At Brewers we understand decorating from start to finish. The first steps may be paint and wallpaper but we know that it’s the finishing touches that can complete the perfect scheme.
This is why we offer a wide range of Made to Measure curtains, blinds, shutters, tracks & poles, along with coordinating accessories to meet your requirements. Visit our stores to see our unrivalled choice of beautiful fabrics and products from the best brands.
This booklet takes you easily through the steps for ordering your perfect window treatments. Follow each step carefully and then place your order in store, where our staff will be more than happy to help you. Alternatively, if you don’t have a store nearby, or would like any additional help, please contact our Made to Measure team of experts at m2m@brewers.co.uk or call 01323 436181.
Every order is made with the utmost care and attention, and we hope you will have a happy shopping experience with us!
CHOOSING YOUR FABRIC
Choosing the right fabric for your curtains or blinds is the fun part but with such an amazing selection of fabrics, it may be difficult to know where to start. We have compiled a handy guide of the main types of fabrics to assist you when considering your personal colour and design choices. Different fabrics have varied characteristics which can result in quite different ‘looks’. Please request this guide from a member of staff.
CHOOSING YOUR LINING
The lining of your curtains and blinds is far more important than you may think; linings give curtains a better drape, whilst improving warmth and insulation within your home and some can also help control how much light will filter through. In short, quality curtains and blinds need to be properly lined! We offer a range of linings, and our staff will be happy to advise on the best option for you.
STANDARD LINING
ALL of our curtains and roman blinds include a carefully chosen quality lining to ensure they drape and hang beautifully. Available in a choice of 5 neutral colours - cream, almond, stone, white or ivory – to perfectly coordinate with your chosen fabric.
DIMOUT LINING
Dimout products are naturally suited to bedrooms where the ability to control light is important for quality of sleep. They can also be useful in other rooms if strong outside light sources shine through your windows, and as such will prevent seams showing through to the face fabric. They can help with temperature control, providing insulation which helps keep in warmth during cold months and exclude strong sun rays during the summer months. Available in white, ivory and almond.
THERMAL LINING
Choose our soft thermal lining for enhanced insulation, keeping rooms cooler in summer and warmer during the winter months. Available in almond and ivory.
COLOURED LININGS also available in a variety of colours to contrast or coordinate with your chosen fabric.
INTERLINING
Interlining sits between the fabric and lining, giving body to finer fabrics and adding weight and a particularly luxurious look to your curtains and roman blinds. It can also help to reduce light damage to delicate fabrics as well as blocking out sound and draughts. We always recommend the use of interlining with silk. Curtain headings do appear bulkier with interlining and our staff will be pleased to advise you on this.
CHOOSING YOUR HEADINGS
All of our curtains are made to your own measurements and are fully lined. They have mitred corners, are weighted with lead weights and come ready to hang. It is these hand finished details that set them apart from machine-made curtains and make them truly individual to you. Once you have chosen your fabric and selected the lining, the next step is considering which heading would be best suited for your curtains.
PINCH PLEAT
Available as Double or Triple Pinch pleat headings are stiffened with heading buckram and then individually hand pleated. This is a fixed heading and the width cannot be adjusted once made. The pleats allow the curtain to fall into even, elegant folds flowing from top to bottom. Suitable for hanging on tracks and poles.
DOUBLE PINCH PLEATS
TRIPLE PINCH PLEATS
Headings shown here on a corded pole
CHOOSING YOUR HEADINGS
PENCIL PLEAT
Classic, traditional curtain heading with tight ‘pencil-like’ folds which then creates a full and flowing curtain. This versatile and adjustable heading is suitable for both tracks and poles. The standard depth of pleat is 7cm but larger depths are available (recommended for longer length curtains). Please ask a member of staff.
GOBLET
Like pinch pleat, goblet headings are stiffened with heading buckram and then individually hand pleated into a cupped shape, with elegant folds of fabric flowing below. This is a fixed heading and the width cannot be adjusted once made. As this heading is much bulkier, a neat stackback is more difficult to achieve – better to sweep curtains back using coordinating tiebacks, hold backs or tassels. Suitable for hanging on tracks and poles.
PENCIL PLEATS
GOBLET
CHOOSING YOUR HEADINGS
TAB TOPS
A tab top heading is created with tabs spaced approximately 15cm apart, and at a standard length of 10cm, unless otherwise specified. A simple contemporary heading always hung from a pole as it threads through the loops (tabs).
