Measuring for ready-made curtains is essential to ensure a proper fit and the desired look in your space. Follow these steps to measure accurately:
1. Gather your tools, you will need:
- A metal tape measure for precision.
- A notepad and pen to record measurements.
- A step ladder if your curtains will hang high.
2. Determine your preferred curtain style:
Decide whether you want your curtains to hang above, below, or at the windowsill, or all the way to the floor. The style will affect your measurements.
There are several common lengths, these are sill length, floor length and puddle length - don't worry we'll explain these later.
3. Measure curtain width:
- Measure the width of the track or pole.
- For eyelet heading multiply by 1.5 to 2 times.
- For pencil pleat heading multiply by 2 to 2.5 times.
- This accounts for the curtain's fullness. Divide this figure by 2 and this is the size of curtain you'll need to purchase.
4. Measure curtain length:
For the length, measure from the top of the track or if you're hanging from a pole measure from the bottom of the ring to where you want the curtains to end. Common lengths are:
- Sill length: Just below the windowsill.
- Floor length: Touching the floor.
- Puddle length: Creating a slight puddle on the floor.
5. Measure multiple times:
Double-check all measurements to avoid errors. It's better to be accurate from the start.
Once you've taken accurate measurements, you'll be ready to select the right ready-made curtains for your space. Remember that getting the measurements right is crucial for achieving a polished and tailored look for your windows.
How do I measure for curtains with no pole installed?
As a general rule of thumb, you'll need to measure the width of your window and add 20cm (8 inches) to each side to allow for brackets and finials.
How to measure if you use curtain tracks?
Make sure you get the most out of your windows with a well-fitting curtain track. If you want to avoid light or draughts seeping into the room, take time to measure up so you get one that fits snugly.
- Using a steel metal tape measure and measure the width of the recess.
- If your curtain track will be inside your window recess, this measurement is the length of track that you need.
- For fitting outside the recess, either on the wall or ceiling, you should add an additional 10cm (4 inches) on either side to allow for curtain gathering and optimum coverage to avoid light and cold seeping into the room.
