A random question…we are budgeting for our impending move to BC and we're thinking about what we'll need for our house (which we'll be buying as soon after arrival as possible). In the UK I know exactly where I would go to buy new curtains….places like John Lewis who have a large choice of materials and do ready made as well as made to measure. Is there an equivalent in Canada (lower mainland area of BC) where people go for good quality furnishings? Is there a particular department store in Vancouver maybe?

I found Sears, which I've heard of but I have no idea what kind of quality Sears is known for.

Anyone?

Sears are generally mid-range quality. Another department store with somewhat higher quality is The Bay (Hudson's Bay Company). There are more smaller interior decorating stores that can make bespoke curtains (often called drapes) than you can shake a pointy stick at.

Often homes will come with custom cut blinds so you might want to hold off until you find somewhere before deciding what curtains you will need.

This is a bit off topic but may be helpful as you're budgeting!

No-one told us that in Canada it seems to be normal to leave behind washers, driers, fridges etc - even when these are stand-alone rather than built in. It can save buyers a few $$!

I bought all ours in Fabric Land, but thats Ontario- not sure if over in BC. The Bay and Home Depot would be other trans national options.

I think you get the curtains though- I needed to buy because our house had blinds everywhere.

Or even curtains/drapes of cosmetic appearance rather than practical use that would likely not 'fit' windows at a new home for reasons of style and size.

We bought our house with cooker, dishwasher and fridge included.

An ice and chilled water dispensing fridge. The height of luxury.

Pull yourself together man.

Curtains are metric over here

If you go to Sears expecting anything like John Lewis you would be so disappointed. I can't really place a UK equivalent to Sears it's so basic. There are also ready made curtains at the DIY stores eg Rona, Home Depot but nothing like the range or quality you would get at John Lewis, M&S or Fenwick in the UK.

Curtains don't seem to be so common here and windows often just have blinds for which there seem to be a similar range of options for as in the UK.

I also looked at a number of independent "Drapery Specialists" and it was all pretty ugly stuff and not cheap. I remember one "expert" describing the fitting of a curtain "rod" which seemed to them to be of similar complexity to the manufacture of a Rolls Royce jet engine.

In the end we ordered curtains from John Lewis - fortunately they were eligible for overseas delivery as the weight of the larger ones would have been too much for a relative to post for us. I've paid for an extra bag to bring back curtains when returning from the UK. The curtain rods at Home Outfitters (part of The Bay) were just about ok.

If you are at all particular about curtains I would be very tempted to buy good ready-mades in the UK. Bringing the fabric might be another option.

Curtains can be found all over of varying quality and styles, can't compare to the UK stores though, but Wal-Mart, Sears, Bay, Ikea, Home Depot, amazon dot ca, bed bath and beyond will all sell standard of the rack stock, and home depot possibly custom sizes.

Most city's also have more independent or small stores that might not be nationwide, which may sell higher quality items, but you'd have to ask around or google to find those specific to certain area stores.

Buy the material, get a seamstress to make them for you (or make them yourself, it's not difficult).

Simples.

I think you should wait on these things. As Collie says things are rather different here. People are expected to leave curtains etc. behind and lots of other useful stuff that, in the UK you would normally have to budget for on a house move. Don't forget: there's always IKEA.

S

Thanks everyone - you've all been helpful! :-)

If all you have to worry about/budget for is curtains, you should be laughing! .

My vote goes to a sewing machine.

My favourite & "best" curtains are a Habitat repurposed sheet/duvet combo passed down from a relative; & a pair of circa 1966 John Lewis bedspreads.

Otherwise IKEA & Walmart:

I don't think curtains are really all that popular here. We have some as an accent in our bedroom but they are never drawn (we also have nets). We do have curtains across our patio doors, for privacy. Elsewhere it's blinds or shutters.

Don't ever draw curtains or close blinds at night when it's very cold outside, by the way. You'll regret it in the morning if you do.

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