INTRODUCTION….I have put together some key facts when measuring curtains, please subscribe to my newsletter for monthly hints and tips around the home and receive this blog as a free ebook.
Accurately measuring for curtains is a must if you want to get the right fit, whether you’re shopping for easy-fit ready-made curtains or commissioning made to measure.
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 drapes to end.
Use a metal tape measure for better accuracy and follow my guide on how to measure for curtains to get those dimensions right!
If you don’t already have your track or pole in place, I 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.
1. Measure your track or pole
Measure for your curtain width:
You need to measure the curtain pole or track, not the window.
For curtain poles measure between the finials (decorative end caps).
For curtain tracks measure the full width of the track (A).
For curtain tracks with an overlap measure the full width and add it to the width of the overlap (A+B).
Now you’ve got the measurement of your pole or track, it’s time for some simple maths…
So you have a good overlap and nice draping you’ll need a little extra curtain material. For this ‘extra give’ we recommend you multiply the width of your pole or track by 1.5. e.g. if your pole is 200cm wide, you’ll want a total curtain width of 200 x 1.5 = 300cm.
You will usually get 2 curtains when buying a set, but the description on the packaging will be for one of the pair, to cover half of your window. To match up with size descriptions you’ll need to halve your total curtain width. e.g. If your total curtain width is 300cm, each curtain will be 150cm. This is the width measurement you’ll need to match with your bought curtains.
If you are making your own curtains, you will have to 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):
Pencil Pleat : Pole or track width x 2
Eyelet : Pole or track width x 2
Tab Top: Pole or track width x 1.5
* 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.
Adding an extra 2.5cm (1″) to the width measurement will allow your curtains to overlap in the middle when closed.
* The repeat of a fabric refers to the number of inches it takes before the pattern starts all over again. The distance between the starting point of the pattern point where that pattern starts over again is referred to as “one repeat.”
Ready Made:
Most curtains are available in 3 standard widths 117cm, 168cm and 229cm.
Bigger is better – If these don’t correspond with your width exactly, go for the nearest wider option. For a 150cm measurement, I’d recommend 168cm width curtains.
2.Measure for your curtain length
Decide where your curtains will end.
Measure to the desired length – do you want the curtains to fall at the sill, below the sill or to the floor?
Sill length: Measure to 1.25cm above the sill (1/2″)
Below the sill: Measure to 15cm below the sill (6″)
Floor length: Measure to 1.5cm from the floor (1/2″)
Most ready made curtains are available in 3 drop lengths for standard windows; 137cm, 183cm and 229cm.
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.
Depending on your choice of fitting and curtain type, measure as follows :
* Curtain track
Measure from the top of the track to your chosen end point ,
*Curtain pole
Measure from the top of the pole to your chosen end point,
Measure from the top (A) for eyelet or tab top curtains.
For pencil pleat curtains you’ll need rings and should measure from these (B).
* 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.Image segment
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.
3.Header tape
Pencil pleat curtains come with either a 3″ or 6″ header tape. Header tapes offer 3 or more rows on which to attach your hooks. Where your curtains stop will be impacted by the row you choose to hang your curtain hooks from. This allows some flexibility if your want to give the appearance of more length, without letting the hems down.
Once your tape is in place, the way to hang your curtains, is to draw in the strings at the end of the tape. This goes for ready made curtains too.
Knot all strings together on the outer edge of the curtain (the side that will be towards your window frame and wall). …
Hold the loose strings the opposite end and push the tape towards the knotted end. …
Draw the tape up until the curtain is your desired width (Usually half the width of the window for a pair).
Hooks
There are various styles of hooks available, but all will do the same job. I suggest you just use the cheaper plastic hook, on header tape as they wont be visible.
4.Heading types
Eyelet Curtains :
Eyelets headers have metal rings (eyelets) inserted at evenly spaced intervals across the top of the curtain to create a softer fold with larger pleats.
Eyelet curtains can only be used on a curtain pole.
Pencil Pleat Curtains :
Pencil pleat curtains are tightly gathered at the header to give a close pleating and a more classic look.
Most pencil pleat curtains have a 3-inch or 6-inch heading tape depth.
Pencil pleat curtains can be fitted onto either a pole or track. Curtain gliders are required to hang them from a curtain track.
Slot Top/Tab Top:
Slot top/Tab top curtain headers have loops of fabric evenly distributed along the top of the curtain, through which you can feed a curtain pole.
These type of curtains can only be used with a pole.
Pinch Pleat:
A pinch pleated drape is hung usually using pin hooks (zinc metal curtain hooks), that are
pierced into the fabric at the top of the back of the curtain panel next to each pleat. The pins are then attached to a traverse rod or rings that hang from a decorative rod. It is a beautiful look.
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