How To Measure For Curtains

Posted on - 29th June 2020

New curtains can very easily transform a room. Whether you are looking to brighten a living room or add a touch of luxury to your bedroom, they’re a sure fire way to change things up with very little effort. But how do you measure your window frame for curtains? Well, this all depends on the type of curtains that you choose, how big your window is and the sort of style you favour.

In this guide, we’ve created a step-by-step guide for how to measure curtains to help you get it right the first time!

A Step-By-Step Guide To Measuring Curtains

Before you start, ensure you have everything you need. This includes:

Tape measure (preferably steel)
Pen and paper
Ladder

When you have all of these things together, then you can start to measure!

Step 1: Measure Your Curtain Pole or Track

In order to install a curtain it is necessary to have a curtain pole or track in place. These give you a place from where to securely hang the curtains. Your curtain pole or track should sit around 12-15cm above the top of the window and 15-30cm past either side of it.

Step 2: Measure Your Desired Drop

Once your curtain pole is in place you should measure both that and how far down you would like your curtain to drop. Common lengths for curtains extend to the sill, below the sill or to the floor. Before you start, think about where you would like your curtain to finish - doing this will help you find the right length.

To measure the width your curtains should be, measure the full length of the curtain pole or curtain track using your tape measure. Your measurements should span the length of the pole or track, not including the decorative ends.

There are several ways to measure curtain length. This depends on whether you have a curtain pole with or without rings, or a curtain track. It also depends on the type of ‘drop’ you would like. If you would like the curtains to end above the sill, the length should end about 1cm above the sill. If you would like them to end below the sill, your measurement should end 15cm below the sill.

For a curtain pole, measure the length of the drop from the top of the pole to where you want the curtains to end. This measurement is used for eyelet curtains, therefore we recommend also adding an extra 3cm onto the length to accommodate the material above the eyelet.

For a curtain pole with rings, take your measurements from the bottom of the pole to where you want the curtains to end.

For a curtain track, measure from the top of the track to where you would like the curtains to end.

When you have taken these measurements, you will have the required dimensions for your curtains.

Step 3: Choose Your Curtains

After you have your measurements you will be able to choose a pair of curtains in the correct size. For example, if your curtain pole of track measures 180cm, then you would be able to get a pack of ready made curtains that measure 168cm in width.

Alternatively, should you wish to buy custom made curtains, you can supply these measurements to the shop who will make the curtains to the exact specifications.

There are lots of different types of curtains to consider. These are:

Eyelet Curtains - These are hung directly on the top of a curtain pole by threading them on to it

Pencil Pleat Curtains - These are hung from a curtain pole or track with rings or hooks

Ready Made & Custom Made Curtains From Toons

Here at Toons, we have a huge range of ready made curtains available in a wide range of lengths and styles. This includes both eyelet curtains, pencil pleat curtains and blinds! As well as this, we can create your ideal curtains using fabrics of your choice and your supplied measurements.

For those who may not feel confident making their own measurements, we also offer a free measuring and planning service for both curtains and blinds. We can even appoint our expert team of fitters to hang them for you, too, should you wish!

To find out more, visit our furniture store and showroom in Swadlincote. We are the number one choice for curtains in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Tamworth, and we can’t wait to help you create your ideal home through our curtains, soft furnishings, and furniture.