http://www.swatchbox.co.uk The latest news and updates from Swatch Box en-us http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/rss.xml Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:42:37 +0000 Are you going to seize the opportunity for self-reflection and improvement that the dawn of the New Year and the arrival of spring offers? Or will you pass it by for another year. If youre looking at improving the quality of fabrics in your home this year, then look no further as Swatch Box is set to launch several new and improved designs and lines this year, whilst tweaking its existing offerings to keep pace with the ever-changing fashions and fascinations in the world of fabric.Maybe youre wanting to spruce up each room with a new pair of curtains, or perhaps just re-cover some old cushions with some exciting new fabrics? Whatever the scale of your ambition and wherever you want to start, the online catalogue here at Swatch Box will kick start your imagination, allow you to bring quality into your home, and ensure that it doesnt break the bank at a time when home improvements need to offer real quality and value for money.If you decide to go room by room, then theres no better place to start than our Made to Measure Roman Blinds section, usually designed to give your kitchen or dining room a light, airy feel and consequently improve its value as a featured area of your home ideal for anyone with ambitions of moving in the near future, or for those just looking to get that feeling of a little more space into their home.Whatever you decide, choose Swatch Box to deliver your fabric, curtain, blind and material upgrades in 2012 and embrace the New Year with a sense of style and panache. http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/welcoming-2012 http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/welcoming-2012 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:26:42 +0000 Well, that was quite something! 2011 will go down, for Swatch Box, as a landmark year where we reached more customers, innovated our business and built further upon our presence in the field of fabrics. And, of course, we couldn't have done that without you our fantastic customers. So let us take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and extremely Happy New Year. Of course, 2011 is not the end of our journey. Not by any stretch of the imagination. In the next twelve months we have plans to introduce new fabrics and designs, exciting new lines, further expansions to our web presence and even more retailer links. All of this means that, for our customers, we will have more designs in more places and be accessible at competitive prices to more people. It's a grand design and a powerful vision and we are determined to get there.We would like you to share in that journey. Keep checking back in with our website, and in particular this blog, to find out the very latest updates on our company and the designs. Rest assured, if you do, you will be the first to know about style updates, availability, offers and competitions. We introduced a lot in 2011, but we fully aim to match and then supersede that next year, becoming an even more important name in the industry of fashion, fabrics and ready made curtains. So, if you haven't already, bookmark our page and keep checking back for the next chapter in the Swatch Box journey. Enjoy your holidays hopefully decorated in a Swatch Box fashion in some shape or form! and we'll see you in the New Year. http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/merry-christmas-from-swatch-box http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/merry-christmas-from-swatch-box Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:42:53 +0000 What sort of feel will you be going for in your home this year? Scrooge inspired dreariness and the inevitable norm of a few half-hearted attempts at fabric improvement, or something so totally inspirational and magical that it seemed like the term winter wonderland' had been invented for it?If your opinion resembles something of the latter, or maybe if you just want to spruce up your home with a cosy winter feel, then Swatch Box can help. Our organised ranges feature a wealth of Christmas colours, from deep, natural greens, to warm, soothing reds and crisp, pure, picturesque whites, meaning you're only limited by your imagination in terms of what fabric fancies you can create this winter. If you want to get into the Christmas spirit, then why not look at our Bloomsbury range in a deep flame colour, our sparkling Lytham edition in a clean, natural white or perhaps a deep, evergreen tone of forest. Whatever individual cushions, throws, curtains, oil cloths or fabrics you decide to create, you can be sure that Swatch Box carries enough of the right high quality fabrics and materials to ensure that your Christmas ideas aren't just created, they come to life.And, if we're honest, isn't that part of the magic of Christmas? Getting involved in the spirit, feeding on the kids enthusiasm, and perhaps making your home that perfect place of beauty and solace from the crazy and cold world outside breathe life into your perfect winter scene. http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/christmas-interior-ideas http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/christmas-interior-ideas Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:32:32 +0000 Floral curtains have continued their meteoric rise in popularity this season and it is a trend that shows no sign of abating. One theory is that these homely, familial colours and patterns hark back to a more reassuring time in our lives and perhaps in the world in general where worries were said to be fewer and happiness was in abundance. If that is true, then it would explain why home improvers all over the country have been flocking to Swatch Box to order any and all examples from our floral made to measure curtain ranges that they can get their hands on. Exuding elegance, warmth and comfort, the floral ranges available from Swatch Box, such as the Elle, Aisha and Chantilly examples pictured, bring about a sense of understated class that is often difficult to find on the high street or in a store where a hundred different brands and styles are competing for your attention all at once.In a way, traditional designs never really went out of fashion. They just became the preserve of the select few rather than the centre piece of beauty, fashion and homes magazines timeless quality never really fades