Curtains might seem like a finishing touch, but anyone who has dressed a window knows they can make or break a room. The right curtains add warmth, block draughts, filter light, improve acoustics, and of course, tie your décor together. On the other hand, the wrong ones can look sloppy, feel flimsy, or let in unwanted light at the worst possible time.
Luckily, shopping online has never been easier. You no longer need to spend entire weekends dragging yourself around retail parks or waiting weeks for specialist shops to open a fabric sample book. From affordable high-street stores to specialist made-to-measure services, the UK has a wide range of curtain retailers online.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
- How to choose curtains that actually work for your space
- The best online retailers in the UK for both ready-made and custom curtains
- Tips to avoid costly mistakes (and the heartbreak of ordering the wrong size)
- Insider tricks to style curtains like a pro
By the end, you’ll know exactly where to shop, what to look out for, and how to make your windows look amazing without ever leaving the sofa.
How to Choose Curtains Online (and Not Regret Them Later)
Before diving into the best retailers, let’s get the basics right. Curtains aren’t just fabric panels you clip up; they’re a mix of design and function. Here’s what to think about before you click “add to basket.”
1. Measure Properly
This is the number one reason people regret online purchases: the curtains arrive, they hang them up, and suddenly they look short, skimpy, or just plain wrong.
- Width: Always measure the curtain pole or track, not just the glass. As a rule of thumb, curtains should be around 2–2.5 times the width of your window for a full, luxurious look.
- Drop (length): Decide if you want them to sit at the sill, just touch the floor, skim slightly above it, or puddle elegantly with extra length. Floor-skimming or puddled curtains generally look more tailored, while sill-length works well in kitchens or under radiators.
- Hardware first: If you’re fitting a new pole or track, install it before you measure. You’ll get much more accurate numbers.
Tip: A metal retractable tape measure is your best friend here. Fabric or paper ones bend and give misleading results.
2. Choose a Header Style
The “header” is the top finish of the curtain where it attaches to your pole or track. It makes a huge difference to the final look.
- Eyelet (ring top): Metal rings slide onto the pole, creating soft, even waves. Great for modern and casual rooms.
- Pencil pleat: Fabric is gathered with cords into small, neat folds. A classic look that works with both poles and tracks.
- Pinch pleat: Groups of pleats sewn in place for a more formal, structured finish. Luxurious but uses more fabric.
- Wave: A contemporary ripple effect that requires a special track. Minimalist and architectural.
3. Pick Your Fabric and Lining
Curtains aren’t just about colour. The fabric weight and lining affect how they hang, how well they block light, and even how warm your room feels.
- Blackout lining: Essential for bedrooms, nurseries, or anyone who values a weekend lie-in.
- Thermal or interlined: Adds bulk, keeps warmth in, softens noise, and makes curtains drape beautifully. Perfect for draughty houses.
- Sheers or voiles: Let light through while offering daytime privacy. Ideal layered behind heavier curtains.
- Natural fibres (linen, cotton, wool): Luxurious, breathable, often with subtle texture.
- Synthetic blends (polyester, viscose): Affordable, durable, easy to clean, and less prone to fading.
4. Ready-Made vs. Made-to-Measure
- Ready-made curtains are pre-sized and widely available. They’re the quickest option, often cheaper, and perfect for standard windows.
- Made-to-measure curtains are tailored exactly to your window and design choices. They’re more expensive but worth it for unusually shaped windows, bays, or when you want a precise, high-end finish.
5. Don’t Skip Samples
Colours on a screen rarely look the same in your living room. Order free or low-cost swatches before committing—especially for neutrals like grey or beige, which can shift dramatically in different lighting.
The Best Places to Buy Curtains Online in the UK
Now for the fun part: where to shop. I’ve grouped the best retailers into three categories—all-rounders, style-focused brands, and made-to-measure specialists.
A) All-Rounders (Great Mix of Ready-Made and Custom)
1. John Lewis & Partners
If you want reliability and sophistication, John Lewis is a safe bet. They offer both ready-made and made-to-measure curtains, plus a well-organised website that makes browsing easy.
- Strengths: Excellent quality, huge fabric library, helpful product descriptions, free samples, and clear measuring guides.
- Best for: Anyone nervous about ordering online. It’s hard to go wrong here.
2. Dunelm
Dunelm is the king of variety. Their ready-made curtain section is massive, covering everything from plain blackout panels to patterned statement pieces. They also do custom sizes.
- Strengths: Budget-friendly prices, frequent sales, same-day Click & Collect, and flexible returns.
- Best for: Fast solutions, spare bedrooms, rental properties, or anyone who wants choice without spending a fortune.
3. IKEA UK
IKEA keeps curtains simple, practical, and affordable. Most panels come in long lengths you can hem at home (iron-on hemming strips included).
- Strengths: Low prices, modern designs, clever extras like tie-backs and rods.
- Best for: First homes, renters, or anyone happy with a clean Scandinavian aesthetic.
4. Wayfair UK
Think of Wayfair as a marketplace: hundreds of brands and thousands of curtain options in one place.
- Strengths: Huge selection, easy filtering by size, lining, colour, and style.
