Celebrating 36 years of Inches Curtains

What began with one woman, a single market stall, and a passion for quality has grown into a respected local business. This year, Inches Curtains in Cleckheaton proudly celebrates 36 years of creating beautifully tailored soft furnishings.

It all started in the late 1980s, when founder Karen Smithson opened her first stall at Cleckheaton Market. She sold fabric by the metre and quickly built a reputation for her craftsmanship and honest, friendly advice.

From those humble beginnings, Inches Curtains expanded gradually—first to shops on Albion Street and Northgate, and eventually to a larger showroom on Market Street. Today, the business operates from a studio and showroom on St Peg Lane, reflecting how far it’s come while staying grounded in its local community.

What’s remained constant over the years is the personal approach. Karen and her team offer a truly bespoke service, specialising in made-to-measure curtains, blinds, shutters, and upholstery. Each piece is crafted with care to suit individual tastes, homes, and lifestyles—whether it’s a traditional pencil pleat curtain or modern blinds.

Customers can explore a wide selection of quality fabrics in-store, with expert guidance available every step of the way—from design choices to practical functionality and those all-important finishing touches.

“We believe every home should reflect the people who live in it,” says Karen. “Our role is to bring that vision to life, with beautiful materials and thoughtful detail that last.”

With over three decades of experience, Inches Curtains has worked on projects of every size and style. From charming Yorkshire cottages to elegant townhouses and grand estates like Lady Armitage Estate in Brighouse, their portfolio is as varied as it is impressive.

The team’s work has also reached further afield, including schools, pubs, care homes, clubs, and offices.

There have even been brushes with fame—like a visit to Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s home and a chat with Linda Barker—but for Karen, the real reward lies closer to home.

When asked about her proudest moments, she doesn’t mention the glamour. Instead, she highlights the loyalty of her customers—many of whom return time and again, and recommend Inches Curtains to friends and family for their professionalism, friendliness, and top-quality work.

“Nothing beats seeing a customer come back, or hearing how much they love their new curtains,” Karen reflects.
“Those are the moments that really matter.”

Karen’s dedication to quality was shaped early on by her professional training with renowned curtain designer Maureen Whitemore in the Lake District—an experience she credits with influencing her design ethos.

“It was one of the most inspiring times of my life,” she says. “Learning from Maureen, in such a beautiful place, gave me the confidence to believe in my own vision.”

While Karen continues to lead Inches Curtains with passion, she’s quick to recognise the skilled team behind her. This tight-knit group shares her values and commitment to excellence—ensuring that every customer receives a service that’s both personal and professional.