Tips To Make Shopping For Curtains Online A Bit Easier (Spoiler Alert: It's Worth The Hassle)

Curtains might seem like one of those home decor products you really need to see in person before buying. But it can actually be worth it in many cases to purchase curtains online instead of shopping in stores. For one thing, online storefronts tend to have a wider variety of options to choose from than in-person retailers, no matter the brand. As long as you know the perfect length for your curtains, it's not too hard to find the ideal option for your windows online — but there are a few things to keep in mind. These include the return policy, fabric samples, curtain materials, and customer reviews.

First and foremost, you want to look for a company that will allow you to return your curtains. If you receive them in person and the color or fabric isn't how you imagined it, you'll want to have the option to swap it out — especially since some curtains can be quite expensive. Restocking and return fees might impact your decision on which online retailer to choose, too. Some good options include Pottery Barn, Quince, West Elm, and IKEA. 

To streamline the process, you can also order multiple kinds of curtains all in one go and return the ones you decide you don't like. You might want to test one kind of curtain in multiple fabrics or lengths, or you can order a backup option to speed things up if your favorite curtain doesn't end up working out. If you want to save money buying curtains online, also try this quick swap to make cheap curtains look designer.

If you're hoping to order custom curtains online (which usually aren't returnable), all is not lost. Look for a company that will give you a sample of the color and fabric you're hoping to order before you buy. You can sometimes order a sample online, depending on the retailer. Once you know exactly what material and color you want, just place your order online. This is by far the most straightforward (and least wasteful) way to ensure that you get the perfect curtains for your space.

Regardless of whether you're getting custom curtains or not, don't forget to check the exact blend of fabric so you know the weight of your curtains and how they'll hang. Linen curtains are light and airy, velvet is plush and heavy, and silk will filter in light with a gentle sheen. Check to make sure you're not accidentally purchasing faux linen or linen blend curtains, for example, which will have a different texture and weight to them.

If you're able, you might want to search social media or customer reviews for images of how the curtains look in real life. These photos can display a variety of window shapes, sizes, and lights, which will show you a more realistic range of what the color and fabric could look like in your space. You could also make any basic bedroom look stylish and cohesive by matching the curtains to the headboard.