WAVE
This popular heading offers soft, even folds from top to bottom in a continuous ‘wave’ effect, making it a great choice for modern and also minimalist interiors. Only suitable for use with a specialist track which keeps the folds in place once drawn, and maximizes light into the room when neatly stacked back.
EYELETS
A neat heading with deep uniform folds of fabric running from top to bottom creating a contemporary feel. Only suitable hung from a pole which is threaded through the metal eyelets at the top of the curtains. Choose from a selection of eyelet colours to coordinate perfectly with your scheme –see below – to fit a 35mm pole as standard, other sizes available on request.
ANTIQUE COPPER
ANTIQUE NICKEL BRASS BLACK NICKEL GUNMETAL SATIN NICKEL
CHOOSING YOUR TRACK OR POLE
At Brewers we offer a wide range of poles and tracks to suit every window and every décor. Often your chosen curtain heading will dictate whether you choose either a pole or a track, thereafter there is a huge choice of options, all made to your bespoke measurements. Both tracks and poles (corded or tracked) can also be motorised for ease of use - mains or simply battery operated for smooth operation every time. Please see a member of staff who will happily advise on the best option for your chosen window dressing and decorative space.
TRACKS
Using a track to hang curtains makes the fixture less visible as the header can often cover the actual track. This is a good option for plain or simple curtains styles and if you are restricted on space either side of the window. It can also be covered with a pelmet.
WOODEN & METAL POLES
Timber and metal poles can be made to the size and shape of your window and are supplied with rings for hooked curtain headers or without if you have chosen eyelet or tab top curtains. Choosing a pole gives a much wider selection of colours, styles, finials and diameters to choose from.
TRACKED POLES
A hybrid of the previous two options, this combination offers the best of both worlds – a track discreetly hidden inside either a metal or wooden pole, so you get the look of the pole but without the need for rings; the curtains hang neatly and move smoothly from the gliders in the track.
HOW TO MEASURE FOR CURTAINS
The secret to making perfectly tailored curtains starts with accurate measurements. Just follow this easy step-by-step measuring guide for the perfect result.
STEP 1
MEASURE THE WIDTH
Measure the width of the curtain track or pole, not the window, allowing for any centre overlap or returns to the wall as applicable.
TIP: Always use a steel tape when measuring, as fabric tapes can stretch.
- measure total
Track with centre overlapmeasure both sections including overlap
Pole - measure width excluding finials
Where a track or pole is not fitted, remember to allow ideally between 15-30cm either side of the window recess, if space permits
STEP 2
HOW MANY WIDTHS?
Once you have measured your track width, you can calculate how many widths of fabric you will need, depending on your chosen heading. These charts allow for the minimum recommended fullness for each heading - we have done the calculations for you.
Pencil Pleats, DOUBLE Pinch Pleats, Wave and Goblets
Rail width up to 122cm
Rail width
123-183cm
Rail width
184-244cm
Rail width
245-305cm
Rail width
306-366cm
Rail width
367-427cm
RAIL WIDTH PER CURTAIN
One pair, 1 width in each curtain
*Each curtain approximately 132cm wide
One pair, 1½ widths in each curtain
*Each curtain approximately 198cm wide
One pair, 2 widths in each curtain
*Each curtain approximately 264cm wide
One pair, 2½ widths in each curtain
*Each curtain approximately 330cm wide
One pair, 3 widths in each curtain
*Each curtain approximately 396cm wide
One pair, 3½ widths in each curtain
*Each curtain approximately 462cm wide
TRIPLE
How Many Widths
Eyelets = 2 x fullness
RAIL WIDTH PER CURTAIN
How Many Widths
Rail width up to 110cm
Rail width
111-165cm
Rail width
166-220cm
Rail width
221-274cm
Rail width
275-330cm
Rail width
331-384cm
Pinch Pleats = 2½ x fullness
One pair, 1 width in each curtain
*Each curtain approximately 132cm wide
One pair, 1½ widths in each curtain
*Each curtain approximately 198cm wide
One pair, 2 widths in each curtain
*Each curtain approximately 264cm wide
One pair, 2½ widths in each curtain
*Each curtain approximately 330cm wide
One pair, 3 widths in each curtain
*Each curtain approximately 396cm wide
One pair, 3½ widths in each curtain
*Each curtain approximately 462cm wide
How Many Widths How Many Widths
* Approximate width of each curtain is based on fabric 137cm wide. For fabric 122cm wide, curtains will be narrower.
HOW TO MEASURE FOR CURTAINS
STEP 3
MEASURE THE LENGTH
The finished length is the measurement from the top of the curtain to the bottom of the hem and is entirely dependent on the look you would like to achieve. The type of curtain header and/or your chosen track/pole will determine the point at which you need to measure from – see pictures to the far right.
