Purchasing new window furnishings is an exciting process, but it can also be quite daunting. Below are some questions and answers to those important questions you may have. For further information please talk to our helpful staff in-store.

What does our Free Curtain Making cover?

Lewis’s Free Curtain Making is an attractive discount offering you genuine savings. This popular offer is made possible as all of our curtains are made in Lewis’s own Workroom. The Free Curtain Making offer applies to all our curtains and includes the sewing of linings. If your order qualifies for Free Curtain Making, you only pay for the Fabric, Lining, Heading Tape, and Hooks. Click below for more information on making surcharges and fabric conditions.

FAQ – Free Curtain Making

What should I be aware of before I purchase a new Roman Blind?

Roman Blinds are a very popular form of window treatment that look very smart. However, you need to understand the nature of fabrics and the impact of these characteristics on Roman Blinds. These fabric characteristics are seldom a problem with soft draping curtains but when you attempt to present the fabric flat in a perfect square as a Roman Blind, they become a lot more noticeable. Click below for factors you should be aware of before purchasing your Roman Blind.

FAQ – Roman Blinds

Why should I add a Lining to my Window Furnishings?

If you’ve never brought custom-made curtains before, you may feel like adding a lining is just another additional cost. However, lining your curtains has a number of benefits, which could actually save you money in the long-run. Click below for the benefits of linings and the different lining options that Lewis’s offer.

FAQ – Linings

Why is Lewis’s Price not always the Cheapest Price?

The notion that all companies make and install curtains to the same standard is unfortunately not the case. As a result, Lewis’s pricing may not always be the cheapest, but you can be confident that Lewis’s focus and passion is on providing you with a quality result. Click below for more information on the value that Lewis’s can offer you.

FAQ – Lewis’s Pricing

Can I supply my own fabric?

Lewis’s is a Furnishing Fabrics Retailer. We have a number of suppliers that we have developed strong relationships with and are confident in the fabrics that they supply. Using your own fabric can lead to issues around warrantees, fabric suitability and fabric quality. Click below for more information on supplying your own fabric.

FAQ – Supplying Own Fabric

How can I ensure my Curtains and Blinds are safe for children in my home?

At Lewis's we have taken a leading approach to child safety ensure that all children are safe from the danger of curtain and blind cords. Consumer NZ has reported thirteen deaths from blind cord accidents in New Zealand between 2002 and 2009 and we knoow this tragic trend has continued. It's very easy to get caught up in life, become complacent and have the attitude that 'it won't happen to us' - until it does. We have decided that it's not worth the risk. Click below for more information on how we can help improve child safety in your home.

FAQ - Lewis's Child Safety Policy


Can Lewis’s create Soft Furnishings for my Boat, Bus, Caravan or Motor Home?

These vehicles require curtains, blinds, and squabs which have very specialised requirements. Lewis’s have identified this as a niche market and we do not have the specialised expertise and experience to guarantee successful outcomes.  Click below for more information on these specialised requirements, and the contact details of those we recommend you discuss your requirements with.

FAQ – Boats, Buses, Caravans and Motor Homes

Can Lewis’s Re-line my Existing Curtains?

Lewis’s recommend Maxline linings, which resist mildew and can be spot cleaned. Unfortunately, older curtains are often made with cotton linings which can quickly discolour and are very susceptible to mildew. They also cannot be spot cleaned or dry cleaned. Instead of replacing the whole curtain, there is the option of replacing just the lining. Click below for your three different options for re-lining your existing curtains.

FAQ – Re-lining Existing Curtains

What should I be aware of before I choose a Linen Fabric?

Linen has been a popular choice of fabric for some time.  It grows well and is produced with minimal chemicals which means the resulting fabric is very strong and has amazing ‘living’ characteristics. While these ‘living’ characteristics provide the natural look we love, it is important to understand how this raw state will behave over time.  Click below for more information on each of these characteristics.

FAQ – Linen

What should I be aware of before I choose a Velvet Fabric?

When choosing a velvet fabric, it’s important to understand that not all velvets will behave the same.  Natural or Cellulose Velvets are far more rich and luxurious than Synthetic Velvets.  However, because of their softness and lustre, they may crush and mark as a result of normal handling and wear.  This should be expected and accepted as part of the fabric’s construction, comfort and elegance.  Click below for more information on the characteristics of different velvets.

FAQ – Velvet

How are Curtains and Blinds effective Insulation?

BRANZ, an independent research company for the Building Industry, released a report recently outlining where heat is lost in the home.  According to BRANZ, 42-45% of heat, in houses insulated to Pre-2007 requirements, is lost through windows.  Even if your home has been insulated under the 2007 Building Code, in which double glazing is a requirement, 21-31% of heat is still lost through windows.  The good news is that well-fitting curtains and blinds, when closed, can reduce this heat loss through single glazed windows by 60% and through double glazed windows by 40-50%. Click below for more information on how Lewis’s can help you reduce heat loss in your home.

FAQ – Insulation