and here at Swatch Box we would like to think that we include a small dose of that attribute in every made to measure curtain order we fulfil. As a specialist floral made to measure curtain provider, we know that our reputation amongst our customers is imperative to maintain, so every floral made to measure order comes with the renowned Swatch Box seal of quality. Browse our range today! http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/floral-made-to-measure-curtains http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/floral-made-to-measure-curtains Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:54:06 +0000 Everyone's bedroom is different. Some of us like a room that exudes peace and quiet so it becomes a place of calm, contemplation and relaxed solace. Others want a place that is bursting with the sights and colours of summer to wake up their body on cold, unwelcoming winter mornings. Whatever you want from your bedroom, we can all agree that it has to be represent your personality and be right for you as an individual.That's why at Swatch Box we would like to remind you of our fabric ranges which allow you to make the most of your bedroom space and ensure that is a welcoming and relaxing place and the end of a long hard day.When re-designing your bedroom, you need to take into consider the combination of other colours and fabrics in the room. The first thing to consider is how it will match in terms of colour and pattern style to your bed sheets and pillows, but also secondly to any throws, cushions or decorative plushes that may adorn the room. If you have a busy bedspread, then keep your curtains simple. Conversely, if your existing colours and patterns a little reserved, then get some life and energy into your curtain choices to show that you're not afraid to be a little more confident with your choices.Swatch Box, of course, offers a full range of colours and fabrics to suit every mood, personality and tendency. From arty to classical, contemporary to unusual, our ranges are bought by every type of person imaginable and can be made to suit every possible taste. Browse our curtain range and be inspired with ideas of how you can make your bedroom just that little bit more perfect. http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/bedroom-curtains http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/bedroom-curtains Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:38:56 +0000 The long, lazy, carefree days of July and August are coming to an end and the kids are going back to school. The seasonal shift can mean a shift in mood and people looking inward to make their house more homely and cosy.So, maybe it's time for you consider updating your home fabrics, either curtains, blinds, fabrics or oil cloths, ready to welcome the falling of the leaves and the drawing in of the nights. If you want the perfect colours and patterns to complement a roaring fire and an enveloping, sinking sofa with your favourite novelist, then perhaps we may suggest an Alicante or Bloomsbury offering in a deep, welcoming brown, guaranteed to have your curling up around the cushions. Or maybe you want to celebrate the slow fade of summer with a burned, golden colour, mirroring the piles of leaves which you rake on a weekly basis. In which case, might we suggest that a Lytham, Passion or Opulence design in gold will really bring out the peak of seasonal change in your home and tell the world that change is a positive thing.Alternatively, you might like your home to be an island of what's outside - an escape from the seasonal switch - where summer can live on permanently inside your four walls. If so, then a vibrant, passionate choice from our range of red options is surely the only fabric or curtain choice to make this autumn, with any of our Cambridge or Lytham designs in this colour being certain to evoke a passionate summer feel in even the chilliest cottage.Whatever you choose, choose Swatch Box for your curtains and fabrics and celebrate seasonal change with us. http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/autumn-fabrics http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/autumn-fabrics Thu, 28 Jul 2011 06:45:09 +0000 Choice. We all love it, but in a world where everything is customisable, individual and bespoke, its easy to become lost in a swirl of confusing colour and fabric choices. Thankfully, Swatch Box is here to ensure that you navigate your way through this maze and come out of it on the other side with the curtains which perfectly suit your ideal home. Part of our help in this respect is ensuring that our customers go through a clear decision and rationalisation process in order to narrow down their choices. The first and most important thing to do is to ensure that your fabric choices clearly match and co-ordinate with the largest and most important piece(s) of furniture in the room they will be going in, which help to create a planned, cohesive look. It is also useful if the pattern complements any minor patterns you have in the room, as you dont want to create the impression that the design was developed over time with some bits being added on as an afterthought.Its also important to consider practicality are these curtains purely ornaments or will they be required to keep morning light out? If so, a heavier lined curtain of more substance may be more suitable than a lighter voile choice. Lastly, if youre determined to have a plain rather than patterned fabric, think about whether or not the room would benefit from a little extra in the form of tie-backs or trims, just to break up the expanse of block colour. Still stuck or just want some more advice? Dont forget Swatch Box has a detailed FAQ which answers some of the most common queries we receive. http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/choosing-the-right-curtains http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/choosing-the-right-curtains Sun, 26 Jun 2011 11:43:03 +0000 Its a dream for many, but a reality for some. Thousands of people spend their working lives dreaming of that place in the country, that weekend bolthole where you can escape the stresses and strains of the daily grind. But, like your main home, or indeed especially if it is your main home, it needs careful finishing. Whilst summer fruits and tropical tastes are making a splash in the furnishings area of modern homes, rustic cottages have their own sense of timeless, preserved style.At Swatch Box we understand that many people like