Summer is in full swing.

With lots of the lovely summer left to enjoy, fingers crossed, there’s still plenty of time to embrace and transform your outdoor entertaining space. You can choose from functional to wow, with practical outdoor water-resistant fabrics, and be ready for the wonderful Indian summers we’ve had the last few years.

In this newsletter, we will look at our latest wool project with House of Hackney and will also explore the world of curtain poles and accessories.

Read on to find out more.

Wonderful British Wool… a unique project for House of Hackney!

Before modern textiles were created, there was wool!

Accepted as a sustainable, environmentally positive fibre, wool is 100% natural, renewable, biodegradable and hardwearing. It also has natural fire retardancy properties.

We’ve been incredibly fortunate to be involved with sourcing British wool for upholstery projects (headboards, screens, chairs and sofas) for the House of Hackney.

Velvet and wool upholstered screens for House of Hackney

House of Hackney screens

House of Hackney is a luxury British interiors, fashion and lifestyle brand that create unique and inspiring designs with sustainability and durability at the heart of everything they do.

We’re super excited about this project because it’s a sustainable shift away from using chemical foams to a natural British product that also supports our home-grown farmers.

If you like the idea of adding wool to your home interiors, we can also supply wool fabrics for upholstery, curtains, and blinds.

Get in touch to find out more.

Curtain poles explained

As we move through this beautiful, optimistic season, we’ve also got one eye on the seasons ahead.

Curtains are more than just a cosy window covering. They’re also an opportunity to create a stunning focal point in any room. So, we thought it would be helpful to look at all the different poles and tracks available, so you can decide which is the best option for your home interior projects.

Pencil pleat curtains

Pencil pleat curtains.

Splendid curtain solutions

How you hang your beautiful curtains may seem mundane, but a carefully considered curtain pole can elevate your interior design and add a touch of elegance and functionality to your windows.

Small details really can make a significant difference and create a highly polished look.

Curtain poles or tracks are the structural support to your curtains (particularly if you’re using heavy fabric), allowing them to hang correctly and glide smoothly. They also help create a cohesive style in whichever room they’re used.

So, whatever your style or property situation, think about your design goals. Do you want your curtains to blend in seamlessly or create a bold focal point?

Gold wooden curtain pole with engraved finial

Wooden curtain pole – image Jones Interiors

Let’s explore the different options available and the design impact they can have.

Classic wooden curtain pole

The world is your oyster when it comes to wooden poles!

Gone are the days of a simple, uncomplicated design. After undergoing something of a design renaissance over recent years, there are many different styles, colours, and diameters to choose from to help you create a window that exudes warmth and natural beauty.

Sleek metal pole   

Durable and versatile, metal poles are a classic choice. But they can also help solve tricky design requirements, such as being bent to hang curtains in bay windows.

Also available in various finishes and sizes, a metal pole complements all interior tastes, from a sleek modern look to a more elaborate, ornate finish.

Chrome curtain pole with crystal cut finial

Metal curtain pole – image Jones Interiors

Double curtain pole

Last month, we explored the benefits of voiles to help block out unwanted sunlight, create some privacy and help protect treasured furniture and fabrics from harmful UV rays.

Double curtain poles are ideal for more oversized windows as they allow two layers of curtain treatments to be hung – one behind the other.

Offering smooth gliding of both treatments and the option to have both closed simultaneously, a double curtain pole arrangement also helps to create a more dramatic aesthetic. This look is usually achieved with a smaller pole behind a larger, sometimes more decorative pole.

French pole

If you’re looking for a simple, provincial style, a French curtain pole is a popular choice.

Creating a more voluminous, elegant stack back, a French pole has a 90-degree bend at each end to secure it to the wall, creating a finial-free look.

Known as a French return, fabric sitting snuggly to the wall maximises light exclusion and helps to keep the room draught free. This makes them an ideal solution for living rooms and bedrooms.

Available in various finishes, they can complement different tastes and curtain designs.

French curtain pole

French curtain pole – image Joes Interiors

French curtain pole

Above is a French curtain pole with bespoke curtains we’ve recently installed.

Café rods (Tension rods) 

Ideal for smaller windows, such as kitchens or powder rooms, a café rod (also known as a tension rod) differs from other curtain poles in that it isn’t a permanent fixture secured to the wall or window frame.

Adjustable in length, a café rod is held in place by extending it to fit in the window recess tightly. Due to this approach, they’re best suited for lightweight fabrics such as voiles, net, crochet or linen.

They tend to be a cost-effective solution, and they create a pretty, dainty aesthetic.

