High-Low: Custom Online Curtains
Today let’s take a look at the new kid in the custom online curtain world. The Natural Curtain Company, which hails from the UK, is now making their service available to the US market. Let’s see how they compare to an older kid, Smith+Noble.
I designed two similar sets of draperies from both companies. Here are the details.
The tab-top curtains (on the left) are from Smith+Noble. They’re made with a 100% linen fabric (below, left), and are lined with a privacy lining. No details were given as to the fabric content. The tab-top curtains (on the right) are from The Natural Curtain Co. These are also made with a 100% linen fabric (below, right) and are lined in 100% cotton.
The price? Smith+Noble’s price is $692, which includes shipping within the contiguous US. The Natural Curtain Company’s curtains are $321. Add $98 for 2 – 4 day delivery to the US and the total price comes to $419.
The Natural Curtain Company wins by $273, or 40%.
Which would you buy?
Don’t answer yet! Here are some more details to help you decide. Both companies offer a free swatch service. Smith+Noble will give you ten. The Natural Curtain Co. sends six. Both have similar headings to choose from (though Smith+Noble has more) and both offer a variety of linings. Their return policies are the same and they both offer good customer support if you have questions.
However, I found three major differences (other than the price) worth noting:
Fabrics: On Smith+Noble’s side, they have a much larger selection of fabrics. The Natural Curtain Co. offers fewer choices, but I really liked them. they get an A+ on taste. Their natural fabrics are very well edited (see a small sampling, below). Both sites offer their fabrics by the yard.
Trims: Smith+Noble offers lots of trims and lots of ways to apply them. That’s a definite plus. The Natural Curtain Co. doesn’t have trim, but they will add a border if you call or email. Smith+Noble wins here.
Ease of Ordering: I have to say the The Natural Curtain Co’s site is extremely well organized and gets a solid PASS on this. They just need to add their prices in US dollars so customers don’t need to do their own conversion. Smith+Noble’s site was so confusing it made me jittery. Example? I assumed my curtains would be made as a pair. Not so on both sites. But TNC Co. (I’m getting tired of typing that long name) read my mind and asked me if I wanted a set or just one. I had to go searching at S+N to find the scoop.
Time to vote
Who wins? My vote (if you couldn’t guess) goes to The Natural Curtain Company. (And, just for the record, I’m not being paid for my rant/rave.) I might order a set of grommet-headed draperies for Chum Bucket from this company. I like their price and in a rental property that’s what rules.
How about you? Which company do you prefer?
2 Responses to “High-Low: Custom Online Curtains”
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Posted by Twitter Designs on February 11th, 2010 at 2:00 am
They are both simply nice! But i will prefer from The Natural Curtain Co. Though they have few selections on fabric i think they have very detailed and nice to choose from besides it’s much cheaper than the Smith+Noble‚Äôs. I’ll try to check both sites still and decide! Thanks For this Helpful Post!
Looks good to me! I had trouble figuring out if they had just plain off white cotton canvas curtains. Did you think eskimo was off white?