Then decide whether you would like your curtains to fall to the sill, just below or to the floor.
We suggest the following:
• For window sill length:
Measure to approximately 0.5cm above the sill to allow clearance.
• For below sill length:
Metal Or Wooden Poles
Measure from the underside of the ring or pole (if tracked or corded) to your desired drop.
Eyelet Heading
Measure from the top of the pole to your desired drop and add 3cm.
Measure to 7.5 -15cm below the sill, allowing a minimum clearance of 1.5cm above the radiators.
• For floor length:
Measure to 1.5cm from the floor, allowing clearance for carpets. Pooled (or puddled) curtains can offer a luxurious look with surplus fabric sitting on the floor, though extra length will need to be added to the finished drop.
Track Without Pelmets
Measure from the top of the track to your desired drop. If required, add the depth of the track to enable it to be fully covered (pencil/pinch pleat).
Tab Top Heading
Measure from the top of the pole to your desired drop. It is recommended that the pole be fitted a minimum of 15cm above the window recess to minimise light exposure.
VOILES
A voile is a lightweight woven fabric, which is made into curtains with no lining - often called ‘sheers’. Voile curtains are ideal for creating a light, airy feel to a room and are often used for privacy whilst still allowing light into the room.
Many voile fabrics are made much wider than normal, around 300cm wide. These are known as ‘room high’ (or ‘rail road’) fabrics and allow for a voile to be made up to a maximum drop of 270cm, with no joining seams as the wider ‘width’ is used as the curtain drop.
Voiles can be made up with the same curtain header types (except goblet) or with a slot top heading. Slot tops will be made with a 2.5cm channel for threading your net wire/ rod through. Wider channels are available on request. There will be a 1.5cm decorative heading above the slot channel as standard.
Wave heading is a popular choice for lightweight voile fabrics, as the track system allows the voile to hang in smooth, simple and continuous ‘waves’, particularly effective on larger windows.
Harlequin • Sheers 1
CO-ORDINATING ACCESSORIES
TIE BACKS
Tie backs will dress your curtains beautifully and can be made in the same or different fabric as your curtains. They can be plain or self-piped. All fabric tie backs are available in three sizes (please specify when ordering):
Small 60cm recommended for 1-1½ width curtains
Medium 70cm recommended for 2-2½ width curtains
Large 90cm recommended for 3-3½ width curtains
Other sizes are available, please ask.
BUTTONS / PIPING & TRIMS / CONTRAST EDGING
Braids, tassels, beaded fringes and piping –or a contrasting fabric - will add a distinct and bespoke finish to your made to measure furnishings. We offer a wide range of colours, textures and designs in these to complement your personal design scheme. These trims can be sewn onto the curtain heading or leading edge or can add embellishment to a cushion or pelmet.
Buttons are another decorative addition to your curtain heading or valance, sewn into the base of each pinch or goblet pleat. They can be covered in the same fabric as your curtains, a contrast fabric or a coloured lining, and we would usually estimate 5 buttons per standard curtain width.
CUSHIONS
An almost essential finish to any scheme is the addition of cushions.
Our bespoke feather cushions are made from your chosen fabric and can be plain or self-piped (i.e. piped edging using the same fabric as the cover). Piping in a contrast fabric is also available as well as braids, tassels and trims. There are 3 standard sizes to choose from: 41cm, 46cm and 56cm square, but other shapes and sizes as well as polyester hollowfibre pads are available on request. Please ask a member of staff.
Clarke & Clarke • Secret Garden
Clarke & Clarke • William Morris Plain
PELMETS
A pelmet is usually a solid three-dimensional box, with a front and a return at either side that is fixed above the window recess to cover the top of the curtain or blind and all its fixings. In some cases, the pelmet may be a flat board that is fixed across the window recess, if the curtains or blinds are hung within the recess.
Our pelmets are covered with your chosen fabric and standard interlining or wadding. They can be embellished with trims or contrasting fabrics to create the perfect finish. Pelmets can be straight or shaped and can be used with both blinds and curtains.
VALANCES
A window valance has the same function as a pelmet in that it covers the uppermost part of the window as a decorative finish, helping to conceal any drapery hardware. In contrast to a pelmet, a valance offers a ‘softer’ finish.
Our valances are often paired with pencil pleat curtains and can be made from the same or contrasting fabric and with a decorative heading, such as goblet or pinch pleat.
