Frequently Asked Questions

We are here to help.

For any questions, queries, worries, advice or assistance simply call us on 0191 252 1111 or email info@curtainsmadeforfree.co.uk

Measuring

How do I correctly measure for my made to measure curtains and roman blinds? show answer
Simply follow our easy measuring guide, specifically designed for our made to measure curtains and roman blinds.
I would like eyelet heading on my curtains - do I need to add extra on the measurement for the area above the pole? show answer
No, simply measure from the top of the pole to where you want your curtains to fall to, we will then make the adjustments for the area above the eyelet.
Do I need to add extra length to my track/pole length to ensure curtain fullness? show answer
No, simply enter the length of your track or pole; we will make you made to measure curtains approx double fullness (for pencil pleat, pinch pleat and wave pleat) or approx 1.75 fullness (eyelet and tab top) E.g. If your track is 200cm your curtains will be made with approx 400cm of fabric for double fullness and approx 350cm for 1.5 fullness.

Please note that fullness can vary, depending upon the initial fabric width and horizontal pattern repeat - our fullness guides above are an approximation. If you would like to know a more precise measurement on each curtain width, please call us on 0191 252 1111 before placing your order.
I'm not confident entering the measurements for my made to measure curtains. show answer
Simply give us a call on 0191 252 1111, and an experienced member of staff will talk you through the process and take your order over the telephone if you prefer.
I'd like to know how many widths of fabric will be used to produce my curtains. show answer

Tab Top & Eyelet Heading

Pole Length No. of fabric widths Info
Up to 70cm 1 .5 widths in each curtain if ordered as a pair
70.1 to 160cm 2 1 width in each curtain if ordered as a pair
160.1cm to 250cm 3 1.5 widths in each curtain if ordered as a pair
250.1cm to 360cm 4 2 widths in each curtains if ordered as a pair
360.1cm to 450cm 5 2.5 widths in each curtain if ordered as a pair
450.1cm to 600cm 6 3 widths in each curtains if ordered as a pair

Pencil Pleat, Pinch Pleat & Wave Pleat Heading

Pole Length No. of fabric widths Info
Up to 60cm 1 .5 widths in each curtain if ordered as a pair
60.1cm to 140cm 2 1 width in each curtain if ordered as a pair
140.1cm to 220cm 3 1.5 widths in each curtain if ordered as a pair
220.1cm to 290cm 4 2 widths in each curtains if ordered as a pair
290.1cm to 360cm 5 2.5 widths in each curtain if ordered as a pair
360.1cm to 450cm 6 3 widths in each curtain if ordered as a pair
450.1cm to 520cm 7 3.5 widths in each curtain if ordered as a pair
520.1cm to 600cm 8 4 widths in each curtain if ordered as a pair

Sampling

I do not feel confident ordering my made to measure curtains without seeing the fabric first. show answer
We appreciate that fabrics can look and feel different to what they seem on a computer screen, therefore we strongly suggest that you order samples before placing your made to measure product order.
I have seen a particular fabric in a store, and have found it on your website, will the fabric be the same? show answer
If the fabric is from the same manufacturer, then yes, it should be the same, however, we would suggest ordering a sample to make sure.
If I do not find a suitable sample, will you refund the costs, if the samples are returned? show answer
Yes, if you return the samples back to us we will happily refund you the cost of the samples, within reason.
Can you offer any guidance on selecting a colour/design for my fabric? show answer
Yes, we are happy to help! You can simply call us on 0191 252 1111 and explain what you are looking for. A friendly member of staff will shortlist some samples for you. It helps if you can send in some photos of your room/wallpaper/deco etc. We can then try to visualize your room. We also have a showroom based in North Shields with plenty of fabrics to choose from if you are local.
My sample does not show the full pattern, would it be possible to get a larger sample? show answer
Yes, we can send out a larger sample, however, this would be subject to a half meter charge, this would be refunded if a subsequent made to measure curtain or roman blind order is made. If you would like this service, simply call us on 0191 252 1111.
I have seen a fabric from one of your suppliers elsewhere, however, I cannot see it on your website, can you still make the curtains? show answer
Yes - not all of our suppliers fabric are on our site, if it's not there simply call or email with the fabric name and your measurements are we can give you a quotation.

