Laura Ashley Duck Egg Curtains

Discovering the Timeless Elegance That Changed My Home

When it comes to home décor, I’ve always believed that the right curtains can completely transform a space. After years of experimenting with different styles, colors, and brands, I finally found the perfect balance of elegance, functionality, and timeless appeal in Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains. This journey of discovery has been so rewarding that I simply had to share my comprehensive guide with fellow home décor enthusiasts who might be considering these beautiful window treatments.

The Allure of Duck Egg Blue: Why I Fell in Love

There’s something magical about the duck egg blue shade that Laura Ashley has perfected over decades. Not quite blue, not quite green, this soft, muted tone manages to be simultaneously calming and sophisticated. When I first hung my Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains in my living room, I was astonished by how they transformed the entire atmosphere of the space.

The color has a remarkable versatility that few other shades can match. In morning light, the curtains take on a refreshing, airy quality that brightens the room. As evening approaches, they transform into a cozy, soothing backdrop that helps me unwind after a long day. This chameleon-like quality is, I believe, what has made duck egg blue such an enduring favorite in interior design.

I particularly appreciate how the color works with almost any décor style. In my more traditional guest bedroom, the duck egg curtains complement the antique furniture beautifully, while in my modern kitchen dining area, they provide a perfect soft contrast to the sleeker elements. This versatility alone makes them worth every penny.

Where to Find These Coveted Curtains

When I first decided to purchase Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains, I spent considerable time researching the best places to buy them. The most obvious starting point is Laura Ashley’s official website, which typically offers the most comprehensive selection of current designs. However, I’ve found that prices can sometimes be more competitive through other retailers.

Department stores like John Lewis, Debenhams, and House of Fraser frequently stock Laura Ashley curtains, often with seasonal sales that can make them more affordable. Online retailers such as Wayfair, Next, and even Amazon also carry the brand, sometimes with exclusive designs or discounted prices on discontinued patterns.

For those who love a bargain (like me!), I’ve had remarkable success finding Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains in outlet stores and during seasonal sales. The post-Christmas period and end of summer are particularly good times to find deals, with discounts sometimes reaching 40-50% off original prices.

I’ve also discovered that some independent home décor boutiques carry Laura Ashley products, occasionally including curtain designs that are harder to find elsewhere. These smaller retailers sometimes offer a more personalized shopping experience, which can be invaluable when making significant home décor decisions.

Price Points: What to Expect When Budgeting

Let’s talk candidly about cost, as Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains represent an investment in quality. In my experience, ready-made pairs typically range from £80-£250, depending on size, design complexity, and whether they’re lined or have special features like thermal or blackout properties.

The most affordable options tend to be the simpler designs in standard sizes with standard lining. When I furnished my guest bedroom, I opted for a basic duck egg blue pattern with standard lining in a 168x183cm size, which cost approximately £95 on sale.

For my living room, I wanted something more substantial with blackout lining, and the price jumped considerably to around £180 for a 228x228cm pair. Was it worth the extra cost? Absolutely. The quality difference was immediately noticeable, and the blackout feature has been wonderful for privacy and light control.

Custom-made Laura Ashley curtains are another matter entirely. When I needed an unusual size for my bay window, the price increased to over £300. However, the perfect fit and finish made this worthwhile for a focal point in my home.

One tip I’ve learned: watch for the seasonal sales. I managed to purchase my dining room curtains during a 40% off promotion, saving a significant amount while still getting the quality I desired.

Size Matters: Finding the Perfect Fit

One aspect of Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains that I particularly appreciate is the range of sizes available. Standard ready-made pairs typically come in several width/drop combinations:

• 168x137cm (66×54 inches) – Perfect for smaller windows
• 168x183cm (66×72 inches) – Standard window size
• 228x228cm (90×90 inches) – Larger windows
• 228x274cm (90×108 inches) – Extra-large or floor-to-ceiling windows

When I moved into my current home, I needed various sizes for different rooms. The bedroom required standard 168x183cm curtains, while the living room needed the larger 228x228cm size to accommodate wider windows.

For those with non-standard windows, Laura Ashley offers made-to-measure services. Though more expensive, this option ensures a perfect fit, which can make all the difference in the overall appearance. I used this service for my unusual bay window, and despite the higher cost, the result was worth every penny.

Measuring correctly is crucial. I learned the hard way that it’s best to measure the total width of your curtain pole or track (not just the window), and then multiply by 1.5 or 2 for a gathered look. For the drop, measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtains to end – typically either windowsill level, below the sill, or floor-length.

