Common Curtain Selling Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Curtains remain one of the strongest categories in home textiles, but they are also one of the easiest to sell incorrectly. Unlike smaller homewares, curtains involve size, performance, and expectation, which means even small misunderstandings can lead to returns, complaints, or lost trust.

The good news is that most curtain selling mistakes are predictable — and avoidable. Addressing them improves conversion, reduces returns, and builds long-term customer confidence.

Mistake 1: Assuming Customers Understand Curtain Terminology

Many customers are unfamiliar with curtain terminology, yet product listings and in-store displays often rely heavily on industry language.

Common points of confusion include:

• Eyelet vs pencil pleat

• Tape top vs pencil pleat (which are the same thing)

• Blackout vs room darkening

• Width vs drop measurements

How to Avoid It

Explain terms clearly and simply. Avoid assuming prior knowledge. Short explanations or tooltips on product pages can prevent misunderstandings and reduce post-purchase issues.

Mistake 2: Being Vague About Light Control

Light control is one of the biggest reasons curtains are returned. Customers often expect full blackout when the product is only room darkening.

How to Avoid It

Be explicit:

• Only use “blackout” when the curtain genuinely blocks light

• Explain that fitting and width also affect performance

• Where available, use light-control scales or clear descriptions

Clear expectations lead to fewer complaints and happier customers.

Mistake 3: Not Explaining Curtain Sizing Properly

Curtain sizing is regularly misunderstood, particularly online.

Common issues include:

• Customers thinking curtains are sold individually, not as pairs

• Confusion between flat width and gathered width

• Choosing the wrong drop

  
  

How to Avoid It

Include:

• A simple measuring guide

• Clear statements such as “Sold as a pair”

• Guidance on recommended fullness (1.5–2x pole width)

Retailers who explain sizing clearly see far fewer returns.

Mistake 4: Overselling “Lined” Curtains as Superior

There is still a widespread belief that lined curtains are always better. This can unintentionally undermine modern unlined ranges that use advanced fabric construction.

How to Avoid It

Explain how the fabric is made, not just whether it’s lined. Many modern curtains, including ranges from Tyrone Textiles, use triple-woven construction, with thermal and light-control properties woven directly into the fabric.

This delivers performance without added bulk and should be positioned as a feature, not a compromise.

Mistake 5: Relying on Over-Edited Photography

Highly edited images may look attractive, but they often create unrealistic expectations around colour and texture.

How to Avoid It

Use:

• High-resolution images

• Multiple angles

• Close-ups of fabric texture

• Room-set images that reflect real lighting

Honest imagery reduces “not as expected” returns.

Mistake 6: Ignoring the Importance of Curtain Heading Style

Selling the wrong heading style can cause frustration even when the fabric is right.

Common problems:

• Selling eyelets to customers with tracks

• Not explaining tape-top flexibility

• Assuming heading style doesn’t matter

How to Avoid It

Always state:

• Whether curtains suit poles or tracks

• What heading styles are available

• That tape top and pencil pleat mean the same thing

Ranges such as Enhanced Living offer both eyelet and tape-top options, which should be highlighted clearly.

Mistake 7: Treating Curtains as Purely Decorative

Curtains are functional products, not just décor items. Selling them purely on appearance overlooks key performance factors.

How to Avoid It

Discuss:

• Light control

• Thermal benefits

• Privacy

• Room suitability

Customers who understand how curtains perform are far more confident in their purchase.

Mistake 8: Failing to Address Colour Variation

Colour variation is inevitable due to lighting and screen settings, yet many retailers don’t mention this at all.

How to Avoid It

A simple disclaimer such as:

“Colours may appear different depending on lighting and screen settings”

helps manage expectations and reduces unnecessary returns.

Mistake 9: Not Using Supplier Data Properly

Retailers sometimes rewrite or simplify supplier information, unintentionally removing critical details.

How to Avoid It

Use supplier-provided:

• Product descriptions

• EANs and SKUs

• Care instructions

• Performance explanations

Tyrone Textiles provides detailed, accurate product data designed to support correct selling and reduce errors.

Final Thoughts

Most curtain selling mistakes aren’t caused by poor products — they’re caused by unclear communication. By explaining sizing, performance, and construction properly, retailers can dramatically reduce returns and improve customer satisfaction.

Curtains sell best when customers feel informed and confident. Avoiding these common mistakes protects margins, strengthens trust, and leads to more successful long-term sales.