Measuring Guide

Measuring curtain width

Always make sure you use a metal tape for a more accurate measurement.
You must measure the curtain track or pole width, not the window. If you need to fit a new pole or track, this should be positioned approximately 15 cm (6’’) higher than the window and to extend 15 to 30 cm either side of the window.
If you have a rail with a centre overlap, measure the whole rail, then measure the overlap and add the two measurements together.
For a curtain pole, measure the length of the pole only, do not include the finials as well.
The length of your pole or track will be used after that to work out the width of the curtains. r track length to work out the width of your curtains. To achieve a soft gathered look when your curtains are closed, use the header type to make the following calculation:

  • Pencil pleat = pole or track width x 2
  • Eyelet = pole or track width x 1.5 or 2
  • Tab top = pole or track width x 1.5 or 2

You will then need to add a further 20 cm for the hems.

Measuring curtain drop

Deciding on curtain length is down to personal preference, however there are three basic lengths you may wish to choose from:
Sill length - The curtain should be approximately 1cm above the sill
Below sill length - The curtain should be 15 cm below the sill or 3cm above the radiator.
Floor length - The curtain should be 2.5cm above the floor.

To measure the drop of your curtains, use the kind of curtains you are going to hang as a guide.

PENCIL HEADING

The drop measurement should be taken from the top of the track or the bottom of the ring if you have a pole.

EYELET HEADING

Suitable only for poles up to 30 mm in diameter.
The drop measurement must be taken from the top of the pole and you must add an extra 3cm to this measurement as this will be the fabric allowance that will appear above the eyelet on the curtain. This will then give you your overall drop of the curtain.

TAB TOP HEADING

Tab tops heading have 10 cm long tabs (included in the drop) and are suitable for poles up to 45 mm in diameter. Measure from the top of the pole to where you want your curtains to finish.

Measuring for roman blinds

The roman blinds may be fitted either inside or outside a window recess. There are a couple of things you should have in mind when you have to decide where you need to fit the blind.
The roman blind should go outside the recess if:

  • The recess is less than 7.5 cm deep
  • The window opens inwards
  • The window is not straight

Measuring for a blind that fits inside a recess:

  • It is better to use a metal tape
  • Measure the width from wall to wall and the drop in at least three positions taking account of any protrusions
  • Make a note of the smallest width and drop measurement and quote these as the recess size
  • All the blinds come with a complete mechanism cut to the exact width along with the fixtures

Measuring for a blind that fits outside a recess:

  • It is better to use a metal tape.
  • Measure for the width and the drop allowing the blind to extend 10 cm either side of the window and above and below the window.
  • Make a note of these measurements and quote them as blind size.
  • All the blinds come with a complete mechanism cut to the exact width along with the fixtures.