FAQ’s

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General questions

  • What types of fabric do you sell?

    Most of our fabrics are made from a high-quality, medium-weight Linen Union — a blend of linen and organic cotton — which is woven in Lancashire. This fabric is durable, beautifully textured, and ideal for both upholstery and curtains.

    In addition to Linen Union, we also have some in 100% linen fabrics, and also our Scandinavian wovens. these are a mixure of 100% linen and Linen union. Unlike our printed fabrics the pattern is woven in these Scandinavian stripes.

  • Do you provide a Made to Measure service? If so, what products are included in this service?

    Yes, we offer a Made to Measure service. This includes roller blinds, Roman blinds, curtains, lampshades, quilts, cushions, headboards, footstools, chairs, and sofas.

    Our committed team of artisans uses Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabric designs to meticulously create soft furnishings and furniture to the highest standards in UK based workrooms. All items are made to order and can be customised to meet your needs. Please enquire for bespoke orders.

    All of these items are made using Vanessa Arbuthnott fabrics only. We do not produce Made to Measure items using other fabrics, including reupholstering our existing furniture frames in third-party fabrics.

  • Do you offer a Design Consultation Service?

    Yes, this is available via three different methods: 

    1. Virtual - A free of charge, 30 minute consultation via WhatsApp video call. Our Design Consultant will call you directly from our showroom, where you can show her around your home and discuss your interior projects where she will suggest fabrics and colours thereafter.

    2. Showroom Consultation - If you would like to visit our showroom to discuss your interior projects, then please contact us to book your time with our Design Consultant. This is again, free of charge. We can help you with how to measure, discuss colours, fabrics, and designs, as well as our Made to Measure service.

    3. Home Design Consultation - We can come to you! This costs £100 which is redeemable if you place an order with us after the visit. On arrival, our Design Consultant will have all our fabric samples and brochures to hand ready to help guide you through your soft furnishings and furniture ideas for your interiors. 

  • Do you have a shop or showroom?

    Yes, we do! Our shop and showroom opened in June 2015 and is located in the beautiful Cotswold town of Cirencester.

    The nearest car park is The Brewery Car Park (postcode GL7 1HN), which is just a one-minute walk away.

    Cirencester is home to many lovely independent shops, tea rooms, restaurants, markets and museums, so why not make a day of it?

  • Do you provide parking at your Cirencester showroom?

    Unfortunately, we do not have on-site parking. There is some street parking available outside the showroom, although spaces cannot be guaranteed.

    The nearest car park is The Brewery Car Park, which is just a one-minute walk away. For longer stays, The Beeches Car Park is a good option and is around an 11-minute walk away. There are also several other car parks in Cirencester.

  • Where can I order a brochure?

    Yes. We have a dedicated page where you can order a hard copy of our brochures. You can also view our electronic brochure online. It’s easy to flick through at your leisure and you can even share it with a friend. Please click here to browse.

Ordering and Samples

  • How do I order free samples?

    To order, simply select the fabric of your choice and click the “Order Free Sample” button next to it. Add your selection to the basket and proceed as normal.

    The first five samples are free, with a £3.50 postage charge applied to all sample orders (including these first five). For additional samples beyond five, the cost is £1.20 each. For overseas orders, a postage charge will also apply.

    You can order up to 20 samples per order.

  • Can I have a larger sample to test out in my home?

    Yes! We offer ‘returnable samples’, which are full-width fabric pieces cut to 50 cm in length. These can be sent directly to you or to another destination of your choice.

    A charge applies for each returnable sample (the price varies depending on the fabric). This charge is refunded once the samples are safely returned to our showroom. Samples can be kept for up to four weeks.

    Please note that postage costs are not reimbursed, including any return shipping costs.

  • What is the minimum order?

    Our minimum order is 1 metre.

  • Do you sell in part metres?

    No, we only sell our fabrics in whole metres.

  • What is the maximum amount of fabric you can send as folded?

    Fabric can be posted folded in quantities up to 2 metre. Any larger quantities will be sent on a roll.

  • Sale and Discontinued Fabrics

    Our discounted products can be found on our Sale page.

