Curtain Time

Been there 3 times over the years and that’s 3 times too many. This pegboard city seems to be run by two menopausal witches who relish in the fact that everything is overpriced and usually out of stock. They also lean on dismissive or oddly insulting customer interactions like «Just see if a hardware store has them» or «You have a handyman, don’t you?» (to a woman who could easily handle the job herself). Whatever, screw ‘em and go online.

Just moved to Stoneham about two months ago. Saw this place as we explored the downtown area. Stopped in and was surprised by the selection. Picked out some curtains for our bedroom that we liked. Unfortunately, they weren’t in stock. The lady working told us that they should be in within 1 – 2 weeks, so we ordered them.
Sadly, that is all the nice things I can write about Curtain time. Since we placed our order 6 weeks ago they no longer return our calls. Anytime we call they take our order information to «look it up» and say they will get back to us. Not once have they gotten back to us. Between myself and my wife we have called and inquired 2 – 3 times per week, always getting the same run around.
My wife even went into the store to just ask for our money back only to be told the worker couldn’t do that, the owner had to. Once my wife got the owner on the phone she got the same run around, served with a side of attitude. 5 days later Eli, still waiting for a return call.
You’d think these people would want to help /​cater to the local clientele, sadly they do not. I will never buy anything from here again, nor recommend anyone I know go here. Customer service is non-​existent. Only thing I will use curtain time for is to see product in hand, then I will give my money to someone else that deserves it that carries the same thing.

I was in need of vertical blinds for a sliding glass door. Not being a fan of the «traditional» vertical blinds, I called Curtain Time to talk to someone about my options. I spoke to the owner who explained a few kinds to me then invited me to come into the store to show me what he had explained. I told him I was unable to get there until around closing time. He gave me his cell number and said he would still be there & just call when I arrived.
I was able to get there just before the store closed. The owner was very patient with me and showed me samples of the different options he had explained over the phone. I ended up wanting the Luminette vertical blinds, which give an almost sheer-​like appearance yet provide total privacy. I also wanted white wood blinds for a bedroom.
The owner came to my house within two days of my store visit to measure the windows. I expressed my need to have these installed by a certain date. He assured me that would not be a problem and he totally came through for me! All the blinds were installed by my desired date. They look beautiful and work wonderfully. He was also kind enough to hold off on ordering until the tax-​free weekend, which saved me a lot of money.
I would recommend this store to anyone for their window treatment needs. Curtain Time has a great variety and the owner is very knowledgable and patient. I will definitely go back when I am ready to tackle curtains.
–Kerry M.

I read the not so great reviews and hesitated on trying this place. My grandmother once mentioned it so I went for bathroom curtains and am so glad I did. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted and given a tour of the curtains that met my description. The woman (I believe owner) was very kind and very helpful. Before I left, I inquired about the Hunter Douglas shades that they carry. A very nice man from the back (I also believe he is an owner) came out and showed me a demonstration. I will be purchasing my living room shades from them as well. Great selection and very reasonable prices. Great find!

Just purchased my first house and was in a desperate need of a bath curtain and accessories. I went to a few of the department stores in the area and was shocked by the prices of a decent shower curtain.
On my way home from a very unfulfilling search, I saw Curtain Time. I wasn’t looking for window curtains but thought, why not. When I showed up, I saw someone locking the door. I ran up and the person opened it up, and introduced himself as the owner. I explained how I had been to a handful of places and couldn’t find anything worth purchasing. Even though it was clearly after hours, he invited me in to take a look.
Wow!!! Not only was that great service, but they had a fantastic selection. The owner was very patient and gave me my space. I ended up purchasing a shower curtain and accessory set for half the price of the department stores. I would definitely go back there for my next «project».

Curtain heaven, if you’re into that sort of thing. A huge store that sells 95% curtains, 5% shower curtains and bathroom accessories. The staff were extremely helpful in getting my mom into a nice custom-​made set of curtains for her condo in Brookline. Extremely competent and nice woman named Monique came down to Coolidge Corner for her and did measurements there, sent a letter with xerox images of valence options, and is overseeing soup-​to-​nuts installation. My mom’s saleslady was named Inge, which is worth a star in itself. I love downtown Stoneham: the theater, restaurants like U Me and Kro-Mel’s, old-​fashioned places like this you imagine have been ground under by Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware but solider on based on huge selection and great service. You can even go into the little boxing gym down the street and vent for a while. Check it out.

* PLEASE DO NOT GO HERE — IT IS A TOTAL JOKE *
I was psyched to see this place as I drove by. Curtains! I was looking for curtains for my new place! if you’ve ever shopped for curtains, it can be frustrating: Your only options are Wal-​Mart or Bed Bath & Beyond. Or, this place…
I went in and was stunned — wow! Look at the selection! Hundreds to choose from! I took my time choosing out the ones I liked the best.
When I inquired to one of the geriatrics who worked there if they had a particular one in stock. She said «I don’t know» and to «follow me». She led me to the basement. I know, sounds scary right? It was.
She led me to the area in the basement where they store their stock. Haphazard and senseless, old wooden shelves with mixed up packages of curtains. «It might be here» she gestured. I was stunned. Huh? Do you have the item I asked for or not? It should not be up to the customer to dig through garbage to find what they want! That’s YOUR job, grandma!!!
When I was back upstairs after finding NOTHING of any worth in the basement, I asked why do they have certain curtains displayed if they don’t have it in stock. I got a gruff «Ask the owner.»
Yeah, I don’t think so. I think I’ll avoid this place like the plague instead. You should too.

I love this place. I walk in here, and it feels like my own mom and sisters are helping me to decorate. Everyone who works here takes the time to figure out what you need.
I didn’t really know where to start when I first set out to find curtains for my new home, but the women at Curtain Time walked me through every room and offered suggestions, showed me fabrics, and explained pros and cons of picking certain types of window treatments over others.
Shops like this remind me of why I love to shop at local, privately-​owned businesses so much more than wandering cluelessly down the aisles at the bigger chain stores. And the prices here are truly affordable.
I am a lifetime fan of this little place.