Curtain Measurement
Curtain width measurements will depend on the length of your curtain track or pole, but measuring curtain length or 'drop' will be determined by where you'd like your curtains to end.
Use a metal tape measure for better accuracy and follow this guide on how to measure for curtains to get those dimensions right.
MEASURING A CURTAIN TRACK OR POLE
If you don't already have your track or pole in place, we recommend fitting one before you measure.
To fit correctly measure the width of the window plus 30/40cm (12-16"), this will ensure your curtains will comfortably cover your window. Fit your track or pole approximately 15cm (6") above your window recess and centre ensuring you have 15-20cm (6-8") either side of the window.
MEASURING CURTAIN WIDTH
1. MEASURE YOUR TRACK OR POLE
For the best performance, your curtain track or pole should be positioned approximately 15cm (6") higher than the window, and be wider than your window by 15-20cm (6-8") either side.
CURTAIN TRACK
Measure its full length, end to end.
CURTAIN POLE
Measure the pole length, not including the finials (the decorative pieces on the end).
2. CALCULATE YOUR CURTAIN WIDTH
To get a soft gathered look when your curtains are closed, use your pole or track measurements as a starting point and multiply it as follows (depending on your chosen curtain type):
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Pencil Pleat Pole or track width x 2 |
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Eyelet Pole or track width x 2 |
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Tab Top Pole or track width x 1.5 |
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Multiplying the width - If you use the pole or track measurements as they are, your curtains will cover the width but the fabric will appear flattened across the window. |
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3. ADD ANOTHER 2.5CM (1")
Adding an extra 2.5cm (1") to the width measurement will allow your curtains to overlap in the middle when closed.
MEASURING CURTAIN LENGTH
1. DECIDE WHERE YOUR CURTAINS WILL END
SILL LENGTH
End 1.25cm (1/2") above the windowsill
BELOW SILL
End 15cm (6") below the windowsill
FLOOR LENGTH
End 1.25cm (1/2") above the floor
| Radiator below your window? Curtains should end 3cm (1 ½ ") above the radiator to allow the heat to circulate into the room rather than rising up behind your curtains. |
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2. MEASURE THE DROP
Depending on your choice of fitting and curtain type, measure as follows:
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Curtain track Measure from the top of the track to your chosen end point. |
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Curtain pole Measure from the top of the pole to your chosen end point. |
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Exceptions to this rule: If you intend to hang pencil pleat curtains from your pole, and want to make a feature of the pole, measure from the eye of the curtain ring. |
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3. THINGS TO REMEMBER
MEASURE AT MULTIPLE POINTS
Windowsills and floors are not always level, so measure at 2 or 3 points and use the smallest measurement to ensure the best fit.