Material Matters: Fabric Choices and Quality

When I first touched Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains in the showroom, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the fabric. The company offers several material options in their duck egg range, each with distinct advantages.

The cotton-blend curtains, which I chose for my bedroom, offer a lovely drape with a slight texture that adds interest. They’re reasonably priced and maintain their color well even after several washes.

For my living room, I splurged on the pure cotton options, which have a luxurious weight and exceptional drape. The fabric catches the light beautifully and has a slight sheen that elevates the entire room.

Laura Ashley also offers duck egg curtains in various other materials:

• Linen blends, which have a casual, textural quality perfect for country-style décor
• Velvet options, which provide ultimate luxury and warmth for formal spaces
• Polyester blends, which offer practicality and durability at a more accessible price point

I’ve found that regardless of the fabric choice, Laura Ashley maintains exceptional quality standards across their curtain range. After three years, my cotton-blend curtains show minimal fading despite being in a south-facing room, and the hems and headers remain perfectly straight.

Lining Options: Practical Considerations

One decision that significantly affected both the performance and price of my Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains was the lining option. The brand typically offers several choices:

Standard lining provides a basic level of privacy and helps the curtains hang better. I chose this for my north-facing guest bedroom, where light control is less critical, and it’s been perfectly adequate.

Blackout lining, which I selected for my bedroom, blocks virtually all light and provides additional insulation. On summer mornings, I’m grateful for this feature as it allows me to sleep past sunrise. The thermal benefits are also noticeable in winter, with the room maintaining a more consistent temperature.

Thermal lining, which I chose for my drafty living room, offers a middle ground – some light reduction with excellent insulation properties. During the coldest months, I’ve noticed a marked difference in how warm the room stays, which has actually reduced my heating bills.

Interlined options combine standard lining with a layer of flannelette between the main fabric and lining, creating a luxurious, weighted drape. I haven’t personally invested in these, but friends who have rave about the sumptuous feel they provide.

My practical advice? Consider the room’s specific needs. Bedrooms benefit from blackout linings, while living spaces might prioritize thermal properties or aesthetic drape.

Accessories and Extras: Completing the Look

Laura Ashley’s attention to detail extends to curtain accessories, which can elevate the overall appearance of your window treatments. When I purchased my Duck Egg curtains, I was delighted to discover that matching tiebacks were available for most designs.

The tiebacks, which cost around £25-35 per pair, allow me to frame the window elegantly during the day while maintaining the cohesive design scheme. I’ve found them particularly useful in my dining room, where I want maximum light during mealtimes but full coverage in the evening.

The company also offers coordinating holdbacks – metal or wooden fixtures that mount to the wall and hold curtains open. These provide a more formal alternative to fabric tiebacks and work beautifully with the Duck Egg range.

For a truly coordinated look, I invested in matching cushions for my living room sofa. The duck egg blue ties the window treatment to the rest of the space, creating a harmonious effect that visitors often comment on.

Laura Ashley also offers coordinating wallpaper, bedding, and even paint in complementary duck egg shades. While I haven’t gone quite that far in my own home, the option to create a completely cohesive design scheme is there for those who desire it.

Care and Maintenance: Keeping Them Looking Fresh

Caring for my investment properly was a priority, and I was pleased to discover that most Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains are relatively easy to maintain. The care instructions vary somewhat depending on the fabric and lining choices.

My cotton-blend curtains are machine washable on a gentle cycle, which I greatly appreciate. I wash them approximately twice a year, and they emerge looking fresh and vibrant. I always make sure to iron them while slightly damp for the best results.

The velvet and more delicate fabrics typically require dry cleaning, which is less convenient but necessary to maintain their appearance. My living room curtains fall into this category, and I’ve found that an annual professional cleaning keeps them looking their best.

Between cleanings, regular vacuuming with an upholstery attachment removes dust effectively. I do this monthly, paying special attention to the headers and hems where dust tends to accumulate.

One care tip I’ve learned through experience: rotate curtains in rooms with strong sunlight every few months if possible, as this helps prevent uneven fading. Since implementing this practice, my south-facing curtains have maintained a much more uniform color.

Design Options: Finding Your Perfect Pattern

The variety of designs available in Laura Ashley’s Duck Egg range has always impressed me. From subtle, textured plains to elaborate floral patterns, there’s something to suit virtually any décor style.

