Where to buy curtains for a tenement flat
Tenement flats in Hyndland, Glasgow
Glasgow is a city full of beautiful architecture, steeped in history and character. A huge part of it’s identity are the distinctive tenement flats that create a uniformity across much of the city. Built in the late 19th century to house the growing Glasgow population during the industrial revolution, tenement flats are often three to five stories high and have some identifiable, period features which make them desirable homes.
Glasgow tenement flats have many coveted features, they often feature beautiful, ornate tiling in their closes, they have high ceilings and may retain period decoration such as original cornice and ceiling roses. One of the hallmarks of a glasgow tenement is beautiful sash windows, often with a bay window in the front room. These windows look fantastic and due to their mighty height they create light filled homes - however, at around 300cm high (or more!) it can be incredibly tricky finding curtains for them.
If you are reading this you may find yourself with that very issue - don’t fret - there are options, and i’ve found them for you!
Tenement bay window in Glasgow
Option 1: Get Made to Measure curtains
This is probably not what you wanted to read so let’s get the most costly option out of the way first. Made to measure curtains or blinds will always be the best option for any window treatment but of course this isn’t always possible because it can end up costing an absolute fortune. The benefit of made to measure is that they will fit your window perfectly and keep draughts out, they will insulate sound, you can choose the exact fabric you’d like, which header you’d like, how full you’d like the curtain to be and can add lining for warmth/blackout etc. There are a few ways you could make this cheaper - searching for remnants using sites like Haines Collection or reusing old fabric.
Option 2: Buy ready made curtains
This may be what you’re after. I have scoured the internet to find you some options for some super long curtains:
La Redoute
La Redoute offer a selection of long length curtains that go to 350cm drop! If you have a wide bay window you might need 3 curtains to make this work but a trick here would be to get two sewn together (or if you need an instant fix pull two to one side and one to the other until you get around to doing this! Nobody will notice this during the day)
These are priced around £30 per curtain which is significantly cheaper than paying for made to measure, and they have different header options - I would personally opt for a gathered header or concealed tab header but if you want the same look as a wave header then go for an eyelet. Blackout lining is also available.
H&M Home
H&M home do a range of 300 drop curtains, this range is really beautiful, light and airy so perfect for a more minimal home. They also have a blackout option. These are priced around £85 for 2 however double check your window width as you may need a spare.
IKEA
There is often whispered conversations in parties i’ve attended regarding where to get curtains in Glasgow (it happens more than you’d imagine) and the word around town is that IKEA stopped doing long curtains. Well i’m pleased to tell you they do again! The options are very limited and the maximum drop is 300cm (compared to La Redoute’s 350cm) but they are an affordable option perhaps if you’re saving to get curtains made or for a kid’s bedroom.
Secret Linen Store
I found 300cm drop curtains at Secret Linen Store, these are more expensive than H&M but could fit your style better.
Wayfair
I found curtains on Wayfair that go to a 500cm drop! The quality of these curtains looks varying (and questionable at times) If you’re buying look for ones that aren’t fully polyester…
Option 3: Second hand charity shop, auction, house clearances, Facebook marketplace
Buying second hand curtains from auction, ebay, FB marketplace, gumtree, house clearances etc is a cost effective solution and is a sustainable choice. The drawback of this option is that whilst you might pick up a bargain you’re going to have to be pretty dedicated to the cause and you might need something fast - perhaps you could get some ready made curtains for the meantime and then set up search alert for higher quality second hand curtains, you can sell on or give away the ready made curtains after.
Option 4: Blinds
Adding a blind could be the option for you - there are many different types available out there and it gives you flexibility during day to adjust the light if reading etc. The blinds used below are discreet and effective.
Simple roller blinds in a Glasgow tenement
Hopefully you’re closer now to getting your Glasgow tenement window woes sorted! I’d be delighted to help with your next interiors project, check out my services to see how we can work together. Get in touch with me here