Order Changes and Cancellations

I have made a mistake when ordering - my measurements are incorrect - HELP! show answer
Don't worry! If your made to measure curtains or roman blinds have not yet been put into production, we can make the changes and re-calculate the costs. If your made to measure curtains or roman blinds have been started, then we may still be able to change the measurements, or adjust the design to ensure the perfect fit.
Can I cancel my order? show answer
Cancellation of orders will result in a 100% refund if work has not started on the curtains. After that only the value of the order less costs incurred up to that point can be refunded. Made-To-Measure products are by their nature unlikely to be able to be resold and therefore we are unable to give a full refund.

Shipping and Delivery

What does 'working days' mean? show answer
Working days are classed as Monday to Friday excluding UK bank holidays.
I work full time and would find it difficult to take delivery unless I know exactly when delivery will be made. show answer
We use a next working day delivery service as standard and a signature is required on delivery. We will notify you the day before your order is to be delivered and we can deliver to an alternative address, all orders (except samples) are trackable via our carrier 'interlink' If you are not in when the delivery arrives, a card will be left, giving you the option to arrange a suitable delivery.
Can I have products delivered to an address other than my home address, such as my work address? show answer
Yes, no problem you'll get the opportunity to specify the delivery address during the checkout process.
How long would I have to wait for my made-to-measure curtains? show answer
Our current order turnaround is displayed on the top right hand side of our homepage. Occasionally, if a fabric is out of stock, orders may take longer than this, however, we always advise as soon as possible and give a clear indication on delivery dates.

Payment Methods

How do I know that my credit card details will be secure? show answer
You can be 100% confident that we have invested in the most secure transaction methods available worldwide today. www.curtainsmadeforfree.co.uk uses Shopify Payments which is a well known and trusted company for processing online payments securely. They use an industry standard 128 bit encryption technology and are certified Level 1 PCI DSS compliant.
Do you accept cheques? show answer
No, we only accept online payments.
Do you accept payment outside the UK? show answer
Yes, please call us on 0191 252 1111 or email info@curtainsmadeforfree.co.uk for delivery costs and timescales.

General Questions

When are your offices open? show answer
Our offices are open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm except Bank Holidays and other national English holidays.
How long would I have to wait for my made-to-measure curtains? show answer
Our current order turnaround is displayed on the top right hand side of our homepage. Occasionally, if a fabric is out of stock, orders may take longer than this, however, we always advise as soon as possible and give a clear indication on delivery dates.
I have seen some curtains is a magazine, would you be able to replicate them? show answer
Almost certainly! We can re-create most made to measure curtains and roman blinds, a tailored quote can be supplied upon request.
Is blackout lining black? show answer
No, Blackout lining is an ivory colour, it is heavy and blocks out any sunlight, it's fantastic for bedrooms!
Can you make coordinated products to match my made to measure curtains and roman blinds? show answer
Yes, we can make cushions, tiebacks, pelmets, door stops etc. Please see our accessory ranges for more details and costs.
Can I machine wash my made to measure curtains? show answer
We would not advice this. The fabric may shrink, and colours may run. Curtains can be dry cleaned but please note, they can shrink by up to 3% during the process. The best way to keep your curtains clean is to regularly vacuum them whilst hanging. The above recommendation also applies to fabrics listed as ‘washable’. A washable fabric can still shrink slightly in the wash – similar to that of clothing fabric which can create an uneven and poor draping curtain.
How often do you update your ranges? show answer
Our ranges get roughly updated about three to four times a year, as releases in the textile industry tend to be seasonal. As far as updates to the technical side of the site are concerned, we are constantly working on ways to make things better and to simplify the process for our customers.
I would like to order my made to measure curtain as single rather than a pair - is this possible? show answer
Yes, there is an option for this when placing your order.
Can I check if you have fabric in stock before ordering? show answer
Yes, simply call us on 0191 252 1111 and we can check stock levels on any of our fabrics.
I have seen a fabric from one of your suppliers elsewhere, however, I cannot see it on your website, can you still make the curtains? show answer
Yes - not all of our suppliers fabric are on our site, if it's not there - simply call or email with the fabric name and your measurements are we can give you a quotation.

Visit our Showroom

Do you have a showroom? show answer
Yes, we do have a showroom. The address is Curtains Made For Free, Norham Road North, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE29 8RF. Our opening hours are Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, and Saturday 10am-4pm by appointments only. You can book a Showroom appointment through our showroom appointment service.
When are your offices open? show answer
Our offices are open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm except Bank Holidays and other national English holidays.