CURTAINS & BLINDS: HERE’S HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CONSULTATION WITH THORNTON & BLAKE
At Thornton & Blake we take great pride in producing unique, high-quality, made-to-measure curtains and blinds to suit your space and reflect your vision, with the support of an experienced Interior Designer who can help you select your fabric and the perfect style of window furnishing for your space.
With the benefit of a free, in-home check measure for all curtains and blinds that we install, a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to choosing the right curtains and blinds for your home.
The initial chat
We start with a 20–minute intro chat with an experienced Interior Designer, either over the phone or in our Leura showroom. This is where we talk about your vision and what will work best for your space. This appointment will give you the opportunity to decide whether made to measure curtains and blinds by Thornton & Blake is the right solution for your needs.
Preparing for your initial chat
Photos
Photos of the space can be very helpful, it will allow us to see the positioning, size and style of window that requires furnishing. If you already have curtains or blinds in place, please make sure they are open when you take the photos.
Curtains & Blinds: Which style is right for you?
A conversation with your Interior Designer will provide clarity on the best style for your window, space and family and why. In the meantime, it’s helpful to have an idea of what you like. To help you along, we’ve demystified some of the styles for you in our article:
Curtains or Blinds? Which style should you choose for your home?
You can also explore curtain styles here and blind styles here.
If you’re looking for curtains, you may like to have a think about whether you would like them to be fixed to your wall or ceiling, and whether you would prefer to us to use a track or curtain rod. If you are unsure, our Interior Designer can help you navigate the options with clarity.
To measure or not to measure?
If you haven’t got a measuring tape, never fear! A complementary check measure at your home is part of the T&B experience. A vague idea of size is helpful for your initial chat, but by no means necessary. Check measures take place on a Friday. Our team will discuss a date and time with you during your initial chat.
Inspiration Images
Some of our clients like to bring reference images which give us an idea of style, fabric and even print. These may be from previous work we’ve done (view our curtain gallery here) or you may like to bring an image something you have seen elsewhere.
A Rough Idea of Budget
If you have a budget, or an amount you’re willing to invest, don’t be shy in sharing this with us! With so many different fabric options on offer, as well as styles, this will help our Interior Designer make suggestions that fit within your price range. Of course, it is difficult to know exactly how much curtains or blinds will cost, however giving us a range or maximum of what you ‘think’ you would like to invest is a good place to start.
The check measure
A complimentary check measure is included as part of our quoting process. Check measures take place on a Friday at your home to ensure we get the exact measurements to suit your needs. Your Interior Designer will accompany the Curtain Maker at this appointment to help solidify any technical decisions ensuring a seamless installation (no pun intended) 🙂 .
Choosing your fabrics
Not all fabrics are made the same. Durability, sunblock capabilities, texture, prints and movement are all important factors to consider when investing in new curtains and blinds. We have a huge library of fabrics to choose from in our Leura Showroom. You can even take samples home with you. Choice of fabrics can take place during your initial chat, or you can make an alternative time with our Interior Designer once the check measure takes place.
The support of an experienced Interior Designer
Headers, fabric, puddling, printed or plain, functional fabrics for high traffic spaces, height and hems… with many technicalities and decisions to contemplate when investing in window furnishings for your home, the task can become very overwhelming without the right support. With an experienced Thornton & Blake Interior Designer guiding you through the process, you will be provided with options that meet your vision aesthetically, simultaneously considering functionality, practicality and durability for your own personal circumstance within budget.
How long does the process take?
Generally speaking, curtains take between 4-6 weeks to be installed once you have a firm decision on fabric and have paid your deposit. To secure your booking, we request 50% deposit, with the balance due after installation.