    Fabrics: Folded Remnants - These range from 40cm to 1.5 metres in length. Discontinued fabrics - This includes 'Cut Lengths' and 'By the Metre' rolls of Discontinued fabric which once the fabric has sold, it will not be re-printed or reprieved (more information below).

    Differences between 'Cut Lengths' and 'By the Metre' fabrics: 'Cut Length' fabric is purchased in its entirety and is a pre-cut length of fabric that has been placed onto a cardboard tube. On the fabric of your choice, there are drop-down lists with the various length options available. You can purchase 'By the Metre' fabric in any whole metre quantity you choose.

    Furniture: Collection is available for furniture selling from our showroom or we can arrange items to be delivered to you.

    Postage: Royal Mail will deliver smaller accessories, and folded fabric remnants up to 1.5 metre in length. Larger bespoke items, wall coverings, and fabrics measuring 1.5 metres or more will automatically be shipped with Parcelforce. By the metre fabric will automatically be placed on a cardboard tube, unless the quantity you need is 1 metre, in which case it can be sent as folded via Royal Mail (choices are available during checkout). Please contact us for a 1-person, or 2-person quote on delivery, if you would prefer for us to deliver sale furniture that you have purchased from our showroom.

    Sale Fabric Disclaimer: After purchase, we assume no liability for fading, defects, or issues with the fabric. Since the fabrics in sales are either discontinued, seconds, or ends of rolls, we do not advise using them for blinds where possible blemishes are more noticeable. It is therefore up to the user to choose how or what they use the fabric for and where it is placed after completion, if the customer still wants to make any of the aforementioned. We will not be held liable if any problems arise. 

    Product Disclaimer: All sale products, fabrics and wallpaper rolls are non-returnable.

Made to Measure

  • Can your fabrics be used for upholstery?

    Yes — almost all of our fabrics are suitable for upholstery. The only exceptions are our Scandinavian Wovens (see the FAQ below for more details).

    Wovens can still be used for light upholstery, such as headboards or occasional furniture pieces where there is less risk of wear from heavy everyday use.

  • Do you have guides on how to measure for curtains and blinds?

    Yes, we do. The Knowledge Hub on our website features a dedicated Guides and Care Advice section with helpful resources, including step-by-step guides on how to measure for curtains and blinds.

  • Do you have hanging instructions for Made to Measure items?

    Yes, we do. We have a How to Hang Curtains guide and a How to Fit Roller Blinds guide.

  • What is the fullness of your Made to Measure curtains?

    The fullness of our curtains varies depending on the header style. Our standard fullness ratios are:

    Pencil Pleat – 2.2
    Double Pleat – 2.3
    Triple Pleat – 2.5
    5cm and 10cm Cottage Pleat – 2.2
    Flop-over Frill – 2.2

    If you would prefer your curtains to have a less full appearance, we can adjust the fullness for Pencil Pleat and Cottage Pleat headings only (including both 5cm and 10cm Cottage Pleats).

    To receive a bespoke quote, please phone or email us and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements.

  • Can you make dress curtains?

    Dress curtains are usually narrower than normal curtains, so perhaps just using one wdith of fabric in each curtain. Even though this is not a part of our usual Made to Measure service, we would be pleased to discuss this with you as part of a bespoke order. Please feel free to phone or email us, and we’ll be delighted to talk through the available options.

  • What lining materials do you use for your curtains?

    We offer three types of lining for our curtains, depending on your needs:

    • Standard lining – A high-quality 100% ivory cotton lining, providing a neat finish and gentle structure.
    • Blackout lining – Designed to block out light and help insulate against heat loss, ideal for bedrooms or rooms where darkness is preferred. this is made from a cotton/polyester mix
    • Interlining – A medium-weight, high-quality interlining that gives curtains a heavier, more luxurious appearance. It also helps with insulation and can be used in both curtains and Roman blinds. Interlining is recommended for all curtains for the best drape and finish. This is a 100% cotton cloth.
  • How difficult is it to install a roller blind?

    Installing a roller blind is very straightforward. We provide two fixing brackets and four screws for installation, so your blind can typically be fitted in under 30 minutes.

