dreams without it costing a fortune.

As the economy struggles to recovery many of us can't afford to move, so refurbishing and updating our current home is appealing.

Adding an extension or converting an attic or cellar is very popular at the moment. An attic conversion can be used for many functions not only as a bedroom but as a study, chill out room or playroom. If the eaves still remain it is important to use light shades of colour to create a more spacious and airy room. Buy curtains or blinds in bright fabrics and paint the walls in neutral colours. Most attics are limited in size so space saving furniture and storage ideas are the ideal solution.

To create a relaxed atmosphere, subtle lighting is essential. Warm carpeting, rugs and accessories can bring the look and feel of the room together. A Juliette balcony or a large window really opens up a once dark  roof space into a modern and useful additional room to any home.