Last twitches for unfashionable net curtains Friday 7 October 2005 23:00 BST The net curtain may be on its last twitch. Despite its essential flimsiness, it has represented a barrier between our private lives and the world outside. It became a symbol of suburbia, the badge of office of the nosy neighbour and a surprisingly effective deterrent to criminality.But alongside blind manufacturers, the chief beneficiaries of changing fashions are the nation's burglars, who can now not only ascertain whether a home is occupied but are also tempted by the array of domestic goods such as televisions and stereo systems on show. A survey has revealed that only 39 per cent of us have net curtains covering ground-floor windows, while 40 per cent of homes have no covering at all. Almost 60 per cent of home owners do not bother to close their curtains when leaving home for a lengthy period, such as a holiday. Two thirds of those surveyed said they did not have net curtains "because they did not like them", while nearly half - 47 per cent - considered them terminally unfashionable.

The trend is troubling the police, whose crime prevention officers have spent many years advising people to keep curtains drawn as much as possible, and insurance companies, who have to fork out for burglary claims. Adrian Harris, director of NIG, the insurance company which commissioned the survey, said: 'It's common sense that leaving valuable goods on display is asking for trouble, but more and more of us seem to be doing that unconsciously. curtain fabric shop finchleyTaking down net curtains may be in keeping with the latest fashions but it does create a shop window for burglars deciding whether or not to break into a property. net curtains ruislipThe more they can see into your front room, the more likely it is that they will try to gain entry."bed bath and beyond dandelion shower curtain

Annabelle Campbell, of the Geffrye Museum of Domestic Interiors in London, said net curtains were "about separating the private nature of the Victorian family from the outside world," and were reinforced by the need for privacy in urban areas with houses being built close together. lafayette grommet top curtain panelNow people are restoring original shutters, finding more sympathetic fabrics such as muslin, choosing cotton or wooden blinds, or avoiding window coverings altogether.curtains rivoniaInterior design has led to a change in the way we dress our windows and approach window coverings. woolrich grommet curtainsNet curtains - once the most popular window dressing - now appear dated and unfashionable, and have been replaced by a wider selection of blinds, These still offer the privacy of a net curtain, but can become a design feature in your home.saffron marigold shower curtains

Modern blind styles are often fitted within the window recess to give increased privacy, block out UV rays which can fade fabrics and keep your room well insulated. This can make it difficult to buy a ready-made blind, as they often come in a limited range of sizes that may not meet your requirements.Made-to-measure blinds enable you to create blinds bespoke to your needs, at an affordable price. If you have an older house with unusual window sizes, we can make blinds to your exact measurements and deliver it to your door within 5-10 days. With prices starting from £19, having a blind custom-made is no more expensive than buying a blind off the shelf.Our manufacturing process enables you to choose where the blind controls will sit, the shape you require on the bottom edge, the colour of your controls, and also if you require a cleat to keep the chain out of harm's way. If  you feel you require more information or guidance, then please contact us by email or phone, and we will be on hand to help you make the right decision.

We have a fabulous new product range, the Serenity voile roller blind. The delicate, sheer nature of the open weave fabric, brings an understated elegance to any window. The soft light filtering through the blind creates a simple yet stunning effect. These blinds are such a versatile solution in situations where both light and privacy are required. Where privacy is an issue these blinds are perfect, for example, on a window next to the street or an over-looked bedroom. With a quick adjustment of the cord the blind can be lowered or raised, giving complete flexibility. We think that these are going to be so popular. Cloud white voile roller blind Apart from the voiles being a fabulous and innovative new product there is another reason we are so pleased with this blind. It’s the perfect weapon in our campaign against net curtains! In our humble opinion net curtains are up there with patterned carpet, stick on tile transfers and draylon. There is just no excuse! A survey by NIG, the insurance company found that two thirds of those surveyed said they did not have net curtains “because they did not like them”, while nearly half – 47 per cent – considered them terminally unfashionable.

Quick cover your eyes! We’re sorry we had to show you this…. Our voile roller blinds are a stylish alternative to net curtains. Just like a net you will be able to see through the blind to the outside but they also effectively distort the view to the inside. Naturally they will still let the light filter through. The voile blind will give a streamlined modern look to any window. No more excuses, go on ditch the nets! Order your blind sample today and have it in your hand tomorrow. A selection of dubious looking holiday properties on sale for £200,000 have raised an eyebrow after photographs of them online reveal some unappealing features.The beach-side villas in Britain, Spain and Portugal, which are on sale for the same price as a three-bed semi in Britain, include a single-storey beach hut measuring just 23ft x 6ft. Inside many of the properties, prospective owners can view yellowing net curtains, lackluster kitchens and dated fittings, as well as a selection of decidedly pokey bedrooms.

Dingy kitchen: Photographs of the properties on sale for £200,000 show some unappealing features Net curtain no no: This bedroom wins no prizes for interior design Brown: Dated furniture and fittings dominate the photographs Buyers looking for a more exotic location can splash their holiday cash on bigger properties by heading abroad.For £200K you can also buy a three-bedroom villa in Spain -  in the Doña Pepa region of Cuidad Quesada, which has panoramic salt-lake views. Or just a five minute drive to the beaches on the Costa Blanca - the villa has a private pool, private garden and a solarium. But don't be surprised if your pool is roadside and swathed in concrete.For the same price as the tiny beach-hut you could also purchase a two-bedroom house in an idyllic Portugese fishing village. Though you may consider a total decor overhaul, when you see the interior. Beige: Many of the beach-side properties have unappealing features Exterior: Would you fork out £200,000 for a holiday property like this?