Shaws The Drapers

I’m always amazed that Shaws the Drapers is still going in the 21^st century. The last time I shopped in here was a couple of years ago when I was looking for something to do with curtains and I was really surprised at all the stuff they sold. It’s a bit like the Drapers version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. It was big, the lighting is always really bright, and they sell oodles of weird and wonderful stuff. What is a drapers anyway?
But, they had loads of sheets, cushions, tea towels and curtains, all at cheap, student grant friendly prices.
If I’m not mistaken Shaws is one of the few Cardiff/​South Wales independent traders so we should really be shopping here instead of IKEA. Unlikely, but a nice thought.
I know next to nothing about curtains except that if you have to get someone else to do them they are very expensive. So getting a bit of advice was really helpful. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about their products.

Shaws is a home furnishings store on one of the main Cathays roads. Providing cushions, rugs, drapes, curtains and general clothing. Personally i’m not convinced of the quality of the clothes here. There are many styles of cushions & curtains and the staff are personable, but I just didn’t find anything of value. I would much rather go to Habitat or order online for this type of product.
There was nothing wrong with my experience but the quality just wasn’t there, maybe it’s the store that doesn’t inspire confidence, they could really do with a make over. The signs in the windows are really amateur hour either being written by hand or a basic black and white print. The interior isn’t much better looking, outdated and old fashioned.

Shaws the Drapers have got a sale on. I think I shall be going back! They have some really kitsch floor cushions that I’m rather fond of. I used to have a plain grey one in the same design (solid foam with a cover that is ruched around the facing buttons, with a lovely padded rim to finish off the edges. Thinking about it, it really was quite heavy, so who knows what could have happened to it??? it just disappeared! I suspect anything or anyone above the size of a large dog, anything smaller couldn’t have managed it!)
Anyway, the cushions at Shaw’s are much prettier in that the fabric used for theirs is in lime green or turquoise with a floral motif, (roses in varying shades of electric pink and crimson… perfect).
I’m really quite surprised to have found these cushions at Shaw’s, because, as far as I’m aware, they usually carry much more conventional stock. You are more likely to see rustic country style bedding with machine embroidery, bath towel sets in muted tones or curtains with large prints and very little appeal… you know the ones I mean??? Actually, everything in Shaw’s is reasonably tasteful, it’s just that it’s a bit middle of the road for my tastes, but then, most things usually are! When all is said and done, you can’t complain about the quality, which is always fair to good, nor can you criticise the price, which is always very reasonable. And they do a damned fine line in floor cushions! Make sure you leave me at least two!

This is one of the largest Shaws shops in Cardiff, and it’s one of the best too. It has a good range of linen and home-​ware odds and ends. The staff here are really lovely, and helpful, and are really what sets this particular store apart from the others. You can tell that the staff really know and care about their product, and will do anything to help you find what you are looking for. The best Shaws team, I think.
Shaws sells a wide variety of soft furnishings, such as duvet covers, sheets, cushions, blankets and curtains. Although their products are not exactly up to the minute on the style front, they are usually pretty decent for the price. They have a good selection of children’s duvet covers and fabrics.
This is a good place to go if you’re in need of well priced linen, but not somewhere you might think of when looking for that ultimate piece that will really set off months of hard laborious redecorating.
Perhaps worth a look at least. You might well be surprised.