to keep their house accustomed to the period in which it was built and to emphasise its structural beauty and historical integrity. Thats why weve got a fantastic range of gorgeous, understated cream, gold and soothing beige colours to choose from to top off your cottages individual look. The designs featured here are our ever popular Quibik, Passion and Elysee numbers which continue to sell strongly. There will always be a market for that traditional look, implying traditional quality, and Swatch Box has made a name for itself in catering for customers who need the personal, historic touch.And speaking of personal touches, if youre looking to furnish a country cottage then now is the ideal time to try our made to measure curtain service perfect if you have oddly proportioned windows or a very idiosyncratic cottage to decorate. Well make sure that, whatever your requirements, your cottage looks every inch the country paradise you want it to be. http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/cottage-curtains http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/cottage-curtains Sun, 26 Jun 2011 11:36:19 +0000 Your mission, should you choose to accept it: to boldly go where no interior designer or decorator has been before. At least not for a few years!Thats right - bright, bold, scream at you until youre blue in the face colours are the height of fashion this summer, with all manner of big names on the high street falling over themselves to tempt customers into checking out their ranges with clashing palettes and near-garish displays of citrus, pink and deep, emotional reds. At Swatch Box, of course, were always on the pulse, so wed like to show how were already there when it comes to zesty exuberance. Our vibrant montage on shows just what sort of powerful summer statement can be created with some of the colours available through Swatch Box, which stars our ever popular Cambridge, Zero and Pippy Pop fabrics, amongst others. The point is that you want to be noticed. Grab peoples attention. Your sumptuous cushions should be the topic of conversation at any dinner party, jumping out of the background. Curtains need to be a feature in themselves, not a complement to anything else. Its time to break with tradition and bend the rules of convention. Make the most of what youve got by showing off your best assets browse through Swatch Box's range of exciting summer colours today and see how you could breathe new life into your home. http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/summer-curtain-fabrics http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/summer-curtain-fabrics Wed, 25 May 2011 13:40:38 +0000 Ideally, modern bay windows curtains should be high, light and airy. Whilst the designs we're displaying in this blog aren't fitted as bay window curtains, it's easy to see how their neutral, complementary colours would allow the natural beauty of a bay window to shine through.After all, bay windows, when looked after, are a desirable feature when it comes to slightly older houses. They provide character and intrigue to the design of the room and the aesthetics of the premises as a whole. As a result, good curtain design in this area should not seek to diminish or hide any of this good quality, original design.As such, overbearing and busy designs are best avoided in this area else you risk not making the most of your house's pre-existing design strengths.If you've got a certain look in mind for your bay window curtain design, then please do use our search facility available on all of our fabric, made to measure curtains and ready made curtains pages. Select your desired options from the colour, design and fabric dropdown boxes and, if required, add a key word (e.g. 'cream') which will help you to narrow down all of the available curtains in the Swatch Box range which match with your design criteria.So, what are you waiting for? Use the power of the internet and our search facility to allow your bay window curtain design ideas to come to life. After all, your creativity is nothing until you put it into action. http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/bay-window-curtains http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/bay-window-curtains Wed, 25 May 2011 13:33:26 +0000 Chic. Sophisticated. Warm. Desirable. Luxurious. Classy. Alluring. Theyre all adjectives which have been used by our customers to describe the popular choices in our modern curtain fabrics range.Here at Swatch Box we understand the need in the modern economic climate for aspiring homeowners to keep up with developments in fabric and material fashion without it costing the earth. Take our classical Carmen jacquard fabric. Its very warm, with affluently rich colours giving depth and desire to this very contemporary design. Not only that, but the range of colour in the design allows it to complement a wide variety of rooms designed with a warm, chic feel in mind.Continuing the warm theme, this campanile design brings in a hint of oriental design with the strong red, flaming emphasis and the exotic climbing flower design. A sense of opulence is in strong evidence here and it would definitely suit the living room of a soothing countryside home, perhaps on the opposite side of the room to a living space bedecked with an open fire or other focal point.Modern curtain fabrics dont come any classier than our Hollywood design in a gloriously sophisticated citron. Its striking design bedazzles and sparkles, giving off a distinct sense of lightness and an airy welcome to any modern home.Value for money in curtain fabrics is still very much possible and our best-selling modern curtain fabrics as featured here are testament to that. Brighten up your home today with something alluring from Swatch box. http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/modern-curtain-fabrics http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/modern-curtain-fabrics Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:04:02 +0000 Combining an understated piped confection panel design with a neat trellis feature in pin-tuck, our ready made gem curtains are the perfect complement to a warm, soothing feel in any modern living room or wider open living space. These new gem curtains come in a warm pencil style and are available from sizes from 44x54 to 90x90 ensuring that almost every home has the opportunity to experience a new level of curtain quality. With gold, grape and sparkle, there is something for any taste and something to