How To Measure For Curtains

We offer a wide range of curtain styles and options to suit your needs. For a modern look we would recommend Eyelets or Wave headings, providing a sleek and slim appearance. For a traditional style we would recommend Pinch Pleat or Pencil Pleat headings, providing a uniform and full gather.

Browse Made To Measure Curtains

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Essential Measuring Tip – Always use metal tape to take your measurements rather than fabric or plastic tape, which may stretch and result in inaccurate measurements.

Before placing your order, contact us to check stock levels for your chosen fabric. Delivery is usually 2-4 weeks to a standard UK address from a confirmed order (subject to stock).

 

MEASURING THE WIDTH

To be sure of the best possible fit, take time to measure carefully. You must measure the width of the curtain rail or pole, not the window itself. The curtain rail or pole should be positioned approx. 15cm above the window and extended 15cm – 20cm on either side so that the curtains can be stacked back off the window.

Measure the total width of the rail or pole (excluding finials). Don’t forget to account for overlap – this is an additional measurement, normally 2.5cm, which allows the hanging curtains to overlap in the middle when they are closed.

If you have a rail with a centre overlap arm measure the left side, right side and overlap arm and add them together (excluding any finials). See fig 1.

Figure 1 Curtain Measurements ►

MEASURING THE DROP

Before measuring the drop, decide if you want your curtains to fit above the sill, below the sill, or to the floor. We suggest that:

*** Curtains that fit above the sill finish 1.25cm above the sill
*** Curtains that fit below the sill finish 15cm below the sill
*** Curtains that fit to the floor finish 1.5cm above the floor

Take your measurements from 3 different points along the track or pole, as sills and floors are rarely completely level, and use the shortest measurement so that the curtains don’t drag on the floor or the sill.

 

PENCIL PLEAT AND DOUBLE/TRIPLE PINCH PLEAT HEADINGS

To measure the drop start from the top of the curtain track to where you want the curtain to finish. For curtain poles measure from the top of the eye (the small metal ring underneath the curtain rings) to where you want the curtain to finish. This will prevent your curtain pole or rings from being obscured by the curtains.

Please note: our pinch pleat curtains are made with buckram heading and are designed to hang on a pole, although some customers do hang them on a rail. When hung on a track the heading can lean forward slightly due to how the hooks are attached to the curtain. We use a plastic zipper hook that is sewn into each pleat. This allows you to adjust the curtains easily. Please get in touch for more information.

 

EYELET 40MM AND 66MM HEADING

This heading is only suitable for curtain poles up to 35mm and 50mm respectively in diameter. Measure from the top edge of your pole, to where you want the curtains to finish and add on 4.0cm to allow for the curtain heading above the pole. The combined measurement is your curtain drop.

 

WAVE 80MM HEADING

We strongly recommend your track/metropole is purchased and installed to get accurate measurements and we require the number of gliders to process an order. The quote system uses x2.5 fullness as a guide. The number of gliders for each curtain in the pair must be equal. For example 40 gliders in total, 20 gliders in each curtain. Please follow instructions for measuring in accordance with the track/metropole purchased as these can differ.

IMPORTANT – It’s important that you carefully measure your rail or pole to ensure your curtains fit correctly. If you are in any doubt, please be sure to check again.

By supplying these measurements you take full responsibility for the finished size of your curtains.

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