Curtains, Blinds and Shades: How to Order Window Decor at a Good Price
Measure the window first
The costliest mistake in window decor is to buy or have something made “roughly” to size. So start with a tape measure. Measure the width and height of the window itself, and for curtains also the length of the rod and the distance from it to the floor or the windowsill.
For sheer and fabric curtains, extra width is allowed for the folds: the fuller the drape, the more fabric it takes. So curtains that look the same from different sellers can differ in price only because of a different “fullness ratio”. Ask about it directly.
Which type to choose
- Curtains and sheers are the most about comfort. Blackout darkens a bedroom completely, while linen and voile give a soft light.
- Roller blinds are compact, suit a kitchen, and can be fixed to the window sash without drilling.
- Roman blinds are something between fabric and a roller blind, and look good in a living room.
- Blinds (horizontal, vertical) control the light easily, and aluminium slats are easy to wipe clean.
If the window is opened often, it is better to fix the mechanism to the sash rather than to the wall or ceiling: then the blind doesn't get in the way of the handle.
What to write in your request
The more details you give, the fewer questions from sellers, and the easier it is to compare their replies:
- what exactly — curtains, sheers, blinds, roller or Roman blinds, a rod;
- window dimensions — width and height, or the length of the rod;
- number of windows — how many sets you need;
- fabric — blackout, linen, voile, degree of darkening;
- colour — or the style the room follows;
- fixing — ceiling or wall rod, on the sash, without drilling, manual or electric control;
- installation — whether you need measuring, made-to-measure stitching and fitting;
- city and budget, if you want to name one.
Example: “I need beige blackout roller blinds for 3 windows of 1.4×1.5 m in a bedroom and a children's room. Fixed to the sash, no drilling. Central, I need a visit for measuring and fitting. Budget up to HK$1,100.”
How ordering works on BlaBlaPrice
You don't call showrooms or leaf through catalogues: you write one request on the main page of BlaBlaPrice, and sellers who make curtains or sell blinds in your city reply with offers in a chat. There they state the price or what it depends on, the stitching time, and whether fitting is included.
The offers are compared, and the best-value one comes first. Sellers see where their offer ranks, so they often cut the price or add free measuring. Your contacts stay hidden until you choose a provider yourself. How it works is described in detail on the “How it works” page.
How to compare offers
Don't compare only the final figure. Does the price include the rod and fixings? Is the price per metre of fabric or for the finished product? How many days does stitching take, and is there a warranty on the mechanism? Check separately whether measuring is charged if you later decline.
One more point: ready-made curtains are cheaper and quicker, but don't always fit in length. Made-to-measure ones cost more, but hang neatly.
Planning the whole interior? Also see home textiles, lighting and rugs and runners.
