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patgiddens
Curtains, Blinds, Soft Furnishings, Upholstery
Blogs


Blackout Blinds vs Curtains: Which Is Best for Your Room?
Blackout is a term that is often misunderstood when it comes to window dressings. Complete blackout is exceedingly difficult to achieve unless you have a fully sealed system, because even the smallest gap around a blind or curtain can allow light to enter - and blackout lining can make that light bleed more noticeable. It is also worth remembering that a window that feels adequately dark in winter can behave very differently in summer, when stronger sunlight, earlier mornings

Pat Giddens
21 hours ago3 min read


An Expert Guide to Cleaning Curtains
Curtains are one of the easiest places to overlook when it comes to keeping your house clean. I think of them as a kind of fabric filter for the room: they're constantly exposed to open windows, airborne pollen, household dust and insects, so even when they look clean, they can be holding onto a surprising amount of debris. Don't wait for them to look dirty My biggest cleaning hack is therefore quite simple: don't wait for soft furnishings to look dirty before cleaning them.

Pat Giddens
22 hours ago2 min read


Natural Trends in Interior Design: Curtains, Soft Furnishings, Fabrics & Colours for 2027
Sustainability, natural materials and fabrics Natural fabrics have always been the foundation of our curtain-making business, and there's a strong, continued movement toward using natural, breathable and sustainable fabrics in interiors, especially in curtains and soft furnishings. This trend is being driven by growing eco-consciousness, rising global temperatures and a desire for homes that feel more grounded and connected to nature. Choosing natural materials is also a grea

Pat Giddens
2 days ago4 min read


Textiles in the Kitchen: Softening the Heart of the Home
Never have textiles been more welcome in the kitchen than they are today. As this once purely functional space evolves into the true heart of the home, flowing seamlessly into living, dining, family and homework areas, textiles are being used to bring softness, warmth and personality into spaces once defined by hard surfaces and practicality. Overstatement and sumptuousness Today's kitchens are embracing a new kind of luxury, one of overstatement and sumptuousness. Curtains a

Pat Giddens
2 days ago3 min read


How to Choose the Right Colour for Your Bedroom Curtains
Bedrooms are about rest, intimacy and comfort, with curtains often setting the mood. But when it comes to choosing the colour and fabric for your curtains, some tones work better than others. Here are our personal favourites Soft pink and flesh tones Blush, rosewater and nude tones create warmth without overpowering. They flatter natural light and feel nurturing, ideal for a bedroom that promotes rest and self-connection. Caramel hues and delicate yellows Honey, butterscotch

Pat Giddens
3 days ago2 min read


Winter 2026/27 Interior Trends: Drapery Takes Centre Stage
If there's one word to sum up the mood for Winter 2026/27, it's cocooning – and textiles and drapery are playing centre stage. Cocooning comfort As homeowners seek spaces that feel restorative and comforting, textiles are playing a central role in creating interiors that support wellbeing and relaxation. Layered fabrics, soft lighting, rich colour palettes and tactile materials work together to create environments that feel warm, secure and welcoming. Think curtained nooks, o

Pat Giddens
3 days ago4 min read


Kitchen curtains - adding style to the heart of the home
Never have textiles been more welcome in the kitchen than they are today. As this once purely functional space evolves into the true heart of the home, flowing seamlessly into living, dining, and family and homework areas, Textiles are being used, and overused, to bring softness, warmth, and personality into spaces once defined by hard surfaces and practicality. Overstatement and Sumptuousness Today’s kitchens are embracing a new kind of luxury, one of overstatement and sumpt

Pat Giddens
Feb 33 min read


Embracing Maximalism: A Journey into Bold Design
In 2026, maximalism isn’t just décor—it’s a declaration. A celebration of colour, craft, and character, it rejects restraint in favour of warmth, wit, and emotional connection. Once the rebel against minimalism’s calm, maximalism has matured into a confident language of storytelling and self-expression. Curtain maker Pat Giddens says, ‘it’s about joyfully curating your world—layer by layer, texture by texture.’ The Art of “More” Maximalist spaces thrive on contrast. They feat

Pat Giddens
Oct 24, 20252 min read


Embracing Wabi-Sabi: The Art of Imperfection in Curtains
In an age of polished perfection and algorithmic aesthetics, a quieter, more contemplative design movement is taking hold in British homes. The latest expression of it can be found not in furniture or architecture — but in curtains. The wabi-sabi curtain trend, inspired by the Japanese philosophy that celebrates imperfection and impermanence, has emerged as one of 2025’s most intriguing interior directions. A Philosophy Woven into Fabric Rooted in centuries-old Japanese thoug

Pat Giddens
Oct 21, 20253 min read


The Essential Guide to Avoiding Common Curtain Mistakes
Curtains can make or break a room. The right ones add warmth, texture, and style. However, a few simple curtain mistakes can ruin the effect. According to curtain maker Pat Giddens, there are rules to follow. Understanding Fabric & Material Choices Choosing the Right Fabric Each fabric behaves differently. Linen relaxes over time, silk fades in sunlight, and wool needs airing. It’s essential to pick materials suited to the room’s use and light. They should also align with the

Pat Giddens
Oct 21, 20253 min read
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