    It’s a simple job that’s ideal even if you’re new to DIY. All you’ll need is a cross-head screwdriver, pencil, tape measure, and a drill.

    Once installed correctly, the roller blind will sit neatly inside or outside the window recess, depending on your preference.

    If your blind is fitted inside a recess and you’d prefer to hide the top roll, we can also provide a matching pelmet made to coordinate with your blind.

  • What finishings do you offer for your roller blinds?

    We offer three finishing options for our roller blinds:

    1) Processed:This option uses the fabric on its own, without any lining. A light stiffening treatment is applied to give the fabric structure. It works particularly well with our double-sided fabrics, such as Lapland and Scandi Stripe as the design can be seen from both sides.

    2) Laminated: A cream backing is bonded to the reverse of the main fabric. This provides additional structure and a consistent appearance from the outside of the window.

    3) Blackout: A white blackout lining is added to the back of the fabric. This option is ideal if you would like to block out light and increase privacy.

    If you’re unsure which finishing would suit your space best, our team will be happy to help you choose.

  • Do you make roller blind pelmets/shields?

    A roller shield, or pelmet, can be added to a roller blind to conceal the white roll at the top for a neater, more finished look.

    **Please note that pelmets are only suitable for blinds fitted inside a window recess and must be top fixed. The recess must also have a minimum depth of 10 cm to accommodate the pelmet.

    If you’re unsure whether your window recess is suitable, our team will be happy to advise.

  • How can I look after my made to measure furniture?

    To keep your made-to-measure furniture looking its best for years to come, we recommend a few simple care steps:

    • Plump feather-filled seat cushions weekly to help maintain their shape and comfort.
    • Rotate cushions occasionally, switching the left and right sides where possible, to ensure even wear and minimise uneven fading.
    • Vacuum the fabric regularly using a soft upholstery attachment to remove dust and keep it clean.
    • Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as this causes any fabric to fade over time.

    Following these simple steps will help extend the life and appearance of your furniture.

Prices

  • Do you have a list of your current fabric prices?

    Yes, you can download or print our price list insert, which provides an overview of all products available through our Made to Measure service. It also includes a full list of our current fabric, rug, runner, and wallpaper prices.

  • What are the starting prices for your Made to Measure furniture & soft furnishings?

    Made-to-Measure Furniture & Accessories – Starting Prices

    Armchairs

    • Traditional with fixed back – Starting from £2,393
    • Traditional with back cushion – £2,492
    • Sapperton – Starting from £2,226
    • Tub – Starting from £1,735
    • Chedworth – Starting from £2,284

    Sofas

    • Traditional with fixed back – Starting from £3,093
    • Traditional with back cushions – Starting from £3,324
    • Cirencester – Starting from £3,380
    • Chedworth – Starting from £3,093

    Footstools

    • Circular Pouffe – Starting from £485
    • Cube Footstool – Starting from £425
    • Amberley – Starting from £1,339
    • Ashcroft – Starting from £1,078

    Headboards

    • Rectangular – Starting from £703
    • Rounded – Starting from £703
    • Sculptured – Starting from £946

    Cushions

    • Starting from £63 (Based on 14" x 14", self-piped, zipped, in Plain Linen Union)

    Quilts

    • Starting from £578 (Based on a small quilt with piped edges, all in Plain Linen Union)

    Lampshades

    • Empire – Starting from £86
    • Drum – £87
    • 10" Pleated – £183
    • Pair of Candle Shades (smallest size) – £54

    *All prices are based on the smallest or only available size, self-piped, with feather or medium foam-filled cushions where applicable, and covered in Plain Linen Union fabric.

Lead Times, Deliveries & Returns

  • What are your fabric delivery options?

    We provide an Express 24-hour service as standard. For larger parcels, we use an Express 48-hour service, ensuring a two-day turnaround. Both services are fulfilled via Parcelforce.

    Delivery costs vary depending on your order. For full details, including pricing, delivery, and returns, please see our Delivery & Returns section.

  • What are the lead times for Made to Measure products?

