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Curtain Bank – Free, second-hand curtains

Free curtains for anyone in need.

At CEA, we collect good quality donated second-hand curtains and give them away to households who cannot afford curtains to keep their homes warmer. Curtains from our Curtain Bank are available to everybody who cannot afford good curtains, you do not need a Community Services Card. Curtains are also available for tenants of private rental properties and social housing. Our recycled curtains will be double-layered and resized where required. Curtains will be sized to over the window sill but may not be floor length.

Why curtains are important

Good quality, lined curtains that fit your windows generously (but not necessarily floor length) are an essential part of a warmer, more energy-efficient home. If your curtains are thin, single-layered, torn, or poorly fitting, they will not keep the heat in as well and are recommended to be replaced. Good quality, lined curtains are also recommended for double-glazed windows.

Please note: An appointment is required to visit the Curtain Bank. You will be contacted for an appointment after completing the application form below.

Apply For Curtains

Curtains we offer at our Curtain Bank

Please be aware that our supply of curtains is limited to what we are donated. We have over a thousand beautiful, good quality curtain sets but what you have in mind may not be quite there and we encourage you to have an open mind. Many of our customers are looking for natural, light colours and we may not be able to help if that is the only colour that is acceptable to you.

If you would like to have matching curtains for rooms with multiple windows (especially if they are relatively wide windows), please be aware that we may not be able to help as the donation of these kind of curtains is limited. However, our staff can find curtains which may be different but fit well together or are near identical/very similar. If you have rooms with multiple windows please indicate on your measurement form per window whether you are happy to have different curtains or rather not have any curtains for that room if we cannot find the same curtains for all the windows in that room.

Pick up of Curtains

Customers in Christchurch and immediate surroundings (Rolleston, Kaiapoi, Rangiora, etc) are expected to pick up their curtains themselves from our Curtain Bank premises in Christchurch.

For customers outside these areas:

As our insulation assessors travel to Kaikoura, Ashburton and the West Coast regularly, we are probably able to drop off in these towns as well as localities along the State Highways en route there. Please be aware that you may need to be patient as we do not travel there on a weekly basis.

Donations

The Curtain Bank is a free service and offers free curtains. However, it is not fully funded and donations are very much appreciated to be able continue its service. We especially expect a donation from landlords for fitting rentals with curtains.

Suggested donations per curtain set:

  • CSC holders/all tenants: gold coin
  • homeowners without CSC: $5
  • landlords: $20

You can make donations in our on-site donations box or online through our Givealittle page.

How to Apply

To apply:

  1. Fill in the ‘Apply for curtains’ form.
  2. Make sure that under ‘comments’ at the bottom of the form you list colours, patterns, etc you would prefer.
  3. We will contact you to make an appointment to choose your curtains. During lockdowns we may need to choose your curtains for you based on your preferences.

We can have a waiting list for up to three months especially in autumn and winter. Please be patient, it may be some time before we can get to you. We have hundreds of curtain sets on our shelves so there are enough curtains for all households who need them.

Donation of Curtains to our Curtain Bank

We appreciate your donations of second-hand curtains in good condition. We can only take curtains which:

  • Are absolutely free of mould
  • Are not faded or ripped

Curtains for recycling can be dropped off at the following locations:

  • Curtain Bank 55 Ferry Road during opening hours only, see ‘contact us’
  • 7 Denniston Cres, Redwood (private residence)
  • 5 Binstead Place, Avondale (private residence)
  • 55 Rosewarne St, Spreydon (private residence)

Curtains can NOT be dropped off at our head office!

What are the benefits of curtains?

Curtain Illustration

Keeps the Heat in

With a lining, our curtains insulate your windows, trapping heat inside. This will save you on energy costs during colder months.

Lightning bolt illustration

Increases Energy Efficiency

As curtains keep the heat in better, your home will be more energy efficient and you will be warmer and may have a lower power bill.

Glasses illustration

Increases Privacy

Curtains can increase your privacy and block unwanted street views.

Megaphone illustration

Reduces Noise Levels

Our double-lined curtains help to reduce outside noises. This makes a more peaceful and relaxing space for your home.

light bulb illustration

Blocks Light

Our thick curtains help to prevent light from entering in the morning. Meaning you get a better sleep.

Apply for free, second-hand curtains from our Curtain Bank

Apply Now

The Curtain Bank is made possible thanks to our generous funders

Genesis has been proudly supporting our Curtain Bank since 2010.

The Lotteries Grants Board has been supporting our Curtain Bank for many years.