Valances can be shaped or straight and can be embellished with trims or contrast fabric. The number of widths required for your valance is the same as the total number of widths in your curtain (i.e. one pair of curtains with two widths in each will require a valance of 4 widths).
Unless otherwise stated, we will calculate the depth of your valance or pelmet proportionally to the length of your curtains (approximately 1/5).
Triple Pinch Straight Valance
Pencil Shaped Valance
Double Pinch & Straight Valance With Trim
OPTIONS
• Metal chains available in chrome, brass (gold), antique brass and pewter; also white (plastic)
• Waterfall or self stack raise
• Standard premium lining available in white, cream, almond, ivory and stone
• Dimout lining available in white, ivory and almond
• Interlining available for an additional cost
• Motorisation available for an additional cost
ROMAN BLINDS
Roman blinds will bring a feeling of softness, sophistication and style to your home.
A roman blind is one where the fabric lies flat when the blind is fully lowered, and is raised in linear folds. These folds can be stacked in graduated form, known as ‘waterfall’, or directly behind one another in a ‘self- stack’ style. The classic waterfall folds show off more of the fabric and take up a slightly larger drop when raised. Self-stack blinds offer a more minimal, contemporary look and take up less space at the window.
Roman blinds can be made from most fabrics; the finish will depend on how the fabric behaves in response to folding and stitching. Our Brewers branch staff will be happy to seek expert advice on your behalf if you have any queries regarding your chosen fabric.
Our roman blinds are made on a specialist high quality track system and come complete with fixture brackets for face or ceiling mounting. They have a fixed rotary sidewinder with a choice of chain colours to complement your scheme, and are fully compliant with current child safety regulations. All blinds will be lined as standard and blinds over the width of the fabric will be made with a centre panel of the full width, and two side seams.
Roman blinds are hand sewn so that a minimum of stitching is shown on the front of the blind, allowing the fabric to be displayed at its very best. The only stitches shown will be ‘catch’ stitches along the rod pockets which attach the face fabric to the lining at the back of the blind. Our highly skilled makers will ensure that these are as discreet as possible but different fabrics will allow this to different degrees. High sheen fabrics will always show catch stitches, whereas printed cottons or embroidered fabrics can hide them very effectively.
Waterfall
Self Stack
ROLLER BLINDS
Roller blinds offer one of the most practical styles of window shadings.
The lamination process allows roller blinds to be produced using the vast majority of curtain fabrics, by fusing a specially coated fire retardant poly cotton cloth to the back of your chosen fabric.
Our standard roller blinds have a straight finish and are reverse rolled onto either a 32mm or 40mm roller tube (as is appropriate to the size of the blind and weight of fabric) with a side winder operation. They are supplied with neat overlocked edges and a sewn pocket to hold the bottom bar. Blinds over the width of the fabric will be produced with a centre panel and two side seams.
Although fabrics are accepted for manufacture as laminated roller blinds and every effort is made to deliver a perfect product, it is not possible for us to guarantee that geometric designs will be true. (In textiles, a straightness tolerance of 3.5% is the norm. All blinds will be made to this standard). Some fabrics will not be suitable for lamination, such as embroidered fabric. Please ask for advice.
OPTIONS
• Metal chains are available in chrome, brass (gold), antique brass and pewter; also white (plastic)
• Standard backing available in white or cream
• Dimout backing available in white or cream for an additional cost
• Not reverse rolled (i.e. lining on show when raised)
• Shaped finish – price on request
• Motorisation available for an additional cost
OTHER BLIND TYPES
At Brewers we also offer a full range of other types of blind to suit every room –a few of which are listed below. We work with trusted partners to ensure you have the perfect made to measure window covering for your chosen scheme.
VENETIAN – WOOD / METAL
One of the most versatile forms of window shading, the horizontal slats – in a wide range of widths, colours and finishes - can control light and privacy levels in varying degrees.
ROLLER
A classic, practical but ever classy window covering that comes in a wide variety of fabric styles and hardware options. Introductions such as cassette headboxes and rechargeable motorisation systems add that extra modern touch to the home.
VERTICAL
Vertical blinds are still considered one of the most practical window coverings of all. The ability to slide the vertical vanes fully back to one side will leave the view through your window completely clear. A simple control to tilt the angle of your louvres can create dappled light or complete privacy at the turn of a wand.
DUO ROLLER
A striking and popular product type that can completely transform any room to have a modern and stylish feel. This contemporary take on the classic roller blind that has a fully enclosed cassette header system and offers great versatility of light control in a variety a fabulous fabrics.
