The Ultimate Checklist for Shopping Curtains and Blinds in Melbourne

Shopping for curtains and blinds can be overwhelming, especially in a city like Melbourne where style, climate, and practicality all play significant roles in home design. Whether you're revamping a single room or furnishing an entire house, selecting the right window treatments can dramatically enhance comfort, aesthetics, privacy, and energy efficiency.
This ultimate checklist will guide you through everything you need to consider when shopping for curtains and blinds in Melbourne—from understanding your needs to selecting materials, styles, and reputable retailers.
1. Understand Your Needs
Before diving into fabrics and styles, take a step back and assess your goals.
✅ Privacy
Are you looking to block out prying eyes in a busy urban area or just add a decorative touch to a secluded room?
✅ Light Control
Do you need full blockout options for a bedroom or soft, filtered light for a living area?
✅ Insulation
Melbourne’s climate varies from sweltering summers to chilly winters. Insulated curtains and blinds can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy bills.
✅ Style
Do you want a classic look, modern minimalism, or something eclectic? Your interior design theme will strongly influence your choices.
✅ Budget
Have a ballpark figure in mind. Curtains and blinds vary widely in price depending on materials, customisation, and installation.
2. Measure Accurately
One of the most critical steps in the buying process is measuring your windows correctly. Getting this wrong could cost you time and money.
✅ Width and Drop
Measure both the width and height (drop) of your windows. For curtains, consider whether you want floor-length, sill-length, or puddled drapes.
✅ Mount Type
Decide between inside mount (within the window frame) or outside mount (on the wall above the frame). Each option changes how you measure.
✅ Hardware Space
Don’t forget to account for rod or track placement. Ensure there’s enough clearance above and to the sides of the window.
Pro Tip: Many Melbourne retailers offer free or paid in-home consultation services to ensure precise measurements.
3. Choose the Right Type of Window Treatment
Melbourne homes range from Victorian terraces to modern apartments, and each calls for different solutions. Here are some of the most popular window treatments:
✅ Curtains
Ideal for adding softness, drama, or elegance. They come in a wide variety of fabrics and styles.
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Sheer Curtains – Great for light filtering and softening sunlight.
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Blockout Curtains – Perfect for bedrooms and media rooms.
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Thermal Curtains – Help retain heat in winter and deflect sunlight in summer.
✅ Blinds
A more structured look, often ideal for contemporary homes.
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Roller Blinds – Sleek and minimalist, available in blockout, sunscreen, and light-filtering options.
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Roman Blinds – Fabric-based, folding neatly when raised. Elegant and functional.
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Venetian Blinds – Made from aluminium, wood, or PVC. Offer excellent light control.
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Vertical Blinds – Often used for sliding doors and large windows.
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Panel Glide Blinds – Great for wide windows or as room dividers.
✅ Shutters
Plantation shutters are popular in Melbourne for their durability and sophisticated appearance. They’re excellent for privacy and insulation but come at a higher price point.
4. Select the Right Fabric or Material
Melbourne’s unpredictable weather means your choice of fabric or material should be based on both aesthetic and functional needs.
✅ Curtain Fabrics
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Linen and Cotton – Natural and breathable, great for casual and classic interiors.
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Velvet – Luxurious and insulating, perfect for formal areas.
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Polyester Blends – Affordable, durable, and easy to maintain.
✅ Blind Materials
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PVC – Affordable and moisture-resistant, ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
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Wood and Faux Wood – Offer warmth and character, suitable for living and dining areas.
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Aluminium – Lightweight and modern; good for home offices.
Tip: Melbourne's UV exposure can cause fading. Opt for UV-resistant materials, especially for rooms with lots of sun.
5. Decide on Custom vs. Ready-Made
Your budget and requirements will help determine whether you should opt for custom-made or ready-made window treatments.
✅ Custom-Made
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Tailored to your exact measurements.
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Wide range of fabrics and styles.
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Often more expensive but offers a perfect fit and higher-quality finishes.
