January Business Spotlight: Bloomsbury Curtains and Blinds

In December, we had the pleasure of visiting Karen at Bloomsbury Curtains and Blinds, a charming home-based business located in Mansfield.
Upon entering the showroom, the first thing that strikes you is the exquisite attention to detail in every corner. From intricate curtain pole ends to luxurious fabrics and impeccably dressed windows, it’s a sensory experience that rivals even the most elegant hotels. Your eyes are drawn in every direction, mesmerized by the beauty and craftsmanship.
Karen’s journey began, as many do, after leaving a high-pressure, long-hour job. During difficult times, sewing became her sanctuary, with fabric sprawled across her living room floor as she hand-sewed her creations. Recognizing her passion, Karen enrolled in a week-long private course at the British Curtains Academy in York. That experience sparked the vision that has since blossomed into a thriving business, built on exceptional customer service and collaboration with local suppliers for fabrics, poles, and tracks.
In 2017, Bloomsbury Curtains and Blinds was officially born, with Karen slowly but surely taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Her keen eye for detail meant she couldn’t help but notice when the curtains and blinds in businesses or buildings needed attention. This led to a serendipitous encounter with the manager at Champneys Spa, where Karen offered her expertise after spotting a need. Eight months later, she was meeting with Champneys owner Chris Manion, and soon after, she began working on curtains for 80 bedrooms and numerous communal areas, collaborating with top designers from Chelsea Harbour to bring their visions to life. This achievement was particularly rewarding, as it meant Karen’s business thrived even during the pandemic, with a 12-week wait on orders. Karen hand makes all her blinds and curtains for every room, whether they be for a hotel, home or office space, and can cater for all shape and size windows, framing them beautifully with her talent and keen eye for detail. Each customer, whether for a business or home, is taken through the same process, with their design being shown at every step and their vision shown in photos at every stage to make sure the finished product matches their vision.
Thanks to her continued success, Karen has now upgraded from working on the living room floor to a spacious, well-equipped workshop upstairs. On Fridays, she and Phil fit the custom creations for customers, with Karen supervising the process to ensure every detail is perfect. Customers are invited to wait outside the room while the fitting takes place, so they can experience the transformation when their room is revealed in its completed glory.
One thing that truly stands out about Karen’s business is her deep commitment to her customers. She makes them a part of every step in the process, sending photos and updates at every stage. Karen explained how important it is for customers to feel involved in the journey, and her glowing online reviews are a testament to the exceptional care and service she provides.

