Q&A

Emma J

Absolutely! Net curtains have seen quite a revival of sorts in recent years...especially black lace versions set against a neutral white back drop. Back in the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's net curtains were seen as an essential way of deterring would-be theives. So, with more technology and fancy gadgets in our homes these days they are a must! I would recommend trying Laura Ashley who have a gorgeous antique design or website, Dutch by Design for some more modern versions such as Tord Boontje Iny. Another alternative is using a window film from the likes of Brume.

Smashing answer from Mrs W, but I'd like to add that I live on the ground floor of a mid-Victorian conversion and have beautiful shutters on our sash windows... the are not the originals - I cheated, got a carpenter in to do them - but they do have a victorian feel.

Net curtaiins definitely fine, there are some really great fabrics out there which means there is ample choice and great alternatives to net, but still light. Try Celia Birtwell she's got some great muslin and gauze fabrics that would work well. I love her gauze with woven stars on it www.celiabirtwell.com

We are also in a ground floor flat with huge sash windows all along one wall. When we moved in the last owners left the net blinds up which we thought was a bonus but on closer inspection we decided to get rid of them. A friend suggested putting window film on the lower panes so we looked into this. found a supplier online, and went ahead and ordered. They're very simple to apply, solve the security issue, still let the light in and leave a frosted look on your window panes... It's almost like wallpaper for windows.

Net curtains are fab! I wanted some lovely Pearl Lowe taffeta curtains but couldn't really afford them, but someone in my office showed me how to make my own - the result was just as good!

I personally don't like net curtains, but that's just my personal preference. I much prefer to be able to see straight out into the garden.

I don't like net curtains (probably because they remind me of my grans house!). I had a similar problem, i needed privacy but still wanted to let in the light and make sure the style was in keeping with the style of my home. In the end i went for wood venetian blinds - Hillarys Blinds were the best - good quality and price - if you don't want to measure and fit yourself call in a representative or if you do go online to www.web-blinds.com for a bargain!

The best thing about nets is how blindingly white you can get them on a good hot wash with the special net curtain cleaner. SUCH a sense of satisfaction.

Nets look ok, but how about voile. They can be made into single flat panels or bottom up roller blinds. Another option are perspex shutters if you no longer have the original shutters. Painted louvre panels fixed on the lower windows look very effective giving you privacy whilst letting in the light x

I think given the Victorian character I would prefer voile.

However how about some white Lace panels? They are original Victorian designs and are rather expensive if you buy them from Laura Ashleys or general suppliers.However I bought 2 sets of 94" drop Scottish polyester mix ones very cheap from E bay a couple of years ago. Take a look on E bay for some direct suppliers. There are bargains to be had and the end result is well worth it.They will last you years and look classy.

Just found this

http://www.nottinghamlacecurtains.com/page2.htm

I used to have Nottingham lace panels in my old home. I bought them direct from the lace mills many years ago and they not only drew a lot of admiring glances but lasted for years.