Measuring Guide For Curtains & Blinds
Measuring for curtain width
Always measure the curtain track or pole width, not the window. If fitting a new track or pole, this should extend 15cm to 30cm either side of the window (to allow the curtains to be stacked back off the window) and 12cm to 15cm above the window recess.
Measuring for curtain width If you have a rail with a centre overlap
If you have a rail with a centre overlap, measure the rail as above then measure the overlap and add the two measurements together.
Measuring for curtain width If you have a curtain pole
The pole should extend approx. 15-30cm past either side of the window and approx. 12-15cm above the top of the window. This will help minimise the light when curtains are closed and also allow for curtains to be gathered either side of the window when open.
The next step is to measure correctly. The width will depend on your curtain pole, and the length will determine where you want your curtains to end. The most common drops are to the sill, below the sill or to the floor.
Measure the full length of your curtain pole. If measuring a pole, do not include the finials (the decorative ends). Measure from one end to the other.
Measuring length (curtain drop): Curtain pole - measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtains to end. We recommend adding on 3cm to account for the material above the eyelet. Curtain pole using rings - measure from beneath the pole to where you want the curtains to end.
Measuring for curtain drop
Curtains are best hung either to the floor, to a sill or below the sill.
We recommend that curtains finish either:
A 1cm above the floor
B 15-20cm below the sill (or 2cm above the radiator)
C 1cm above the sill
Always measure in at least 3 positions across the track or pole as floors and sills are rarely level. To avoid curtains dragging across the floor or sill we recommend you use the shortest of these 3 measurements.
Pencil pleat heading
The drop needs to be measured from the track. Whether you measure from the top or bottom of the track depends on where you like the top of the curtain to sit. For example, if you would like the top of the curtain to be level with the top of the track, measure from the top of the track. If, on the other hand, you would like the top of the curtain to sit just under the track measure from the bottom of the track.
Measuring for curtain drop
When using a curtain pole, measure from the underside of the decorative ring to where you want the curtain to finish.
Tab top heading
Tab Top headings have 10cm long tabs (included in the curtain drop) and are suitable for poles up to 45mm in diameter. Measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtains to finish.
Eyelet heading
The eyelet will fit poles up to 30mm in diameter. The inner edge of the eyelet is set down 3cm from the top of the curtain. Measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtains to finish and add 3cm.
Valances
Please measure the valance rail width (not the curtain track width). This is normally 30cm wider than the curtain rail it is fitted to, due to the returns on either end.
Top Tip: When measuring for curtains please use a metal tape measure as cloth or plastic tape measures may stretch. Always quote sizes in centimetres.
Measuring for blinds
Blinds may be fitted either inside or outside the window recess. If a blind is being fitted inside a recess, please choose ‘recess size’ when placing your order and we will make an adjustment for a perfect fit at the time of manufacture.
If a blind is being fitted outside a recess, please choose ‘blind size’ when placing your order and the blind will then be manufactured to the size quoted. If more than one blind is being fitted on the window please order the blind size required for each blind.
When deciding whether to fit the blind inside or outside the recess consider the following points. It will be necessary to fit the blind outside the recess if:
- The recess is less than 75mm (3") deep.
- The window opens inwards.
- The window is not straight (width or height varies by more than 20mm (3/4").
Measuring Blinds to fit into a Recess
Blinds may be fitted inside the window recess. If a blind is being fitted inside a recess, please choose ‘recess size’ when placing your order and we will make an adjustment for a perfect fit at the time of manufacture.
Blinds may be fitted inside the window recess. If a blind is being fitted inside a recess, please choose ‘recess size’ when placing your order and we will make an adjustment for a perfect fit at the time of manufacture.
- Measure the width and the drop in 3 positions, noting any protrusions such as dado rails and tiles.
- Make a note of the smallest width and drop measurement in mm.
- Please choose ‘recess size’ when placing your order and we will make the necessary adjustments to allow the blind to fit the recess.
Measuring Blinds to fit outside a Recess
Blinds may be fitted outside the window recess. If a blind is being fitted inside a recess, please choose ‘blind size’ when placing your order and we will make an adjustment for a perfect fit at the time of manufacture.
- Allow the blind to extend approximately 50-100mm above and below the window and 50-100mm either side.
- Make a note of the required width and drop in mm.
- Please quote ‘blind size’ when placing your order.This is the size we will make the blind.
Top Tip: When measuring for blinds please use a metal tape measure as cloth or plastic tape measures may stretch. Always quote sizes in centimetres.