The Complete Guide to Curtains for Winter: From Design To Install in the East Midlands

Made-to-Measure Curtains That Transform Your Home in the East Midlands

Your Complete Guide To Choosing Curtains: The Best Styles and Benefits

When the nights draw in and the temperature drops, nothing makes a room feel cosier than a pair of beautifully tailored drapes.


From creating privacy on dark evenings to keeping warmth in during frosty mornings, the right made to measure curtains do far more than cover your windows - they transform the atmosphere of your home.


At Marathon Blinds & Shutters, we design, handcraft, and install curtains across the East Midlands. Whether you want the soft luxury of wave curtains in your living room, or voile curtains for light-filled kitchens, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.

Curtain Benefits East Midlands

Cosy Up This Winter With Private, Insulated and Soft Curtains

Curtains are more than window coverings - they add warmth, elegance, and comfort, turning a house into a true home. Especially in winter, they create that cocooning, private feel we all crave while adding texture and depth to your interior design.

Made-to-measure skylight blinds for new build homes

The benefits compared to alternatives like blinds or shutters:


  • Insulation & energy savings – Heavier curtains with proper lining act as a barrier against draughts. Many homeowners now choose eco-friendly linen curtain designs for a sustainable, stylish solution.


  • Softness & luxury – Luxury curtains add depth and texture to a room, making spaces feel welcoming. From modern curtain styles like wave headings to traditional pleats, they can completely transform a space.


  • Noise reduction – Heavy or lined fabrics dampen noise, making them ideal for bedrooms and bay windows.


  • Versatile style statement – With thousands of fabrics and pleats, custom curtains can either blend seamlessly into your décor or act as a bold focal point.

Curtain Styles and Designs East Midlands

From Eyelet to Pinch Pleat: We’ve Got Your Windows Covered

With so many curtain styles available, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s a guide to the most popular designs, their advantages, and where they work best.


Pencil Pleat Curtains

Pencil pleat curtains

Classic, versatile, and works with both lined and unlined fabrics.

Great for traditional homes and bay windows with curved spaces.

Easy to style in casual or more formal settings.

Eyelet curtains

Sleek, modern style with wide rings for smooth movement.

Simple to hang and maintain - perfect for busy households.

Works well with lightweight fabrics for relaxed spaces.

Eyelet curtains

Minimalist folds create a hotel-inspired finish.

Ideal for large windows, sliding doors, or open-plan living spaces.

Pairs beautifully with sheer voile curtains for layered control.

Explore Wave curtains here.


Sheer & Voile Curtains

Sheer and voile curtains

Light and airy while maintaining daytime privacy.

Perfect for layering with heavier curtains for year-round use.

Great for kitchens, dining rooms, and open-plan spaces.

Pinch pleat curtains

Elegant, tailored folds for a luxury finish.

Ideal for formal spaces such as dining rooms or traditional interiors.

Adds structure and depth, working well with heavier fabrics like velvets.

Book a Free Curtain Design Session to explore your curtain options. 

Still not sure which option is right for you?


We’ve put together curtain brochures to inspire you - or you can book a bespoke curtain design session with our team.

Leading Curtain Installers East Midlands

A Family-Run Business Dedicated To Dressing Your Windows With Pride

From your very first consultation to the day your new curtains are installed, everything is handled by our East Midlands team.


We’ll help you select fabrics, tailor the design to your space, handcraft your curtains locally, and fit them with care.


Homeowners choose us because:


  • Every curtain is crafted with expert skill and fitted to perfection.
  • We offer one of the widest fabric ranges in the East Midlands.
  • As a family-run business, our service is personal, not pushy.
  • We provide aftercare and guarantees for total peace of mind.
  • We’re proud to be a family-run business with decades of experience, trusted by homeowners across the East Midlands.

Curtain Inspiration and Ideas UK

Dressing Your Windows For Rest, Warmth and Atmosphere

Not sure which curtains to choose for your home? That’s completely normal - with so many styles and fabrics available, it can feel overwhelming. The easiest way to decide is to think about the room itself, and how you want it to look and feel.

Bedrooms → Restful and Practical

  • Pencil pleat curtains bring a classic, cosy look that feels timeless.
  • Eyelet curtains give bedrooms a modern, streamlined edge.
  • Voile curtains can be layered with heavier drapes for softness and flexibility.

Pro tip: Layering voiles with blackout curtains gives you both privacy in the day and total darkness at night.

Made-to-measure blackout roller blinds

Living Rooms → Warmth and Elegance

  • Wave curtains offer a sleek, modern flow - perfect for contemporary spaces.
  • Pinch pleat curtains add tailored luxury, ideal for formal living rooms.
  • Eyelet curtains work beautifully in open-plan spaces, keeping the look light but stylish.

