How to order the right curtains
The heading style is the pleated bit at the top of the curtain. It determines how your curtains drapes so different styles offer different looks, and some need more fabric than others.
Pencil pleat
- Popular and classic style
- Creates a relaxed drape
Single pleat
- Classic and economical
- Ideal for small spaces and patterned fabrics
Double pleat
- In between simple and fancy
- Contemporary feel
Triple pleat
- Very elegant and opulent
- Requires more fabric
Reverse pleat
- Minimalistic and modern
- Clean & crisp look
- Lots of fullness
Many people have both a curtain and blind on the same window to achieve the best of insulation and light and privacy control during both day and night time There are many combinations that you can choose but ultimately the pairings will either be a sheer or light filtering curtain with a blockout blind, or blockout curtains with a light filter or sunscreen blind.
Examples:
Blockout or thermal curtains over:
- Venetian blinds
- Light filter or sunscreen roller
- Light filter or sheer honeycomb
Sheer curtains over:
Knowing how and where you want your curtains to hang is helpful to know before measuring.
How high: About 100-150mm above the window or halfway between the window frame and ceiling, or higher for a grand look.
How wide: Extend your track or rod as far past the edge of the window as you want to create the right look. If space allows, you’ll need about 300mm wall space on each side of the window where you want the curtains to stack when open.
How long: At least floor length if not a little longer for different visual effects and better insulation.
How full: To create the waves, curtains are wider than your windows; this fullness is influenced by the heading style and pleat.
Getting started
Find your look
Unsure which style suits your home? Request free samples to see which works best.
Measure up
Use our step by step guide to get accurate measurements of your windows.
DIY install
Simply follow our step-by-step installation guides and you’ll be a pro in no time.
Why we’re a good choice
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Direct to you, no middlemen
Our blinds are so affordable because you deal directly with the manufacturer – that’s us.
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Easy DIY measure and install
Our curtains and blinds are easy to install. Just follow the step-by-step guide.
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New Zealand made
All our curtains and blinds (except honeycombs & readymades) are made locally at our New Zealand factory.
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Manufacturer’s warranty
We back our products with 2-5 year manufacturer’s warranties.
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Child-safe
Installation brackets, screws and child safe cord tensioners come with each blind.
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Free shipping and samples
All regular sized orders are sent free nationwide within metro areas.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQs-
What rooms are curtains best in?
Any room except kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. To choose the right one, think about how much light and privacy the room needs. Choose blockout curtains for rooms you want to be dark at night. Add thermal lining to increase energy efficiency. Sheer curtains are good for daytime privacy and filtering strong sunlight and glare.
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Should I buy custom-made or readymade curtains?
You get far more options when you choose our custom-made curtains – more fabrics, more choices . Choose from more fabrics, choose how they pleat and drape, and how long and wide you want them. What’s more, they often end up being a similar price as a readymade. So why not have a go at customising to compare.
Fast and fuss-free yet full of style, our readymades offer plenty of options over generic store-bought ones. While there aren’t quite as many options as custom-made, simply click on the you want and select from the set sizes available. Read our blog for more help deciding.
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How much does shipping cost?
We offer free shipping on regular sized orders. However, this excludes rural delivery and oversized orders. You can find out more about shipping costs for these here.
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What heading style/pleat style should I choose?
The heading style is the very top part of your curtain, where it is pleated and sewn. The heading style you choose affects the wave of your curtains and how much fabric is needed.
Choose pencil pleat for a relaxed look and flexibility to make your curtains looser or tighter.
The pinch pleat is good for patterned fabrics; single is classic and economical while the double and triple pinch are fancier and need a bit more fabric.
Choose the reverse single pleat for a luxuriously full curtain.
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What length curtain should I order?
If there’s a windowsill jutting out or furniture in the way, you might want to make them short enough to accommodate this. Otherwise, we recommend going floor length. It’s best for blocking light and energy efficiency. But even at this length you have options. You can make the curtains float just above the floor (deduct 5-10mm) touch and bend (add 10-20mm) or pool on the floor (add 200mm or more).
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Do you do curtains and blinds for unusual shaped or sized windows?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide our service for windows with curves or slanted angles. To make it as easy as possible for as many people as possible, we had to draw a line somewhere and at this time, it’s at regular four-sided windows.
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How do I choose a colour?
Order free samples of the colours you like best to see how they work in your home. Hold them up to the wall and/or window frame to compare with your current décor, and remember to check how they look in both natural daylight and when the lights are on at night. When choosing whites, greys or neutrals it’s all about matching the undertones. Read our blog for tips.
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Can I have curtains and blinds on the same window?
Absolutely! Many people do this to get the best of insulation and light and privacy control during both day and night time. There are many combinations that you can choose but ultimately the pairings will either be a sheer or light filtering curtain with a blockout blind, or blockout curtains with a light filter or sunscreen blind.
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How do I clean my curtains?
Do not machine wash or dry clean your curtains. Instead, give them a regular vacuum on a low setting. For any stubborn marks try dabbing at it gently with a damp cloth, warm water and mild detergent.
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Do I get free sample packs? How many can I order?
Yes, you can order free sample packs of your favourite curtains and/or blinds to help you choose. You can order a maximum of 10 samples in a pack.
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Do you have a measuring and installation service?
We think you’re clever enough to manage that. We have step by step guides to help too. Besides, our DIY measure and installation model is part of what makes our products so affordable.
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Why are you called ‘Bargain Blinds & Curtains'?
Because our products are affordable. And that’s because you deal directly with the manufacturer – that’s us.