When I decorated my guest bedroom, I chose the Josette pattern – a delicate, damask-inspired design that adds interest without overwhelming the space. The duck egg blue background with slightly lighter pattern creates a sophisticated tone-on-tone effect that works beautifully with both traditional and transitional décor.

For my more contemporary living room, I opted for the Awning Stripe design, which offers a crisp, tailored look while maintaining the soothing duck egg color palette. The vertical stripes subtly enhance the room’s ceiling height, creating an illusion of greater space.

Other popular patterns in the duck egg range include:

• Serena: A graceful floral pattern with a hand-painted quality
• Baroque: An elaborate, ornate design perfect for formal spaces
• Tatton: A subtle leaf pattern that works well in natural, organic schemes
• Helmsley: A contemporary geometric design for modern interiors

What impresses me most is how the duck egg blue base transforms each pattern, lending a sophisticated softness regardless of the design complexity. Even the boldest patterns become approachable and livable in this particular shade.

Hanging Styles: Enhancing Your Windows

Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains come in various header styles, each creating a different aesthetic and functioning slightly differently. Understanding these options helped me make better choices for each room in my home.

Pencil pleat headers, which I chose for my bedroom, create a traditional, gathered look and work with either curtain tracks or poles. The multiple pleats form a neat, uniform appearance that works well in formal or traditional settings. I appreciate the adjustability of this style, as the pleats can be arranged to achieve different fullness levels.

Eyelet (grommet) headers create a more contemporary look with large, evenly spaced rings that the curtain pole slides through. I selected this style for my living room, and I love how they form deep, uniform folds that drape beautifully from top to bottom. The smooth gliding action makes them particularly easy to open and close.

Tab top headers feature fabric loops that slide directly onto the curtain pole. While Laura Ashley offers this option in some Duck Egg designs, I’ve found them less practical for daily use as they don’t slide as easily as other styles. However, they do create a casual, relaxed appearance that works well in country or coastal décor schemes.

For my formal dining room, I chose the double pinch pleat header, which creates a tailored, elegant appearance with grouped pleats that maintain their shape beautifully. This style requires more fabric, making it typically more expensive, but the polished look is worth the investment for special spaces.

Measuring for Success: Getting It Right the First Time

Before ordering my Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains, I learned that precise measurements are crucial for a satisfactory result. Here’s the process I followed, which resulted in perfectly fitting curtains throughout my home:

For width, I measured my curtain pole or track from end to end, not including decorative finials. For an adequately gathered look, I multiplied this measurement by 1.5 for lightweight fabrics and 2 for heavier fabrics. This calculation determines the total curtain width needed.

For the drop (length), I measured from the top of the pole or track to where I wanted the curtains to end. For my living room, I chose floor-length curtains, measuring to 1cm above the floor. In my kitchen, I preferred sill-length curtains, measuring to 15cm below the windowsill for a traditional look.

I learned to consider radiators or other obstructions that might affect curtain length. In rooms with radiators below windows, I measured to just above the radiator to prevent heat blockage.

For eyelet curtains specifically, I added an extra 3-4cm to the drop measurement to account for the portion of fabric that sits above the pole.

Taking these measurements carefully saved me from the disappointment of ill-fitting curtains and the expense of replacements or alterations.

Complementary Items: Creating a Cohesive Scheme

One aspect of Laura Ashley’s Duck Egg range that I particularly appreciate is the availability of coordinating items that help create a cohesive design scheme throughout a room or home.

When decorating my master bedroom, I paired the Duck Egg curtains with matching bedding, creating a serene, harmonious environment. The duvet cover in the same Josette pattern as my curtains ties the room together beautifully, while solid duck egg pillowcases provide a restful visual break from the pattern.

In my living room, I added Duck Egg cushions in various patterns from the same color family but with different designs. This approach adds interest and depth while maintaining color cohesion. Some cushions match the curtain pattern exactly, while others feature complementary designs in the same color palette.

Laura Ashley also offers lampshades, wallpaper borders, and even furniture pieces in coordinating duck egg blue shades. I’ve incorporated a duck egg blue armchair in my reading nook that beautifully complements the window treatments without creating an overly matched appearance.

For those who enjoy DIY projects, Laura Ashley sells fabric by the meter in their curtain patterns, allowing for custom accessories like table runners, cushion covers, or even upholstery projects. I recovered a footstool in matching fabric, creating a custom piece that looks like it was designed as part of a set.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

As I’ve become more conscious of sustainability in home décor, I’ve researched Laura Ashley’s environmental practices regarding their Duck Egg curtain range. While not all products meet the highest eco-standards, the company has made progress in certain areas.

