How Retailers Can Reduce Curtain Returns Online

Curtain returns are one of the biggest hidden costs in online home textiles retail. While some returns are unavoidable, a large proportion are caused by preventable issues such as unclear product information, incorrect sizing expectations, or mismatched performance assumptions.

Reducing returns isn’t about restricting customers — it’s about helping them make the right decision first time.

Why Curtains Are Commonly Returned Online

Curtains are a high-return category because they combine:

• Large physical size

• Visual expectation (colour, drape, finish)

• Functional performance (light control, lining, thermal properties)

  
  

Most online returns fall into a small number of predictable categories:

• “Not what I expected”

• Incorrect size or drop

• Colour looked different

• Light control didn’t match expectations

  
  

Each of these can be addressed with better presentation and clearer information.

1. Use Clear, Accurate Product Descriptions

One of the most common causes of returns is misunderstanding, not product fault.

Retailers should ensure descriptions clearly explain:

• Whether curtains are blackout or room darkening

• Whether thermal properties are woven-in or lined

• What the curtain feels like (soft, structured, lightweight, substantial)

Avoid vague language such as “heavyweight” or “luxury” without context. Clear, factual descriptions build trust and reduce disappointment.

Tyrone Textiles provides detailed product information that can be used directly in listings to ensure accuracy and consistency.

2. Set Expectations on Light Control Clearly

Light control is one of the most frequent causes of dissatisfaction.

Retailers should:

• Clearly state performance levels

• Avoid using “blackout” unless it is genuinely blackout

• Explain that fitting and curtain width also affect results

Some ranges use light control ratings (for example, a scale where blackout and room darkening are clearly differentiated). Including this information helps customers understand performance at a glance and reduces incorrect purchases.

Example of a Light Control Rating

3. Make Curtain Sizing Easy to Understand

Sizing confusion is one of the biggest drivers of returns.

Key points to clarify:

• Curtains are sold as pairs

• Width refers to the flat width, not the gathered width

• Curtains should usually be 1.5–2x pole width for a full look

• Drop is measured from the top of the heading

Providing a simple measuring guide within the listing or as a linked resource can dramatically reduce sizing-related returns.

4. Invest in High-Quality, Honest Photography

Images do more than sell — they set expectations.

Retailers should use:

• High-resolution images

• Multiple angles

• Room-set images where possible

• Close-ups showing fabric texture and weave

Over-editing images to make colours brighter or textures smoother often leads to higher return rates. Honest imagery reduces surprise when the product arrives.

Tyrone Textiles supplies high-quality imagery designed to reflect real-life appearance as closely as possible.

Tyrone Textile's Trade Customers have full access to all our images to download in High Res, avaliable via the Trade Portal.

5. Explain Fabric Construction Clearly

Many customers still assume:

• Lined = better

• Unlined = basic

Modern curtain construction challenges this assumption. For example, some curtains use triple-woven fabrics, where thermal and light-control properties are built into the fabric rather than added as a separate lining.

Explaining this clearly reassures customers and prevents returns caused by incorrect assumptions about quality or performance.

6. Use Bullet Points for Key Information

Customers often skim product pages rather than reading full descriptions.

Including a clear bullet-point summary helps highlight:

• Heading type (eyelet or tape top)

• Light control level

• Thermal properties

• Care instructions

This makes critical information harder to miss and reduces misunderstandings.

7. Keep Stock and Data Accurate

Selling items that are out of stock or mislabelled creates frustration and increases cancellations and returns.

Retailers should:

• Use up-to-date stock feeds

• Ensure EANs and SKUs match correctly

• Keep product titles consistent across platforms

Accurate data improves customer trust and reduces operational errors.

Tyrone Textiles are able to provide daily stock feeds along with EDI and API intergations for customers.

8. Address Colour Variation Upfront

Colour perception varies due to lighting, screen settings, and surroundings. A short note explaining this can significantly reduce returns.

Simple statements such as:

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

help manage expectations and reassure customers.

9. Educate Rather Than Oversell

Overselling features often leads to disappointment. Instead:

• Explain what the product does and doesn’t do

• Be honest about limitations

• Match the product to the right use case

Customers who understand a product are far less likely to return it.

Final Thoughts

Reducing curtain returns online isn’t about changing the product — it’s about improving how the product is presented. Clear descriptions, accurate sizing guidance, honest imagery, and transparent performance information all play a role.

Retailers who invest in better product information not only reduce returns but also increase customer satisfaction and repeat purchases. With the right data and support from suppliers like Tyrone Textiles, online curtain retail can be both profitable and reliable.