I love a pair of curtains – they are a simple item that can transform a room so quickly and easily! Just by hanging a pair at your window, you will add another layer of texture to your room, making it instantly cosier, softer and more luxurious. Curtains will also frame your window, making it a feature and, if hung correctly, will give the illusion of grand, high ceilings.
Made-to-measure curtains are a beautiful investment for your home and are of amazing quality made to perfectly suit your windows in the fabric of your choice, but they can also be pricey! I’ve found that there are some great readymade options on the high street so you can get the look for a fraction of the cost.

Measuring for your Curtains
One of my pet hates is curtains that are too short and don’t fit the window properly. If you can, always ALWAYS opt for curtains that skim the floor – they have a lovely polished look and always make your room look much more sophisticated and expensive. You can get readymade curtains hemmed to fit your windows by a local seamstress for very little cost, which will give your curtains a bespoke, tailor-made look for a fraction of the cost of made-to-measure curtains. If you have a wide window, you could also have a couple of pairs stitched together for a fuller look. If you are in any doubt as to what size your curtains need to be or where your curtains should sit, you can download my measuring guide below. I also include some designer tips to make your windows look bigger and brighter when hanging your curtains.
The Best Affordable Readymade Curtains Out There
Finding readymade curtains that are inexpensive, long enough for rooms with high ceilings, and also look good is surprisingly difficult! I’ve put together a list of my favourite readymade curtains that are as affordable as they are beautiful!
Beautiful Plain Curtains
These curtains are simple with a lovely texture – I have these IKEA velvet curtains in my own living room and they hang beautifully and look a lot more expensive than they actually are!
Pink Linen Curtains Grey Cotton Curtains Pink Velvet Curtains Washed Grey Linen Curtains Mustard Curtains Navy Velvet
Bold Patterns
Love a bold pattern? Me too! These readymade curtains are perfect if you want to inject a little excitement into your home with bright colours and bold prints. I also love the subtle William Morris print for traditional elegance and the neutral tartan is perfect for a cosy living room.
Dark Floral Cosy Grey Tartan Green Leaves Bright and Painterly Subtle William Morris Pattern Bold Blue Floral
Small Patterns
Small patterns are great if you want to add a little interest to your room. They are all easy to mix with other patterns throughout your room in cushions, rugs and artwork without becoming too overpowering.
Soft Grey and White Subtle Spots Blue Geometric Cosy Blue Herringbone Small Grey Check Bold Mustard with White Dots
Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains are a fantastic way to dress your window and soften your room while still allowing light into your home – a perfect option if you are overlooked by neighbours as well. These relaxed linen curtains work well in a Scandi-style room or layer under some curtains for a more polished look.
Grey Linen Sheers Sheer Stripe with a Pompom Trim Simple White Sheers Grey Textured Semi-Sheer Neutral Linen Sheers Charcoal Linen Sheers
So what do you think of these options? Do you have any other favourite shops for curtains> Let me know in the comments below!
Don’t forget to download my measuring guide for curtains and blinds for my tips and advice to hang your curtains perfectly!