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Second-Hand Curtains, a small change with a big impact

The Sustainable Charm of Second-Hand Curtains

When we think about living more sustainably, we often picture reusable shopping bags or cycling to work. But sustainability can start at home — even with something as simple as second-hand curtains.

Second-hand curtains are an underrated gem in the world of eco-friendly living. Every year, countless fabrics end up in landfills, contributing to the growing waste problem. By choosing second-hand, we give new life to beautiful materials and reduce the demand for new textile production — a win-win for the planet.

The textile industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors globally, relying heavily on water, energy, and chemicals. Manufacturing a single set of curtains uses more resources than most people realize. When you opt for pre-loved curtains, you’re not just saving money — you’re conserving water, reducing carbon emissions, and cutting down on waste.

Dress Your Windows, Save the Planet

Besides the environmental benefits, second-hand curtains offer something truly unique: character. Unlike mass-produced options, vintage or pre-owned curtains often feature distinctive fabrics, patterns, and craftsmanship that add warmth and individuality to a space. You might find retro prints from the ’70s, luxurious velvets, or delicate lace panels that simply aren’t made anymore.

Shopping for second-hand curtains can also be a fun and creative process. For a curated and convenient selection, come and explore SecondHandCurtains.co.uk, where we specialize in offering high-quality, pre-loved curtains for every style and budget.

Another hidden advantage? Quality. Older curtains, especially those made before the era of fast fashion, were often crafted to a much higher standard. Heavy-duty stitching, durable fabrics, and careful attention to detail mean that a pair of second-hand curtains could last you for many years.

Choosing second-hand curtains is a simple but powerful step toward a more sustainable home. It shows that style, practicality, and care for the environment can go hand in hand. Next time you’re refreshing your home decor, consider giving second-hand curtains a new lease on life. Take pride in making a small change that adds up to a big difference. Visit SecondHandCurtains.co.uk today to find your perfect match and join us in making homes greener, one window at a time.

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Re-modelling/re-working second-hand curtains for a new life

Re-modelling/re-working second-hand curtains for a new life

Introduction to re-modelling/re-working second-hand curtains

Pretty much everyone knows that buying second-hand curtains is a very good and sustainable thing to do. It's good for your pocket and great for the planet and making alterations to curtains through re-modelling/re-working is quite straightforward.

Curtains might be too long but the colours are great so get them taken up. Silk curtains of any real age fray up and down the leading edges. These can be cut off and creating a new edge will help the curtains stay usable. This re-modelling/re-working helps make the curtains look better and last longer and doesn't need to cost the earth!

The Sewing Room, St Albans 

We have recently connected with an alterations business called The Sewing Room, St Albans and run by Shelley Kingston.  The business is just down the road from our showroom which is very convenient for both Shelley and ourselves. Shelley has now done alterations for a substantial number of customers and all have been happy with the results. Potential customers of ours now know there is someone close by who could easily do alterations etc.

Curtains and cushions to Switzerland

Divinely Vintage sells second-hand curtains all over the world and Shelley has just completed one of the most interesting jobs involving both curtains and cushions. An existing customer of ours, recently saw a link on our WhatsApp group to a new listing on our website. This was for 5 pairs of vintage paisley curtains with fabric de Le Cuona, an American Company. The customer immediately rang us and bought 4 pairs of the curtains and put in a request for alterations.

Naturally we gave them to Shelley and she did the work and then made good use of the surplus fabric. Our customer made a request for cushions if possible so Shelley made two large and four smaller cushions She made good use of most of the fabric and using the interlining underneath to produce extra 'plumpness'.  Curtains and cushions have now gone to a large barn high up in the Swiss alps above Geneva!

Since then Shelley has done some more alterations for the same customer by lengthening a pair of William Morris 'Strawberry Thief' curtains using some old rust velvet we had in our showroom. The pictures of the before and after are at the end of this post. They're now off to the same Swiss barn!

Project Managing alterations to second-hand curtains

So that everyone is clear about how this would work let me immediately say that we would charge an admin fee of £25, no more and no less. Our money has been made by selling the curtains in the first instance and we are happy to liaise with Shelley on your behalf for any alterations.  The main thing to remember is the carpenters old adage "measure twice and cut once"!!

Re-modelling/re-working second-hand curtains for a new life
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Sustainability and the link to second-hand curtains

sustainability and the link to second-hand curtains

Almost every day finds us reading about or listening to a news item about sustainability, carbon footprint and net zero. It is reaching the stage where nothing else seems to matter never mind the huge cost involved in achieving it.

Fortunately there is one way in which we can save money and contribute positively to the future of our planet!  Yes, of course, it's by buying and loving fabulous second-hand curtains! When I think of the cost of new curtains, often running into many thousands of pounds, why bother when there are some beautiful second-hand curtains around.

Recently we have taken in huge swathes of fine, often vintage, second-hand curtains and all of them want to be re-loved again. For example the five pairs of antique silk damask interlined curtains that came from a very large country estate in Northern Ireland. These all went off to a large cliff-top ex-hotel now massive house overlooking Cardigan Way in West Wales.

Then how can we forget the 5 antique red silk panels that once hung in a palace south-east of Madrid. They were looted in the latter stages of the Spanish Civil War in 1936/7. These disappeared until they turned up in the Famous El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid some 30 years ago. They were bought by clients of ours and were hanging in their Swiss house till they came to the UK.   The curtains came to us and 72 hours later they were on their way to a new life in a moated castle in southern Holland!

We have loads of clients in Scotland who have large draughty houses and buy second-hand curtains from us. Lots of the curtains they buy from us have actually come from other old draughty houses somewhere in Scotland.

Essentially the thing about sustainability and second-hand curtains is that all these beautiful curtains deserve to be re-loved again!

Antique Silk Curtain Panel from Spanish Palace - Picture 1"
Antique Silk Curtain Panel from Spanish Palace - Picture 2"
Antique Silk Curtain Panel from Spanish Palace - Picture 3"
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How to hang pinch pleat or goblet pleat second-hand curtains

How to hang pinch or goblet pleat second-hand curtains

When you buy pinch pleat or goblet pleat second-hand curtains from us there is some ‘stuff’ you need to know. The first thing is to buy curtains that are wider than you need if you want them to look great. This is because stretching the curtains to meet when you close them is not a good look. It is much better if the curtains have additional width so they look more relaxed when drawn closed.

However when you receive your curtains the next tricky step is to insert the hooks that we send you with the curtains. These hooks are evil monsters that need to be treated a bit carefully! Each hook resembles a squashed ‘s’ shape with a blunt end and a very sharp end. The sharp end is what you need to insert into the back of the pinch pleat or goblet pleat header. In order to do this grab a pleat in one hand and insert the hook up into the pleat at the back.

Tracks and Poles for second-hand curtains

Make sure all the hooks are at the same height or the curtains will look odd when you hang them. The height at which you insert the hooks depends on whether you are using a track or pole. If you are using a pole then do you want to see the pole above the curtains or not. If the answer is yes then insert the hook near the top of the pleat or further down if you want the pole to be hidden.

Getting this right will add greatly to your sense of enjoyment of your ‘new’ second-hand curtains. The hooks aren’t really evil monsters, they just look like it when you open the jiffy bag! Treat them with care and all will be well and so will your curtains.

If you think further reading would help then where better than this great article in House & Garden magazine.

If you have any questions relating to this guide or anything else please contact us on 07976 945697. Alternatively please use the Contact Us Form to send us a message.

Alternatively if you would like us to sell curtains for you just click here to find about how we do this.