Soft furnishings that actually finish a room

Curtains: length and fullness are everything

Curtains that stop at the window sill make a room feel shorter. Floor-length curtains (ideally just kissing the floor, or breaking slightly onto it) instantly lift the ceiling.

And skimpy curtains look mean, always aim for at least 2x the pole width in fabric so they hang in proper folds when drawn.

Blinds where curtains don't work

Kitchens, bathrooms and awkward window shapes usually want a made-to-measure Roman or roller blind. A good blackout lining is worth every penny in a bedroom.

Cushions: fewer, bigger, better fabric

Two or three large cushions in a lovely heavy weave beat six small polyester ones every time. Mix a plain, a texture and a pattern in the same tonal family, don't try to match everything perfectly.