curtains: the ultimate guide

At Stan Bond, we understand the intimate role that blinds and curtains play in transforming a house into a home, a sanctuary of retreat and relaxation. Stan Bond SA was started in 1970 and has been well known for Indoor and Outdoor Blinds along with a range of home improvement products, including Crimsafe Security. When the business transitioned from one generation to the next, we could see that modern Curtains were an essential product, but we didn’t yet have the skills and knowledge critical to do it well. So, in 2016 our journey into the artistry of curtains began when we incorporated the Sawade Curtains & Blinds team, a business founded in 1960 with a rich history in curtains, into the Stan Bond business. The amalgamation of their knowledge with our existing expertise represented a union of tradition and innovation—a commitment to modern and fashionable home improvement products and customer satisfaction that continues to define our ethos today. Stan Bond SA has always had a tradition of manufacturing the blinds, awnings and security door products it sells. However, the Sawade business did not have curtain manufacturing which meant that we relied upon on a local SA curtain workroom. In 2021, with a move to a larger custom manufacturing plant, Stan Bond acquired the Julan Soft Furnishing workroom team to bring the expertise of Curtain Manufacturing into our Blinds, Awning, Crimsafe and Roller Shutter manufacturing operation. Our Operations team saw the need to modernise the manufacturing process and travelled around Australia, Asia and Europe looking for the best and latest sewing, cutting, joining and measuring equipment. Now, with a team of up to 15 curtain specialists, we bring the expertise, artisan skills, manufacturing capacity and the latest technology to be Adelaide’s largest manufacturer of Blinds, Awnings, Curtains and Crimsafe security products.

When it comes to decorating your home, selecting the right curtains for each room can transform the look and feel of your space. From the privacy of your master bedroom to the entertainment hub in your home theatre, curtains play a vital role in enhancing the functionality and aesthetic appeal of every room. Let’s explore room by room, delving into the unique needs of each space and offering tips on choosing the perfect curtains.

Your living area often serves multiple purposes as it’s where you entertain guests, relax with family, and sometimes even work. The key here is versatility. Layering sheer and opaque curtains gives you control over privacy and light throughout the day. Sheer curtains allow natural light to brighten up the space while still offering some seclusion. For larger windows or sliding doors commonly found in living areas, consider wave fold or S fold curtains that glide effortlessly on their tracks for easy operation. Their contemporary design creates an uninterrupted flow that complements modern interiors.

With more people working from home than ever before, creating an environment conducive to productivity is essential. In a study or home office space, opt for light-filtering fabrics that reduce glare on computer screens without plunging the room into darkness. If noise is an issue in your workspace, acoustic curtains can help dampen external sounds. This creates a quieter atmosphere that can aid concentration and reduce stress—ideal for those important video conferences or deep work sessions.

In children’s bedrooms, you need a balance between light control for nap times and vibrant designs that spark imagination. Blackout curtains are ideal for blocking out sunlight during daytime naps, early bedtimes or daylight savings. Choose playful patterns or bright colors that reflect your child’s personality and interests. Safety is also crucial in kids’ rooms, so consider cordless options or motorised tracks to eliminate any potential hazards. These smart solutions not only add a layer of safety but also make it easier to adjust lighting without disrupting a sleeping child.

The master bedroom is your sanctuary, a place where comfort and tranquility reign supreme. Privacy is paramount in this intimate setting, so opt for curtains that create a serene atmosphere while keeping prying eyes at bay. Consider blockout curtains that not only ensure complete darkness for a restful sleep but also provide excellent thermal insulation, maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round. For a touch of luxury, layer sheer curtains behind your blockout ones. During the day, you can draw back the heavier drapes and let the soft light filter through the sheers, adding an airy elegance to your personal retreat.

For movie buffs and avid gamers alike, home theatre rooms demand high-performance curtains. This is where thick fabrics come into play—they enhance audio quality by reducing echo and reverberation within the room. Select heavy velvet or similarly dense materials for their sound-dampening properties as well as their ability to block out any external light. Motorised blackout curtains are particularly suited for home theatres; with just a click of a button, you can transition from open windows to an immersive cinematic experience. When selecting curtains for each room in your house, remember it’s not just about matching decor—it’s about crafting spaces that meet your functional needs while reflecting your style preferences. By considering these room-specific recommendations and tips from Stan Bond SA’s experts, you’ll be well on your way to achieving beautifully dressed windows that elevate every corner of your home.