- Best for: Hard-to-find sizes or shoppers who want to see every option before deciding.
5. Next Home
Next has quietly become a strong player in homeware. Their curtain selection feels polished and stylish, with both ready-made and custom options.
- Strengths: Contemporary British designs, made-to-measure service, fast delivery.
- Best for: Those who want fashionable yet classic curtains without venturing into specialist shops.
B) Style-Focused High Street & Designer Looks
6. La Redoute
This French brand is loved by interior stylists for its chic, understated fabrics. Expect linens, slubby textures, and muted, sophisticated colours.
- Strengths: Effortlessly stylish designs, lots of natural fibres, frequent promotions.
- Best for: People who want their curtains to feel like part of the décor, not an afterthought.
7. Habitat (via Argos)
Habitat offers modern, functional curtains with simple, stylish colour palettes. Because they’re sold through Argos, delivery and Click & Collect are quick.
- Strengths: Good value, straightforward designs, reliable fulfilment.
- Best for: Small homes, flats, and anyone who likes a clean, minimalist look.
8. Anthropologie (Honourable Mention)
For statement-making designs—embroidered edges, bold prints, or trims—Anthropologie is unmatched.
- Strengths: Unique, decorative curtains you won’t see anywhere else.
- Best for: Feature windows, creative interiors, or anyone who wants curtains as the star of the room.
C) Made-to-Measure Specialists
Sometimes only custom will do—especially if you have tall sash windows, bays, or you’re investing in a forever-home finish. These specialists make it straightforward.
9. Curtains 2go
Part of the Blinds 2go family, this site is streamlined and affordable. The online configurator walks you through each choice—fabric, lining, header—step by step.
- Strengths: Clear process, free samples, wide range of fabrics, quick turnaround.
- Best for: Value-conscious homeowners who want custom without the boutique price tag.
10. Blinds 2go (Curtains too!)
Known for blinds, but also strong on curtains. The appeal is being able to coordinate both in one go.
- Strengths: Great if you need blinds and curtains across the same house, generous sample service.
- Best for: Whole-home projects where consistency matters.
11. 247 Curtains
A UK-based specialist offering a wide choice of fabrics and linings with a simple ordering system.
- Strengths: Free samples, competitive pricing, speedy delivery.
- Best for: Anyone who likes comparing several swatches in person before committing.
12. Terrys
An established brand that offers both ready-made and made-to-measure curtains, plus extensive guides for tricky windows.
- Strengths: Educational resources, strong reputation, huge variety.
- Best for: Bay windows, beginners who need hand-holding, and people who want a balance between price and quality.
Which Retailer Should You Choose?
It depends on your situation. Here are some quick recommendations:
- Safe and stylish every time: John Lewis
- Fast and affordable: Dunelm or IKEA
- Chic and understated: La Redoute
- Custom fit, good prices: Curtains 2go or 247 Curtains
- Whole house with blinds and curtains: Blinds 2go
- Statement curtains: Anthropologie
Curtain Buying Tips (That Interior Designers Actually Use)
1. Hang High and Wide
Mount your pole or track about 10–20 cm above the window and extend 15–30 cm beyond the frame. This makes the window look larger and lets in more light when open.
2. Double-Check the Hardware
Don’t put heavy curtains on a flimsy pole. For wide spans, choose a thick pole (28 mm+) or a track system.
3. Layer for Function and Style
Pair sheer voiles with blackout curtains for flexibility. During the day, you can enjoy filtered light; at night, you get privacy and darkness.
4. Choose Lining with Intention
Think of lining as part of the design, not an afterthought. Thermal lining saves energy, blackout improves sleep, and interlining adds luxury.
5. Sample Everything
Even if you’re confident in your colour choice, order a swatch. It’s the cheapest way to avoid disappointment.
Styling Inspiration: Curtain Ideas by Room
- Living Room: Go for fuller, longer drapes that puddle slightly for a cosy, layered feel. Consider bold patterns or textured fabrics to add depth.
- Bedroom: Blackout linings are essential. Soft neutrals or calming tones like sage or navy create a restful vibe.
- Kitchen/Diner: Sill-length curtains or café curtains are practical. Lighter fabrics work best here.
- Home Office: Choose fabrics that cut glare but don’t make the room too dark. Voiles or semi-sheers layered with a heavier drape are ideal.
- Kids’ Rooms: Blackout is a must. Fun prints, colours, and easy-clean fabrics will save you stress later.
Final Thoughts
Buying curtains online in the UK is easier now than ever before. Whether you’re hunting for affordable ready-mades, French-inspired linens, or perfectly tailored made-to-measure panels, there’s a retailer to match every budget, style, and window shape.
If you want dependable quality and a stress-free process, start with John Lewis. If you’re on a budget and need something this weekend, Dunelm or IKEA will sort you out. For those who want to elevate their interiors with a chic fabric choice, La Redoute is a gem. And if you’re investing in curtains that will stay with your home for years, made-to-measure specialists like Curtains 2go, Terrys, or 247 Curtains are worth every penny.
The golden rules? Measure carefully, order samples, and think about lining as much as fabric. Get those three right, and your curtains will look like they came straight from an interior design magazine—without ever stepping foot outside your door.