Some of the cotton used in Laura Ashley curtains comes from more sustainable sources, though not all is certified organic. The company has stated commitments to increasing their use of sustainable materials over time.

Manufacturing standards generally comply with ethical labor practices, which was important to me when making my purchasing decisions. Laura Ashley has published corporate responsibility statements detailing their supplier code of conduct.

The durability of these curtains also contributes to their sustainability profile. Because they last for many years without needing replacement, they create less waste than cheaper alternatives that might need frequent replacing. My oldest pair has maintained its appearance for over five years, which I consider an environmental benefit.

Packaging has improved in recent years, with reduced plastic and more recyclable materials, though there’s still progress to be made in this area.

For those particularly concerned about environmental impact, the company’s made-to-measure service helps reduce waste by creating curtains in exact sizes, eliminating excess material.

Customer Experiences: Reviews and Feedback

Before making my first Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtain purchase, I extensively researched customer reviews. The feedback was predominantly positive, with recurring themes that matched my subsequent personal experience.

Most reviewers praised the color accuracy, noting that the duck egg blue appears true to showroom and catalog representations. This was consistent with my experience – the curtains I received matched the samples perfectly.

Quality construction received frequent mention, with customers highlighting straight seams, even hems, and weighted corners that help the curtains hang beautifully. I’ve found this to be accurate; even after multiple washings, my curtains maintain their shape and drape.

Longevity also featured prominently in reviews, with many customers reporting that their Laura Ashley curtains remained beautiful for many years. This aligned with my experience – my oldest pair still looks nearly new after five years of use.

Some reviewers mentioned challenges with the made-to-measure service, noting occasional delays or communication issues. When I used this service, I did experience a longer wait time than anticipated (approximately 6 weeks instead of the quoted 4), but the final product was perfect.

Price appeared as both a positive and negative in reviews. While many customers, like myself, felt the quality justified the cost, others found the curtains expensive compared to budget alternatives. In my view, the durability and timeless design make them a worthwhile investment.

Installation Tips: Hanging Like a Professional

After purchasing several pairs of Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains, I’ve refined my installation process to achieve the most professional-looking results. Here are my tried-and-tested tips:

For pencil pleat curtains, I’ve found that taking time to distribute the pleats evenly before hanging makes a tremendous difference to the final appearance. I typically use the gathered tape to create uniform pleats, securing them with the provided hooks, then allowing the curtains to hang for 24-48 hours before making final adjustments.

With eyelet curtains, threading the pole through each ring in sequence sounds obvious, but ensuring the pattern faces the correct way before starting is crucial. I once had to completely remove and rehang a pair after realizing the pattern was upside down!

For all curtain types, I use a spirit level to ensure curtain poles are perfectly horizontal before hanging. Even a slight slant becomes noticeable once curtains are hung and can make the entire window treatment look unprofessional.

When hanging floor-length curtains, I’ve found it helpful to have an assistant hold them in position while I make final adjustments to ensure they hang just above the floor without dragging or appearing too short.

Steam or iron curtains before hanging for the best appearance. I use a handheld steamer after installation to remove any remaining creases, working from top to bottom while the curtains are in place.

Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Always Choose Laura Ashley Duck Egg

After years of living with Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains in various rooms of my home, I remain convinced that they represent one of the best investments I’ve made in home décor. Their timeless color, exceptional quality, and versatile design options have consistently exceeded my expectations.

What I appreciate most is how these curtains have adapted to changing design trends around them. As I’ve updated furniture, wall colors, and accessories, the duck egg blue has remained a constant, anchoring element that works harmoniously with each new iteration of my home’s style.

The initial investment, while significant, has proven economical over time. The durability of these curtains means I haven’t had to replace them, despite changing other elements of my décor several times. In fact, I’ve moved curtains between rooms to create fresh looks without additional purchases.

For anyone considering window treatments that offer both beauty and longevity, I can wholeheartedly recommend Laura Ashley Duck Egg curtains. They’ve transformed my living spaces into more elegant, cohesive environments and continue to draw compliments from visitors years after installation.

Whether you’re decorating a traditional country cottage or a contemporary urban apartment, these versatile curtains offer that rare combination of timeless appeal and practical performance that makes them truly worth every penny.

The soft, soothing duck egg blue has become my signature color – the foundation upon which I build my home’s entire aesthetic. And that, perhaps, is the highest praise I can offer: these aren’t just curtains; they’re the starting point for creating truly beautiful living spaces.