In the area of sustainability and specialty options, our offerings champion eco-friendly solutions and adapt to the latest trends. NETTEX Homestead, with its 3600mm width and chunky textured appearance, brings a warmth embraced in more rustic settings, whereas James Dunlop’s Distill and Antipodes ranges play with light sheerness to elevate minimalism. From the chunky textures of Odin by Basford, designed to infuse depth into a space, to the old-world charm of Charles Parsons’ Federation Collection, these fabrics don a Jacquard weave, all the while promising a decorative flourish that resonates with luxury and comfort. Decorative sheers have also found their moment in the sun, with the NETTEX Hargrave, a light decorative sheer with a 3200mm width that exemplifies minimalistic beauty, showcasing how even the most understated of textures can significantly impact a room’s vibe. Selecting the perfect curtain fabric for your home melds personal style with fabric functionality, creating spaces that are both inviting and reflective of your taste. With Stan Bond SA, rest assured that whether you’re after sheers that float like a whisper or a blockout fabric rooted in privacy and energy efficiency, the breadth of our curated range will meet your every need.

The beauty of curtains is that they have the versatility to become the centerpiece or the subtle enhancers of room decor. They are the finishing touches that can either make or break the style of a room. Here, we delve into how to harmonise your curtains with trending and timeless interior design styles, blending form with function and aesthetics with practicality.

Function and simplicity with an emphasis on minimalist beauty. Scandi design prizes function and simplicity with an emphasis on minimalist beauty. Curtains within this style are typically lightweight and airy, enhancing the feeling of space and natural light. Fabrics like the NETTEX Lucern or the James Dunlop Antipodes range are perfect examples, offering a clean, simple appearance with their sheer voile style. Their generous widths ensure they can cover large windows typical of Scandi interiors while imparting a sense of openness and tranquility.

Japanese minimalism, creating a serene and uncluttered style. Japandi combines Scandinavian functionality with Japanese minimalism, creating a serene and uncluttered style. This design approach focuses on natural textures and calm, muted colours. For curtains, select fabrics that are light and airy, yet rich in texture such as linen poly blend. These should feature understated hues like soft greys or warm beiges, aligning with Japandi’s earthy and tranquil palette. Opt for simple, clean lines in curtain designs, avoiding excessive decoration. The aim is to complement the room’s natural light and minimalist decor while adding warmth and subtle elegance. In essence, Japandi curtains should enhance a space’s peaceful atmosphere, balancing beauty with functionality.

A beautiful blend of minimalism, clean lines, and functionality. Contemporary design keeps its finger on the pulse of the current moment, blending minimalism, clean lines, and functionality. Curtains in this domain are streamlined and fuss-free, like the Warwick Icon range. Their textured yet modern appearance complements the sleek nature of contemporary furnishings.

Vivid colours, intricate patterns, and varied textures. Boho style embraces a more-is-more philosophy with vivid colours, intricate patterns, and varied textures. Curtains become a canvas for expression here, making a statement with lively prints or lush materials. Fabrics from the Basford Federation Collection, with their richly dyed jacquard weave, add an artistic touch to any Bohemian styled space.

Elegant and relaxed coastal vibes. The Hamptons style is synonymous with an elegant and relaxed coastal vibe that borrows from classic interior cues. It’s all about bright, airy spaces. Opt for breezy, light-filtering curtains like NETTEX’s Bali or Warwick’s Genoa collection for that textured linen look achievable without the high maintenance of real linen, capturing the seaside aesthetic perfectly.

A balance between country charm and modern chic. This aesthetic strikes a beautiful balance between country charm and modern chic. Rustic textures mixed with contemporary lines define this style. Fabrics such as Warwick’s Homestead serve this look well with their chunky textures that exude rural appeal while conferring a homey warmth.

It’s all about glamorous shapes and opulent finishes. The Art Deco style is all about glamorous shapes and opulent finishes. It calls for lush fabrics with distinctive patterns like the Zepel Warlock collection, providing velvet furnishing fabrics that pairs remarkably well with the geometric symmetry and boldness of the Art Deco style.

