Curtains and blinds are a major part of every room's decoration. They serve the twin purpose of keeping out light and prying eyes, protecting your privacy, and adding a real boost to the design and décor of your home.

There are lots of options you can go for when buying new blinds and curtains. From readymade curtains that come in a range of sizes to fit most windows to bespoke made to measure curtains tailored to your individual needs, a wealth of choice is available.

Similarly with blinds you can opt for ready made blinds or made to measure versions, depending on the dimension of your windows and what function you want them to serve. You can even combine blinds and curtains effectively for maximum privacy and a truly aesthetically pleasing result.

Ready made curtains and blinds are the easiest and most cost effective option. They are available straight away, whether purchased in-store or online, which means no waiting around for them to be made and delivered. They are also easier to return than made to measure varieties should you find you've made a mistake in your measurements or changed your mind about the design (although you must make sure they are in pristine condition).

Before buying blinds or curtains, there are a few things you need to do. First, decide on the main purpose of your new purchase. For example, bedroom curtains will need to keep the light out and protect your privacy, but you'll also want something that looks good in your bedroom and compliments the rest of the soft furnishings.

In the bathroom, roller blinds may be more appropriate – again they can have aesthetically pleasing designs while also maximising privacy.

Meanwhile, the kitchen is a good area to combine blinds and curtains. Readymade Venetian blinds can be used to keep light out when you need it, while curtains that don't necessarily ever get closed can add eye-catching appeal.

Once you have decided on your exact requirements, the next thing to do is measure your windows accurately so you know the size of curtains or blinds you require.

Mostyn's Curtains provide a free, handy guide to measuring up for curtains and blinds, downloadable as a PDF or available in store.

It's important when buying ready made curtains to consider the length you require as well as the width of your windows. You might want floor length curtains or shorter ones that hang to the window sill or just below. Mostyn's readymade curtain range come in a variety of lengths, so it should be easy to find the perfect curtains to suit your needs.

Readymade curtains and blinds are designed to be easy to hang, so you'll soon have the window dressing you desire. Then it's time to start thinking about accessories – cushions, bedclothes and other soft furnishings can be made to compliment your room's new look. The possibilities are endless.

For more information on the Mostyn's range of curtains, blinds and accessories, and to download your free guide to measuring your windows, visit Mostyn's online.