✅ Ready-Made
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Off-the-shelf solutions from retail stores.
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Less expensive and faster turnaround.
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Limited size and fabric options.
If your windows are unusually shaped or oversized (common in many Melbourne homes), custom might be the better route.
6. Evaluate Installation Options
Window treatments are only as good as their installation.
✅ DIY Installation
If you're confident with tools and have standard windows, installing roller blinds or curtain rods can be a simple weekend project.
✅ Professional Installation
Highly recommended for:
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Large or high windows
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Motorised systems
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Custom installations
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Ensuring brackets, rods, and anchors are fitted properly
Most Melbourne-based curtain and blind companies offer installation services as part of their packages.
7. Consider Motorisation and Smart Home Integration
Melbourne’s smart home trend is growing. If you're tech-savvy, consider motorised curtains and blinds.
✅ Motorised Options
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Great for hard-to-reach windows
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Adds luxury and convenience
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Can be controlled via remote, smartphone apps, or voice assistants (like Alexa or Google Home)
Many Melbourne providers now offer battery-operated or hard-wired options, making it easier to retrofit smart window treatments.
8. Check Regulations and Strata Rules
If you're in an apartment or townhouse, especially around inner Melbourne suburbs like Southbank or Carlton, there may be regulations regarding:
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Window appearance from the street
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Type of coverings allowed (e.g., no reflective blinds)
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Installation methods
Always check with your body corporate or landlord before making purchases.
9. Visit Showrooms or Request Samples
Online shopping is convenient, but nothing beats seeing and feeling fabric in person.
✅ Visit Local Showrooms
Melbourne has numerous window furnishing showrooms across suburbs like Richmond, South Yarra, and Moorabbin. Here you can:
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Touch fabrics
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Test mechanisms
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Get professional advice
✅ Request Samples
Many retailers offer free or low-cost fabric swatches. Hold them up to your windows at different times of the day to evaluate colour, texture, and opacity.
10. Choose a Reputable Supplier
Curtains and blinds are a long-term investment. Choose a supplier that’s known for quality, customer service, and transparent pricing.
✅ What to Look For:
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Positive online reviews (check Google, ProductReview, and Houzz)
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Warranties on products and installations
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Transparent quotes and timelines
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Range of design services
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Melbourne-based service and support
Some well-known Melbourne curtain and blind providers include:
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Victory Curtains and Blinds
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Dollar Curtains + Blinds
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DIY Blinds
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Wynstan
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CurtainWorld
11. Don’t Forget the Accessories
Curtains and blinds don’t exist in isolation. The right accessories complete the look and function.
✅ Curtain Accessories
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Decorative rods and finials
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Tiebacks or holdbacks
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Pelmets or valances
✅ Blind Accessories
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Child-safe cord mechanisms
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Bottom rails and chain stoppers
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Cleaning and maintenance kits
12. Think About Maintenance
Melbourne’s air quality, pollen levels, and dust can affect your window coverings.
✅ Cleaning
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Machine-washable curtains are a bonus for families and pet owners.
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Blinds should be dusted regularly and deep cleaned every few months.
✅ Longevity
Invest in high-quality components like stainless steel tracks and UV-resistant fabrics to extend the life of your treatments.
13. Check Lead Times
Some custom blinds or imported fabrics may have extended lead times. Especially during Melbourne’s busy renovation seasons (spring and early summer), allow extra time for:
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Measurement appointments
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Fabric ordering
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Manufacturing
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Installation scheduling
Final Thoughts
Shopping for curtains and blinds in Melbourne involves balancing design preferences with practical considerations like insulation, privacy, and light control. With so many styles, fabrics, and technologies available, the process can seem daunting. But with this comprehensive checklist, you’ll be equipped to make confident decisions that suit your space, lifestyle, and budget.
Whether you're transforming a single room or outfitting a whole home, the right window coverings will elevate your interiors, reduce your energy bills, and make everyday living more comfortable and stylish.
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