Antique styling, embracing softness and ornate detailing. With its distinctly feminine, antique stylings, Shabby Chic embraces softness and ornate detailing. Delicate floral patterns and gentle hues from the Basford’s Precision Coloured Lining range can add that understated yet vintage appeal intrinsic to the Shabby Chic aesthetic.

Stripping back to basics and adding a layer of ruggedness. With its roots in exposed and raw interiors, the Industrial design is all about stripping back to the basics and then adding a layer of rugged elegance. Strong, bold lines are key, and curtain fabrics like Warwick’s Paros and NETTEX’s Linesque offer this through their medium and heavy decorative sheers, which complement the solid structure of industrial decor.

Inspiration from sandy shores and ocean waves. Light, bright, and serene, Coastal style takes its inspiration from sandy shores and ocean waves. Curtains like the whisper-light NETTEX Hargrave impart a breeziness that is at the heart of this design, offering a gentle nod to the ease of beachside living.

1950s and ’60s, combining simplicity with nature. Mid-Century Modern design harks back to the 1950s and ’60s, combining simplicity with a connection to nature. Fabrics from the

collection, with their unique textures, echo the retro vibe while adding a touch of elegance true to the mid-century modern palette of design.

Functional, emphasising clarity and simplicity. Functional and stripped-down, the minimalist design emphasises clarity and simplicity. Neutrally toned, unobtrusive curtains feature here, aligning with a ‘less is more’ philosophy. The Warwick’s Dario collection with their subtle sheen, offers an uncomplicated yet sophisticated window dressing that fits the minimalist mold perfectly.

Japanese minimalism, creating a serene and uncluttered style. Eclectic style is a harmonious mishmash of the old and the new, traditional with modern, textures with colours. Mixing and matching is key, and using curtains from the Charles Parsons Federation Collection, known for their textured jacquard, or the NETTEX Homestead provides the depth and variety that are the life force of eclectic decor.

When it comes to home comfort, privacy, and energy efficiency, curtains are more than just a decorative element, they are functional powerhouses that can transform your living experience. Stan Bond SA is at the forefront of harnessing these functionalities to bring you curtains that do much more than beautify your space.

Curtains play a pivotal role in crafting the ambience of a room. By softening the harshness of natural light, they create a gentle luminescence that fosters relaxation—a necessity in today’s fast-paced world. Post-pandemic, our homes have become our havens, and the calming effect of well-chosen curtains cannot be overstated. They frame your windows, but they also temper the light to fashion serene spaces conducive to unwinding and recharging.

When it comes to crafting the perfect ambience in each room of your home, the fabric of your curtains plays a transformative role. From sheer voiles that daintily dance with the light to robust blockout weaves that ensure privacy and tranquility, each fabric comes with its own narrative. In this detailed guide, we will delve deep into the world of curtain fabrics to help you understand their characteristics, advantages, and where they best fit within your home. Your journey into the world of curtain fabrics first takes you through the divide between natural and synthetic fibres—each bringing their distinctive qualities to the fold.

Cotton offers a cool, casual elegance perfect for a relaxed aesthetic. We recommend: NETTEX Colorado Range, featuring a width of 1450mm and a brushed cotton look. Ideal for: Lounge areas and bedrooms.

Embracing the bounty of nature, fabrics like Linen from suppliers such as NETTEX, offer a cool, casual elegance perfect for a relaxed aesthetic. With the Colorado range, featuring a width of 1450mm and a brushed cotton look, you’re investing in a cozy atmosphere ideal for lounge areas and bedrooms

Luxurious Silk, while offering unmatched sheen and drape, requires mindful placement within the home due to its delicate nature. For the elegant charm of silk without the high maintenance, Warwick’s Emporium faux silk range gives you the best of both worlds, with a 1400mm width exuding opulence in every thread.

Venturing into the warmth of Wool, its texture and innate fire resistance make it a wise choice for a homely touch.

For those seeking an eco-friendlier option, Viscose/Rayon and the Warwick range’s Dario, with its shiny trilobal fiber structure, bring contemporary flair to the modern home.

Polyester stands tall in this category with its resistance to wrinkles and UV degradation. The NETTEX Lucern range, a 3300mm wide voile, exemplifies this, providing a lightweight option that softens your space while ensuring long-lasting quality.

