How to measure for curtains

Nowadays, made to measure curtains are undoubtedly the most popular choice. After all, you want curtains that are going to fit your windows. You do not want them to come up short or to pool on the ground because they are way too long. Of course, some people need extra long curtains based on their window design, yet no one wants there to be layers and layers of fabric on the ground because the curtains are too long. With so many different curtain lengths to select from, it can feel impossible to know where to start, but there is no need to worry, as we will explain everything in this guide. Read on to discover how to measure for curtains for your home. 

Measuring for your curtains 

Measuring for your curtains may feel like a difficult task, but it does not need to be! It’s actually really straightforward. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps. There are a number of different types of curtains out there, and so the way you approach measuring will depend on this. Of course, we sell eyelet, pencil pleat, and pinch pleat curtains, and so we are going to reveal exactly what you need to know in terms of measuring for these styles of curtains.

Measuring the right curtain width

The first thing you need to do is to make sure you get the width right. Do not measure the width of the window! This is a mistake that a lot of people make. You should measure the pole or the curtain track width. It is vital that this is the measurement that you provide. This is because we will utilise the width of your pole or curtain track to calculate the amount of fabric that you are going to need for your curtains. Once the curtains are made, the width is something you are not really going to be able to adjust, and so this is definitely the most important measurement. If fitting a new pole or track, this should extend at least 15 cm above the window and between 15 and 20 cm to the side of the window. 

Your measurement will depend on whether you have a curtain track or pole. If you have a standard curtain track, you should measure the track’s full width. This is the width you should enter when you order your curtains from us. If you have a curtain pole, measure the width of the pole between any end caps or finials. This is the width you should enter when you order your curtains from us. If you have a curtain track that has an overlap in the centre, this makes things slightly more confusing (but only a little bit, don’t worry!). For this sort of curtain track, you are going to need to measure the full width of the track, as well as the width of the overlap. You should then add these two measurements together and this is the measurement you should enter when you place your order. 

Different pole headings

Now we are going to factor in your curtain pole headings, if indeed you do have a curtain pole in your home. So let’s start with pencil and pinch pleat poles. To measure this, you need to start from the underside of the decorative ring and you must take the measurement to where you would like the curtain to finish at the bottom. If you want the curtains to cover the decorative rings and the pole, you simply need to begin your measurement at the top of the decorative rings instead of at the bottom.

If you have an eyelet heading, you need to measure from the top of the pole and you should stop the measurement where you wish the curtain to finish. For a pencil and pinch pleat track heading, measure from the top of the track and you should stop the measurement where you wish the curtain to finish. 

Measuring the correct curtain drop

Once you have measured the curtain width correctly, you must then measure the curtain drop. Curtains can either be hung to your window sill, below the sill, or to the floor. This depends on your home and your taste. Here are our recommendations: you should either go for 1.5 cm above the sill, or between 15 and 20 cm below the sill, or 1.5 cm above the floor. 

Common curtain mistakes to avoid

Let’s round off by taking a look at some of the most common mistakes people tend to make with their curtains so that you can avoid them. One of the biggest mistakes people make is hanging curtains at the wrong height. Plonking your curtains right on the window frame is never a good look. Hanging them too low will also shorten the height of the window, and it has the same impact on the room as a whole.

Another error is choosing curtains that are too short in length. Earlier, we provided you with our recommendations on how you should measure curtains in terms of length. If you want your curtains to finish just a bit above the sill, you should only take them 1.5 cm above. If you go for anything shorter than this, it won’t look right. Plus, you’re going to have light come into the room too. 

As you can see, there are a number of different steps that are entailed when it comes to measuring for curtains in your home. It all depends on the type of curtains you are going to be purchasing. With the steps that have been mentioned above, you should now have everything you need in order to measure curtains properly. This will ensure that you do not have any nasty surprises when the curtains arrive at your home. No one wants to experience that dreaded moment when they receive curtains and they barely cover half of the window!