During the renovation of our Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon apartment, the careful choice of furnishings played a huge part creating a quality finishing effect. The Ludlow Curtain Company worked with us on the project and went above and beyond, creating beautiful drapes and blinds that complement the spaces perfectly. Based in Ludlow, they provide a made-to-measure service, bespoke designs and interior consultations. Katie, one of the partners, tells us a little more about their story…
Can you tell us about your background and the history of The Ludlow Curtain Company?
Ludlow Curtains was begun by Jane over 14 years ago. It started life in a small shop at the bottom of Corve Street, with a work room at Jane’s home. Fast forward a few years and both shop and workshop relocated to one base on Broad Street. Soon after, myself (Katie) came on board as a curtain maker and worked my way to become Jane’s partner in the business. We are now in our 16th year of trade – selling fabric and making all sorts of soft furnishings.
What is your process when choosing fabrics – what are the key factors to consider?
Colour, budget, suitability, durability, and most importantly – does the customer like it!
What is the most unusual space you have been asked to furnish?
Over the years we have done many interesting and unusual jobs, such as shaped windows, castles, stately homes, making curtains from all sorts of fabric. We also do large scale curtains; such as 4 meter drops and 4 meters wide.
Which is your favourite type of fabric to work with, and why?
We love all sorts of different fabric; particularly linens – due to their soft feel and beautiful drape.
What advice would you give to someone who is about to embark on a renovation project, but is unsure what style curtain is best for their space?
Go steady – one room at a time. Don’t be afraid to ask if you’re unsure – ‘Should I be using blinds or curtains?’ Have a look at similar windows to your own and see what can be done .
What did you enjoy most about working on the accommodation at Ludlow Castle?
This was a wonderful job to be involved in! Gemma’s love of interiors made the job a joy to be part of. From the small details – such as adding trims to the edge of the curtains, to taking colour inspiration from a headboard into the room and making sure the apartments flowed as a whole. The decorators and builders on site made the fitting job easy, as they were very helpful – working wonders in difficult spaces.
If you’re planning your own project, you can get in touch with Katie or Jane by emailing [email protected], or call 01584 875533.
You can also find them on Instagram – @ludlowcurtains
Find out more about our recent project in our blog – Luxurious Stays in Ludlow: Transforming Ludlow Castle’s Self-Catering Apartments with Talented Local Suppliers