Akin to polyester in strength, pairs well with other fibres to offer enhanced durability for spaces like children’s rooms, which ask for a balance between functionality and aesthetics.

When it comes to Acrylic, offerings like the NETTEX Galaxy and Soleil ranges, both with a 3000mm width and acrylic coating, ensure practical blockout solutions without compromising on style.

Stand out as specialised synthetic textiles for their flame-retardant and hard-wearing qualities, aligning with the demands of commercial areas or homes seeking high-grade materials.

Stand out as specialised synthetic textiles for their flame-retardant and hard-wearing qualities, aligning with the demands of commercial areas or homes seeking high-grade materials.

The lining behind the elegance. Linings are an essential feature of curtain fabrics. They influence the drape, thermal efficiency, and, sometimes, the acoustic properties of your curtains.

The Simplicity Basic Lining from Basford, available in a width of 1500, 3000, or 3200mm and neutral shades, speaks to the need for versatility, offering light filtering and privacy under its Silicone Lining style.

Curtain elegance meets automation. Gone are the days when curtains were simply window coverings. In our rapidly advancing world, they have evolved into dynamic elements of the smart home ecosystem. Stan Bond SA, renowned for their bespoke window treatments, is pioneering this transition by ensuring all their products effortlessly integrate with cutting-edge home automation systems.

Recognising the longevity of quality curtains, Stan Bond SA encourages clients to consider smart home features as part of their long-term home enhancement plans. A forward-thinking approach is essential, especially as we witness soaring energy prices in South Australia and around the globe. Smart home-integrated curtains play a pivotal role, not merely for automation but for the strategic management of home energy usage. They contribute significantly to controlling interior temperatures, indirectly influencing the efficiency of heating and cooling systems.

Curtains not only adorn your windows but also protect your space from dust, light, and external views. However, just like any other home furnishing, they require proper care to ensure they remain beautiful and functional over time. In this section, we’ll provide practical tips to help you maintain your curtains, ensuring they continue to enhance the look of your home for years to come. We attach care labels to every curtain with a code that shows the correct cleaning process for that fabric. Always read the instructions before cleaning. We strongly recommend

Understanding the fabric type of your curtains is crucial as it dictates the most suitable maintenance method. Here’s a brief summary of how to care for common curtain materials.

Investing in custom curtains entails not just an aesthetic choice but also a financial consideration. At Stan Bond, we believe in demystifying the costs and clearly articulating the long-term value offered by our custom window treatments. Curtains are not merely decorative; they are a practical addition to your home that can enhance your living space’s comfort, privacy, and style. At Stan Bond, the pricing of our curtains is meticulously calculated to ensure you get the best possible value. Here’s a breakdown of how we determine costs…

The amount of fabric required for your curtains depends on window dimensions and the style of the curtain itself. We carefully measure the space to ascertain the exact meterage needed, ensuring minimal waste and maximal efficiency.

The time spent crafting your custom curtains in our top-of-the-line workroom, utilising the latest technology from Asia and Europe, is factored into the overall cost. Our 6m x 6m automated hoist ensures the manufacturing process is of high quality but also cost effective and lean.

Our experienced installers measure the windows, prepare the space, and fit your curtains with precision and care to ensure a perfect fit and a polished finished look.

Our core range is a curated collection designed to bring you the best fabrics for every style, selected from top suppliers for their quality and appeal. As we hold stock in popular colours and buy rolls in bulk, we can offer competitive prices without compromising on quality. It’s true, not all curtain fabrics are priced equally. Sometimes, two fabrics can seem almost identical, yet one may cost substantially more than the other. This discrepancy can arise due to manufacturing scale, importation methods, or simply demand. While the lower-priced option can indeed be of high quality, mid-range and higher-priced fabrics often bring a certain je ne sais quoi to your decor. They might drape more elegantly, feature intricate weave patterns, or boast superior durability.

Curtains and Blinds involve a whole language of their own. Sometimes, when selecting window furnishings, you come across terms that mean a lot to the industry but very little to customers. We are here to help. We have compiled an essential glossary that will give you the knowledge needed to navigate the curtain world easily. Consider this your trusty resource, a curtain lexicon, if you will, to refer back to as you explore the possibilities for dressing up your windows.