seamlessly fit into your existing decor, no matter what your taste these neutral, subtle styles have helped gem curtains rise in popularity as home-owners seek to bring a discrete sparkle to their homes without breaking the bank.With a wistful, light 60s esque look being popular fashion choices this year, save such flowery ornament for the show-pieces of your room in the background you want something classy, yet something that isnt going to draw the eye of your visitors. You want them to recognise your conscious choice of gem ready made curtains, but not for them to become the centrepiece of the room or focus of their attention, lest you risk unbalancing the choice of background into foreground.So, if youre in the market for a quality curtain thats reasonable on price, yet brimming with value, durability and hidden fashion potential, then look no further than the new range of gem ready made curtains from Swatch Box helping you to keep your home decor at the cutting edge of domestic fashion. http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/introducing-gem-ready-mades http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/introducing-gem-ready-mades Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:00:38 +0000 Swatch Box is a company built around good principles we like to provide high quality home fabric fashions at very reasonable prices, which is why we think this summer we are the place to be for innovative blinds, curtains, cloths and fabrics that wont damage your wallet.If you havent already, please feel free to explore our website and the interactivity it offers you as a discerning customer. Our made to measure curtain range, for example, is brimming with high quality pattern choices, heading and lining styles to truly customise your dream curtain look. Whats more, if our pictures and catalogue still dont do enough to convince you to make that seasonal change to your home, you can request a sample be sent out to you all at no cost! Thats right, see how the fabric would look in your home compare its real world colour match to your existing furnishings and see just how a Swatch Box made to measure curtain could spruce up your home this Spring.If youre the creative type, then Swatch Box is also the place for you. We are more than happy to supply our fabrics on a per metre basis, such as this fabulous Chintz design. No one wants stretched budgets to be a reason that they cant do the upgrades to their home that theyve planned, so perhaps this could be your next summer project. Or, if curtains seem a bit daunting for the newly creative home improver, then why not try your hand at smaller scale drapes or cushions? Our customers work wonders with the fabric we supply and have told us of their ingenious fabric fancies on many occasions.So, dive right into Swatch Box this season and see what you might find! http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/designer-blinds--curtains http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/designer-blinds--curtains Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:37:43 +0000 Swatch Box is bursting with pride and excitement to announce that our Spring and Summer 2011 collection is now available to view on our website, with no fewer than seven new fabrics designed to capture the fresh vitality of spring and the fervent vibrancy of summer.At Swatch Box it is our philosophy to try and stay ahead of the curve, and with our new collection we're making a bold statement of intent about what's to come in the next few months. Our latest range is bright, bubbly and bursting with a sense of bright effervescence that can only mean that a long summer is ahead - one in which you can do that spot of redesign and renovation that you have been promising to yourself and your home for so long.The creatively coined collections - Candyfloss, China Blue, Citron, Claret, Jaffacake, Mauve and Mediterranean - are bursting with energy and are destined to light up the homes in which they are featured. In fact, the colours of some will ensure they take a leading role in the design of your living space. Our new collections from Spring and Summer 2011 ensure that, whatever the occasion, your room is on display to all and is looking at its best.We fully believe that we now we stand as the leading online creative fabrics retailer when it comes to quality and price. You simply won't find a better range of fabric at better value for money, or a better service. So join our legions of satisfied customers as we launch our new range; ring out the old and ring in the new - visit the trends and collections area now to see more! http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/new-collections-on-display http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/new-collections-on-display Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:34:15 +0000 We all like a degree of control in our lives. And in no area of our busy, modern existences do get more pleasure from ownership of control than in the creative centres of our brains. So, when it comes to being creative in your home, it makes perfect sense to pay Swatch Box a visit to find out how we can help you to gain that immense satisfaction from making your house a real home.Our users love our complete custom build service, and well they might. You can use the Swatch Box website to select from an enormous range of custom made curtains whilst you're online - and what's more, it will save you not only time, but money too. The value from Swatch Box's online custom made curtains service is incredible - once you enter your track (pole) width and drop measurement, select from our range of heading style and linings, you have the option to submit your entirely customised enquiry to us which your nearest reatailer with handle. This level of service is really valued by our clients and we cannot commend you enough to try it - you won't be disappointed.However, we realise that not everyone has the time or inclination to be dealing with the intimate details or custom build curtain design, so we also offer a service where you can just enter size and colour and be well on your way to basking in your own creative genius in your own home!So no matter what your preference when it comes to custom made curtains, Swatch Box has the answer to your questions. Visit our Made to Measure Curtains section to get started! http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/custom-made-curtains-online http://www.swatchbox.co.uk/blog/custom-made-curtains-online