    Lead times for Made to Measure items:

    Drum, Pair of Candles, and Empire Lampshades – up to 6 weeks
    Headboards – up to 6 weeks
    Roller and Roman Blinds – up to 8 weeks
    Pleated Lampshades – up to 8 weeks
    Cushions – up to 8 weeks
    Quilts – up to 8 weeks
    Curtains – up to 8 weeks
    Sofas, Chairs, Pouffes and Footstools – up to 14 weeks

  • Do you deliver your furniture for free?

    Yes. We offer free furniture delivery within a 100-mile radius of our showroom in Cirencester (postcode GL7 1QX).

    For deliveries beyond this distance, a charge will apply based on mileage.

  • What are the delivery options for larger pieces of furniture?

    We offer one-person delivery for larger furniture items. In this case, we kindly ask that you (or someone else) be available on the day of delivery to help the driver unload and manoeuvre the furniture indoors.

    If this isn’t possible, you can select “Furniture – 2 Person Delivery” at checkout, where two drivers will assist with unloading and moving the furniture into your home.

    Delivery is free within a 100-mile radius of our showroom in Cirencester (GL7 1QX). For addresses beyond this distance, a mileage charge will apply to both delivery options.

  • Do you ship Fabrics and Made to Measure items overseas?

    Yes, we frequently ship fabric orders internationally. Fabrics are carefully packed in cardboard tubes and protected with two layers of plastic wrapping to help prevent damage during transit.

    However, we are unable to ship Made to Measure items overseas, as larger or multi-part consignments can sometimes be delayed, split, or misplaced during international shipping.

    Instead, we recommend working with a local seamstress, upholsterer, or maker in your area. Once they have calculated the amount of fabric required for your project, we can arrange to send the necessary fabric directly to you.

    Please note that EU orders are dispatched as “Delivery Duty Unpaid” (DDU). This means you will be responsible for paying any applicable VAT, import duties, and customs clearance fees required by authorities in your country. You will be asked to confirm acceptance of these terms during checkout.

  • Where can I find details on your returns and delivery policy?

    Where can I find details about your delivery and returns policy?

    You can find our full delivery and returns policies here.

    Please note the following key points:

    • Cut lengths of fabric are non-returnable. A ‘STOP’ notice is attached to every roll of fabric, asking you or your maker to double-check that it is the correct fabric before cutting. Once the fabric has been cut, we are unfortunately unable to accept returns.
    • Returnable fabric samples (full-width pieces cut to 50 cm in length) can be sent back to us at your cost. Once they are safely received at our showroom, we will refund the appropriate amount. These samples can be kept for up to four weeks; if you need them for longer, please let us know.
    • Wallpaper/wall covering rolls and rugs may also be returned at your cost, provided they are in perfect condition and returned within 30 days of purchase. Once they have been safely received at our showroom in Cirencester, we will process your refund and send a confirmation email.

Support & Guidance

  • How can I look after my made to measure furniture?

    To keep your made-to-measure furniture looking its best for years to come, we recommend a few simple care steps:

    • Plump feather-filled seat cushions weekly to help maintain their shape and comfort.
    • Rotate cushions occasionally, switching the left and right sides where possible, to ensure even wear and minimise uneven fading.
    • Vacuum the fabric regularly using a soft upholstery attachment to remove dust and keep it clean.
    • Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as this causes any fabric to fade over time.

    Following these simple steps will help extend the life and appearance of your furniture.

  • How can I prolong the life of my curtains?

    Here are a few simple steps to help keep your curtains looking their best for longer. As with any fabric, some fading may occur over time, particularly if the curtains are exposed to direct sunlight.

    • Draw curtains well back from the window when possible to reduce prolonged exposure to strong light.
    • Line or interline your curtains, which can help protect the face fabric from sunlight.
    • Use a pulley or cord system to open and close curtains, helping to keep the leading edges cleaner.
    • Rotate your curtains occasionally (for example, swapping left and right panels) so that sunlight exposure is more evenly distributed.

    Please also take care when using spray cleaners in rooms with our fabrics, particularly blue fabrics, which can be more sensitive. Chemicals in sprays, including bleaching agents, can settle on curtain or blind folds and cause fading over time. Some sprays may also contain oil-based substances that can damage fabric.

