How to Measure for Curtains

A quick guide on how to measure for curtains to help in making correct, detailed measurements to order sufficient fabric. This is just a guide and you must consider fabric width and pattern repeats. You will need a long tape measure and pencil/ notepad.

1. Measure the curtain width (A)

Whether you are using a metal or wooden curtain pole, use a tape to measure the distance between the finials. Finials are the decorative ends to your curtain pole. Do not include the finials in your measurement. If you have a curtain track rather than a pole, measure the total length of the track .

2. Measure the curtain drop (B or C)

Before starting, you need to decide where you want your curtains to finish.

For sill length curtains (B), we suggest measuring 10 – 15cm below the sill, allowing for hanging at a correct level and reducing the amount of light that will get through.

For floor-length curtains (C), measure from the top of where you want the curtain down to the ground. If your floors are uneven or not on a level, make sure you measure each side of the window and choose the shortest measurement. Either way it is safe to subtract 1 – 2 cm to make sure the bottom of the curtain does not catch the floor.

Then add on a) or b) below and allowance for HEMS (** below)

a) Measuring drop for Eyelet and Tab-Top curtains

For these styles of curtain, measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtains to hang to, giving you your final drop measurement. The ‘stand-up’ part of the curtain, the part above the pole for eyelet curtains, will ordinarily be 3cm as standard.

b) Measuring drop for Pleat Headed curtains (All other styles)

The total drop for pleated headings is measured in 2 parts – the ‘eye’ drop and the header height. The ‘eye’ drop is the distance from the eye (where the curtain hook attaches to the pole or track) to where your curtains will finish.
The header height is the distance from the ‘eye’ to where you want the top of your curtain to come to on the track or below the pole. For tracks, we always suggest a header height that is just above the top of your track, meaning that the track will not be visible above the top of the curtain. If you are using a curtain pole we suggest a header height from 2cm above the eye to just above your curtain pole, depending on your taste and where to wish the top to sit. Curtains will always hang best with the smallest header height possible. Once you have your two measurements, add them together to get your total drop.

** The measurement above do not allow for HEMS at top, bottom and both sides.

You will need to consider the width of the fabric that you are using and the pattern repeat, as these may greatly influence the extra fabric you will need to add to your calculation. These 2 figures will be stated on the fabric information – for help on this please call our showroom experts.

PLEASE NOTE – This is just a guide and you must also consider radiators and furniture in the room and which curtain heading you would like. If in doubt please contact our showroom team to talk you through it.