PLEATED & HONEYCOMB
A blind type that has traditionally been a popular choice of window covering for conservatories due to their heat reflection properties, pleated & honeycomb blinds are becoming a great modern alternative for standard windows, bi-fold doors and apex windows.
CLIC & PERFECT FIT
CLIC and Perfect Fit systems offer the most innovative blind solutions, allowing you to install various blind types with no drilling or screwing required – ideal for bi-fold doors and tilt-and-turn windows.
CLIC
Duo Roller
HOW TO MEASURE FOR BLINDS
FOR YOUR ROMAN OR ROLLER BLIND
When measuring for your roman or roller blind you will first need to decide where you want it to hang: either inside or outside the window recess. Then simply follow the steps below, taking three relevant measurements, without making any adjustments for the headrails or fittings as we will do that for you.
INSIDE THE RECESS
Measure the width of the inside recess from wall to wall in three places (vertically and horizontally) and record the shortest measurement; repeat with the length from the top of the reveal to the sill. Look out for the position of window handles and tiles, and ensure your measurements allow for the blind to pass these without problem.
Measure the distance from the top of the recess (where the blind will be fixed) down to the floor – this is called the installation height.
OUTSIDE THE RECESS
For the width, decide how far you want your blind to extend either side of the window - we would recommend at least 5cm each side, if space allows. To measure the drop, we would usually recommend measuring from approximately 10cm above the recess down to the desired length – normally 5-15cm below the sill (allow 1.5cm clearance above the radiator) or to the sill (if the sill projects).
Measure the distance from the top measurement (where the blind will be fixed) down to the floor – this is called the installation height.
NOTE:
• Look out for the position of window handles and tiles, and ensure your measurements allow for the blind to be able to pass these without problem
• With roller blinds, the fabric is ‘rolled’ around a tube of the same width, and control fittings are added to either end. We use the width measurement you provide to assemble the components to the correct size. This means that the fabric of the blind will be narrower than the measurement provided, so it is important to ensure that this measurement is wide enough to cover the glazed area of your window. This does not apply to roman blinds.
SHUTTERS
Smart, practical and versatile, shutters provide the ultimate privacy and light control solution for any window. Designed for a perfect fit, our interior shutters will accentuate your windows and doors perfectly, offer a superior window covering and provide an outstanding array of unique benefits.
ULTIMATE LIGHT CONTROL AND SUPREME PRIVACY
Each panel can be independently adjusted to temper the light and provide outstanding light control and privacy. A choice of different louvre sizes offers varying degrees of light filter and privacy - larger louvres let in more light; smaller ones are perfect if your window is overlooked and privacy is important.
INSULATING AND ECONOMICAL
They not only keep you cool during the summer but help retain heat during the winter.
AWKWARD SHAPES
Shutters are possibly the only window furnishing that can be manufactured to suit all window shapes, no matter how curved or angled, small or large.
SOUND INSULATION
Adding an additional layer to your glazing, shutters not only block out light but help reduce noise levels too, making them ideal for homes near busy roads.
LOW MAINTENANCE
They are quick and easy to clean and offer a virtually maintenance-free existenceexcellent for dust allergy sufferers.
COLOURS AND STAINS
Select from a wide range of paint or stain finishes or opt for a custom colour to complement and enhance your home.
QUALITY MATERIALS
A range of materials is available to be sure you have the right shutter for your needs, including a water-resistant shutter, particularly suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.
AVAILABLE IN SELECTED STORES
including Brighton, Brixham, Bromley, Canterbury, Eastbourne, Exeter, Guildford, Haslemere, Horsham, Putney, Redhill, Sevenoaks, Surbiton and Tunbridge Wells.
Email: measureandfit@brewers.co.uk
STYLES TO SUIT ALL ROOMS
Our interior shutters are available in a wide variety of combinations designed to bring a crisp and contemporary style to your home. As well as providing a visual impact, each style will enhance privacy, light control and sound proofing. Choose from tier-on-tier, full height, solid panel, café style and tracked shutters to provide a perfect match to all the rooms in your home.
FULL HEIGHT shutters are an elegant design that works on any window and are perfect for French, patio doors or tall windows.
CAFE STYLE cover the bottom half of a window, creating privacy at the lower level, while letting daylight flood into your room through the top of your window.
TIER-ON-TIER style feature top and bottom panels moving independently of each other enabling versatile control of your privacy and light.
TRACKED shutter style doesn’t require frames and simply slides on a track. The panels fold back making easy access through a patio or bifold doors or creating a versatile room divider.
SOLID shutters offer optimal light blockout and privacy, available in Full Height, Café Style, Tier on Tier and Tracked styles.