Pro tip: Mix textures - like pairing velvet pinch pleat with soft voiles - to add depth and character.


Made-to-measure cassette and magnetic systems

Kitchens & Dining → Light and Atmosphere

  • Voile curtains are perfect for kitchens and dining rooms, keeping the space light and airy.
  • Pencil pleat curtains can add a traditional touch to dining rooms for a cosy, homely atmosphere.

Pro tip: Use voiles in kitchens with blinds for easy cleaning and flexible light control.

Curtain Fitting FAQs

The Answers To Your Questions About Curtains

  • What are the different types of curtain styles available in the UK?

    We offer a wide range of curtain styles including pencil pleat curtains, eyelet curtains, pinch pleat curtains, wave curtains, and voile curtains. Each style suits different interior looks - for example, eyelet curtains are modern and easy to hang, while pinch pleat curtains give a more tailored, luxury finish.

  • Are made to measure curtains better than ready made curtains?

    Made to measure curtains UK are designed to fit your exact window measurements, giving a polished look and better insulation. Ready made curtains can be more affordable and quicker to install, but may not suit unusual window sizes like bay windows.

  • Do blackout curtains really help with light and heat control?

    Yes - blackout curtains (available in pencil pleat, eyelet, or pinch pleat styles) block unwanted light and also help regulate room temperature. They are especially popular in bedrooms, with searches for blackout curtains for bedrooms UK growing every year.

  • How much does professional curtain installation cost in the UK?

    Costs for curtain installation services in the UK vary depending on size, style, and whether you need track or pole fitting. On average, curtain fitting near me searches show that homeowners expect a professional finish and are willing to invest for perfect draping.

  • Which curtains are best for bay windows?

    For curtains for bay windows UK, wave curtains and pencil pleat curtains are popular choices because they create even folds around curved spaces. A professional fitting ensures they hang neatly and maximise natural light.

  • What’s the difference between pencil pleat and pinch pleat curtains?

    Pencil pleat curtains have small, tightly gathered pleats for a casual or traditional look, while pinch pleat curtains have a more formal, tailored appearance. Searches for luxury pinch pleat curtains UK are growing among homeowners seeking a high-end finish.

  • Are voile curtains still in style?

    Yes - voile curtains remain a favourite for layering with heavier drapes. They add privacy without blocking natural light, making them perfect for living rooms and modern interiors. Many people search for sheer voile curtains UK for a soft, contemporary touch.

  • Can I get bespoke curtain design services?

    Absolutely. Our bespoke curtain design services include custom fabric choices, pleat styles, and full professional curtain measuring and fitting services UK. This option is ideal for unique windows or luxury interiors.

  • What are the best curtain styles for modern homes?

    Modern wave curtain styles are increasingly popular in UK homes, especially for large windows, sliding doors, or open-plan living areas. Eyelet curtains are another modern choice, giving clean lines and ease of movement on poles.

  • Where can I buy curtain poles and fittings in the UK?

    Alongside curtain installation UK services, we also guide customers on where to buy curtain poles and fittings UK. Choosing the right pole or track is essential for styles like wave curtains or heavy blackout curtains.

Curtain Design, Manufacture and Installation Process East Midlands

Designing and Installing Curtains With Our Expertise

Many people feel unsure before committing to made-to-measure curtains - that’s completely normal.


Here’s how we put your mind at ease at every stage:


  • Free Consultation – We start with a no-obligation home visit where we discuss styles, fabrics, and what works for your space.
  • Expert Measurement – Our team takes precise measurements so your curtains fit perfectly, no matter the window shape.
  • Custom Manufacture – Curtains are crafted locally to your exact specifications. This ensures quality and a finish that lasts.
  • Professional Installation – Our fitters handle everything, ensuring your curtains hang beautifully from day one.


Common concerns are taken care of:


  • Worried about cost? Made to measure curtains are a long-term investment and improve insulation, saving on bills.
  • Not sure about style? Our designers guide you through fabric books and samples to help you decide.
  • Nervous about fitting? We manage the whole process so you can relax and enjoy your transformed space.

Book a Free Curtain Design Session to explore your curtain options. 

Curtain Bespoke Design Review East Midlands

Your Dream Curtains Are Ready To Be Drawn - Book Your Bespoke Design Review Today

Curtains aren’t just practical - they’re what make a room feel finished. From eco-friendly linen eyelet curtains to luxury pinch pleat designs, they bring warmth, elegance, and functionality into your home.


At Marathon Blinds & Shutters, we’re more than curtain makers. We’re a family-run business rooted in the East Midlands, trusted by homeowners for decades. People choose us because every curtain is made with care, fitted flawlessly, and backed by service that continues long after installation.


Many of our customers also explore blinds or shutters to complete the look - and our team can guide you through the best combinations for your home.

Book a Free Curtain Design Session to explore your curtain options.