Portiere rods 

Ideal for dormer windows or curtains above doors (where there is limited room for a stack back), a portiere rod can be attached to a window/door frame or the adjacent wall.

This allows the window or door to be opened with the curtain in situ, or the curtain can be pulled back, and the window or door can open freely beneath the pole.

Portiere rod with double pinch pleat curtains

Portiere rod – Image Jones Interiors

Portiere rod

Above is a curtain on a portiere rod we recently installed

Recessed curtain track

If you prefer a minimalised design with no visible curtain pole, a recessed track is your solution! For this to be a success, it’s best if this is planned into a new build or renovation project, as it does require more work than simply fitting a new curtain pole to an existing window.

The final aesthetic is stunning and creates a feeling of luxury and elegance.

Versatile curtain track

Curtain tracks can be bent into shape and come in unlimited lengths due to their ability to join sections together without affecting the overall glide of the curtains. This is particularly useful for bay windows, curved glazing, or to maximise light and have stack-back free curtains.

Recessed curtain track

Recessed curtain track

Don’t forget about automation!

If your curtains are situated behind large pieces of furniture, or you’re just looking to add a wow factor to your home interiors, don’t forget about curtain automation!

Electric systems can be installed and used on both poles and tracks.

Now for the accessories!

No curtain pole is complete without the all-important fixtures and fittings!

Let’s take a look at the range of accessories available to really complete your window framing projects.

Brackets

These are the supports that are fixed to your wall or ceiling, holding your pole or track in place, and supporting the weight of your chosen curtains.

While this is a hugely practical element of your desired solution, brackets don’t have to be mundane or boring! A range of plain and decorative options is available, from smooth rounded to intricately carved brackets, so your window dressings reflect your unique personality!

Curtain pole bracket

The bracket above has a round button detail that matches the finial

Finials

Finials are the book ends to your curtain pole, preventing your curtain rings from sliding right off the end and giving you another opportunity to showcase your personal style!

 

Whether you choose to go simple and classic, or ornate and opulent, finials are available using various materials, including glass, metal, fabric and carved wood.

Curtain pole finial

Curtain pole finials – image Jones Interiors

To maximise light or add another touch of elegance, holdbacks can be attached to the wall to hook a curtain behind or to attach tie-backs.

From classic and clean cut to decorative and extravagant, they can be the final finishing touch to your chosen window.

Now you know your curtain pole options, do you need help with curtain headings style? If so visit our Brighter Days are Ahead newsletter where we explain curtain heading styles.

For more advice regarding your curtain options, get in touch. We’d love to help!

Curtain holdback

Curtain holdback

Now you know your curtain pole options, do you need help with curtain headings style? If so visit our Brighter Days are Ahead newsletter where we explain curtain heading styles.

For more advice regarding your curtain options, get in touch. We’d love to help!

Embrace your outdoor space

Enjoy the long summer evenings and relax and unwind in style!

We’re well into the summer now, but there’s still plenty of time to revamp your outdoor space with some fashionable and practical outdoor scatter cushions.

We always recommend choosing water- and mould-resistant fabrics, ensuring they’re fit for outdoor living and can be enjoyed year after year. This also makes them suitable for other al fresco adventures such as camping, glamping, caravanning, or trips to the beach.

Outdoor furniture

Outdoor furniture

Talking of summer holidays, are there any holiday furnishing styles you’ve liked or fabrics that you’ve fallen in love with that you’d want to replicate at home?

Perhaps you’ve stayed somewhere luxurious and thought, “I’d love to re-create this vibe at home”? If so, give us a call because we’d love to help!

Trevi

Trevi – where life begins

Trevi is a charity that’s very close to our hearts.

Niki’s Soft Furnishings is predominately a women-strong team, and we love this local charity that has been supporting and transforming the lives of women and children for 30 years.

To find out more about this wonderful cause or to make a donation, visit their website.

The fabrics will be on our benches soon, so keep an eye on our Instagram feed and Facebook page to see the projects taking shape.

Job Vacancy – Exciting opportunity to join our team

We have two exciting opportunities for anyone who is passionate about interiors or numbers.

Would the thought of working as an interior sales consultant or being a bookkeeper for a growing bespoke soft furnishings team excite you?

If you think you have what it takes, or know anyone who might be interested in these roles, then please get in touch.

Sales consultant and bookkeeper job vacancy

To find out more, contact us

We hope you’ve enjoyed our latest newsletter. As always, if there’s anything, in particular, you’d like us to feature, hit reply and let us know.

Until next time!

Out door basket swing with yellow cushions