    In addition, fabrics can sometimes fade if exposed to gases from heaters, boilers, or cookers. We cannot accept liability for fading caused by external factors.

  • Can I use Scandinavian Woven or Harris Tweed fabrics for upholstery?

    We recommend using our Scandinavian Woven and Harris Tweed fabrics for light upholstery only. With heavy or everyday use, the weave may loosen, which can lead to damage or fading over time.

    For example, these fabrics may be suitable for occasional furniture that is not used frequently. However, as a general rule, we do not use these fabrics for our Made to Measure furniture items.

    If you are considering using a woven or tweed fabric for a piece of furniture that will receive only light use, please feel free to contact us by phone or email and we would be happy to discuss your project further.

  • I’d like to use your fabrics for upholstery. How do they perform in rub tests?

    Our fabrics perform well in standard durability and colourfastness tests:

    • Colourfastness to light (BWS rating):
      Plain Linen Unions: BWS rating 5
      All other fabrics: BWS ratings 6–7
    • Martindale Rub Test (wear and abrasion):
      Printed fabrics: 30,000 rubs
      Plain Linen Unions: up to 36,000 rubs
      Woven range: 15,000 rubs

    Please note that we would not recommend putting any furniture covered in our fabrics into direct sunlight as all fabric is liable to fade under these conditions.

  • What are application instructions for Wallpaper &/or Wall Coverings?

    Wallpaper

    1. Measure the height of the wall to be covered. Lay the wallpaper on a clean floor or table and cut each drop, allowing extra length at the top and bottom for trimming.
    2. Apply paste to the back of the wallpaper, then position it carefully onto the wall.
    3. Smooth the paper using a good-quality brush to remove any air bubbles.
    4. Trim the excess at the top and bottom using a sharp craft or Stanley knife.
    5. Cut the next drop, allowing for pattern matching and extra trimming, then repeat the process.

    Wall Coverings

    1. Apply paste directly to the wall, rather than to the back of the wall covering.
    2. Position the wall covering onto the pasted wall and smooth it out with a good-quality brush to remove air bubbles.
    3. Trim the excess at the top and bottom with a sharp knife.
    4. Prepare the next section, allowing for pattern matching, and apply it alongside the previous drop.

    We recommend using a good-quality ready-mixed paste, such as those from Halls Beeline or Solvite.

  • What paste should I use for applying your Wallpaper & Wall Coverings?

    We recommend using a good-quality, ready-mixed wallpaper paste, such as those from Solvite or Halls Beeline, as these contain the correct balance of water and adhesive.

    Paste that is mixed at home can sometimes contain too much water, which may cause the wallpaper or wall covering to shrink slightly as it dries after hanging. For this reason, we strongly recommend using a commercially prepared, ready-mixed paste to achieve the best results.

  • What lampshade designs are available?

    We offer four lampshade styles:

    Empire – A classic, flat-sided, bell-shaped lampshade.

    Candle Shades – Similar in shape to the Empire shade, but smaller. These are designed for candle-style lamps and are always sold as a pair.

    Drum Shade – A cylindrical shade with a flat surface. This style can be made with an optional contrast inner lining.

    Please note: the larger 50 cm × 30 cm drum shade requires the fabric to be joined, so two seams will be visible.

    Pleated Shade – A gently cone-shaped shade with gathered fabric on the outside. These are lined with cotton and do not have the option of a contrast inner lining.

    Please note: the 10″ and 12″ pleated shades come with a fixed gimble, while the 14″ and 16″ shades are supplied with a gimble that can be attached during installation.

  • If I choose a contrast lining for the inside of my drum lampshade, will the fabric on the inside show through?

    If one of our fabrics is used as the contrast lining inside a drum lampshade, it may show through slightly when the lamp is switched on in the evening.

    Our maker mounts the fabric onto a white laminate backing, which helps to minimise how much of the inner fabric is visible. However, when the shade is illuminated at night, a subtle hint of the lining may still be seen.

    During the daytime, when the lamp is not lit, this is generally not noticeable. We simply recommend keeping this in mind when choosing a contrast lining for your shade.

  • Does your lampshade have an E27 fitting?

    Yes, the lampshade rings are compatible with the E27 fitting.

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